DWIGHT HOWARD

Dwight Howard NBA Player Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard was the first overall pick in the NBA draft in 2004. At 19-years-old, the graduate of Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy was only the third prep player in history to be the top pick in the NBA Draft. He was also the winner of the 2004 Naismith Award, signifying the nation$)A!/s top high school player in 2004.

Despite all the pressure surrounding a teenage athlete turning pro right out of high school, Howard seems to be years ahead of the game in more ways than one.

In an era when professional athletes' names have shown up almost as frequently in police reports as in opponents' scouting reports, Howard sees himself being an impact player of a different breed. One who will change the face of the NBA with his Christian values along with his athletic prowess.

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Dwight is bold about his relationship with Christ. "I think my character will stand out," says Howard, the 6-10 forward. "It's not just about basketball. It's about changing people's lives on the court and off the court."

The new "apostle" to the NBA became subject to a great deal of criticism after he said he dreamed the cross had been incorporated into the NBA logo.

New York Knicks guard Allan Houston is another NBA player with strong Christian values. He says it's refreshing to see someone as young as Howard take such a bold stance for God. "Whenever anybody stands up for what they believe is right and it goes against the grain, they are going to seem out of place," Houston says. "But anything he encounters will be extremely minor in comparison to the rewards he'll receive in terms of character and eternal life. He's very passionate about his vision and his purpose. His purpose is to show a Godly character. I think he'll be respected more than people expect."

Howard's teammates and coaches say that he has the talent, size, and skills to become one of the best basketball players in the game within three or four years.