Athletes - Dwight Howard

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	Athletes - Dwight Howard

Dwight David Howard (born December 12, 1985 in Atlanta, Georgia) is a basketball power forward for the Orlando Magic of the NBA. Nicknamed "The Man Child," he is a rising young talent in the NBA and well known for his proficiency in rebounding.

Howard played at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, a private academy with one of the best high school basketball programs. Foregoing college, Howard opted into the 2004 NBA Draft and the Orlando Magic selected him first overall. In his first season, Howard had a season high of 29 points on March 16 against the Los Angeles Clippers. He finished the season with an average of 12 points a game and 10 rebounds per game, becoming one of only a few players (and the youngest ever) in the NBA to average a double-double. He is the youngest player in the NBA to average 10 rebounds. In addition, Howard grabbed 20 rebounds in three games, becoming the youngest NBA player and the only rookie ever to record at least 20 rebounds. He became the only player to start every game after making the leap from prep to pro.

Howard was selected to play in the 2005 NBA got Milk? Rookie Challenge, and was also unanimously selected to the All-NBA Rookie First Team. Howards impressive numbers have spurred discussions amongst ESPN stat room analysts Jory Amar and Ryan Stall with regards to Howard being compared to Hakeem Olajuwon with his inside presence. Howard's rookie season was a learning experience for him, which is why his father chose a mentor, his cousin, J.A. Shoychet, to live with him and act as a role model while he is off the court. Howard was also mentored on the court as a rookie by Orlando assistant coach (and longtime NBA center) Clifford Ray. Howard is predicted to grow as a student of the game and mature as one of the league's biggest men who dominate the paint.

Howard's second season started phenominally as well. On November 15, 2005, in a home game at the TD Waterhouse Centre in Orlando, Florida against the Charlotte Bobcats, Howard scored 21 points and 20 rebounds, becoming the youngest player ever to score 20 or more points and 20 or more rebounds. Today, Howard remains one of the league's most popular and most recognized young stars. Already a rebounding tour de force, Dwight Howard is expected to become an offensive stalwart very soon. Raptors announcer Chuck Swirsky has added to this popularity by constantly chanting the phrase "Dwight Howard is a man!".

On January 20, 2006, in a game against the Charlotte Bobcats, Howard pulled down a career high 21 rebounds to go with 19 points.

Howard's rebounding can be attributed to his jumping abilities. As of March 27, 2006, he is averaging 12.3 rebounds per game.

Dwight leads the NBA in rebounds per game and total rebounds. He is also tied for most double-doubles in the 2005-06 season.

Personal life

Howard is a devout Christian and drew some attention when he talked about a dream he had, in which the Christian cross was added to the NBA logo. His Christianity caused some critics to question his toughness in the NBA, saying he wouldn't be willing to 'bang' in the post. Since then, many have praised Howard, comparing him favorably to Kevin Garnett and Moses Malone.

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Athletes - Dwight Howard

Personal life

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