November 26, 2007

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’s top high school player in 2004.

Dubbed the "Man-Child" as a rookie, Howard quickly became a legitimate force. He made history as the first high school rookie to start in all 82 games. He became the youngest player to accomplish several feats, including 20 or more rebounds in a game and 20 points and 20 rebounds in a game. He was also the youngest player to average a double-double for a season with 12 points and 10 rebounds during his rookie year.

In his first two seasons, Howard played in all 164 games while averaging 13.9 points and 11.3 rebounds. He led the entire NBA in total rebounds last season with 1,022 and also led the league in total dunks.

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.

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."

But Howard says his passion for the game was brewing even before he started to look like an NBA prospect. As an eighth grader he wrote down several goals for himself, including leading his team to the state title and becoming the first overall pick in the NBA draft. Howard may not be a prophet, but he would go on to attain both of those goals.

"I always wanted to come out of high school and go into the NBA," Howard says. "I felt that I was ready. I prepared myself physically and spiritually. I just felt that it was my time and God wanted me to do it. So if He says I've got to do something, I have to do it."

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.

Former NBA player Allan Houston 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.

Though he is starting to gain the trust and respect of his peers, Howard says it's still not easy being one of a handful of dedicated Christians in the NBA. He looks to guys like teammate Grant Hill and Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Redd as examples, but too often there can still be a stigma that goes with being a believer among men that don't always hold to the same values.

"Everybody needs to realize that it doesn't matter how old you are or how young you are, you still can be a Christian and live for God," Howard says. "It's not easy, but that's why we have God's Word."

"I know my calling on my life," Howard says. "I know that the NBA is just a way for me to tell people about God, that He is real. My purpose in life, my goal for the NBA, is to preach God's Word - not to beat everyone over the head with a Bible, but just being a good example and always conducting myself in a Christian-like manner."

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