Dwight Howard averaged 25 points, 18 rebounds, and a jaw-dropping 8.1 blocks per game as a high school senior. Coaches from every major program lined up. NBA scouts drooled. But one college coach made a quiet run at the future Hall of Famer – before Howard ever put on an NBA jersey or raised Olympic gold.
Now, nearly two decades later, that same coach is sharing the stage with him in the most unexpected of full-circle moments
The 2025 Naismith Hall of Fame class? It’s stacked. We’ve got Carmelo Anthony, Sue Bird, and Maya Moore, who are legends in every sense. And they’ll be joining Dwight Howard for the big honor. But that’s not all. Coach Billy Donovan’s also getting his flowers, and so is Miami Heat owner Micky Arison. It’s gonna be a legendary class, no doubt about that. But here’s where it gets interesting. Coach Donovan just dropped a revelation about Howard that no fan saw coming. Like, not in a million years.
Sep 30, 2024; Chicago, Il, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan poses during Chicago Bulls Media Day. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
We all know the story: after snagging the Naismith Prep Player of the Year, Morgan Wootten Award, and Gatorade National Player of the Year, Dwight Howard skipped college and entered the 2004 NBA Draft. Just like his idol, Kevin Garnett. But here’s the part you probably didn’t know. In a recent chat with the Chicago Sports Network, Coach Billy Donovan shared a story. While reflecting on his Hall of Fame journey, he casually said, “Now believe it or not, Dwight Howard, I recruited him at high school.” Yes, Billy Donovan, who once led Carmelo in OKC. Turns out he had eyes on Superman way back in high school.
Now that’s a curveball no one saw coming. And the best part is that all three legends, Dwight, Melo, and Coach Donovan, will share the stage, getting their well-earned flowers. It’s a full-circle moment, and we’ll be watching it unfold real soon.
Dwight Howard and his high school hooping days
“He was the most dominant defensive player I’ve ever coached… and a top-tier superstar in this league for years.” That’s from Stan Van Gundy, Dwight’s coach during his Orlando Magic days. However, Dwight’s story didn’t start in the NBA. He was a beast long before that. Back in high school, the man was just as deadly. And maybe it’s in the blood. His mom, Sheryl Howard, played on the very first women’s basketball team at Morris Brown College. So yeah, that fire? It is deep.
Dwight Howard got serious about hoops around age nine. Even with his big frame, he was fast and smooth enough to run guard. He balled out at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, mostly playing power forward. Over 129 games, he averaged 16.6 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 6.3 blocks. Good enough to make a name for himself out of the high school arena.
Whew. Then he took it up a notch. 25 points, 18 boards, 8.1 blocks, and 3.5 assists per game. Led his squad to a 31–2 record and a state title in 2004. That same year, Dwight cleaned house with every major high school award out there. After that? You already know, straight to the NBA. No college detour. And the rest is history.
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