by Bill Ernst
All photos by Orlando Medina, Orlando Magic
rlando Magic Center Dwight Howard had a very good year last year—maybe a world record, as far as good years go. In February he was named a starter on the NBA All-Star team. And he won the NBA 2008 Slam Dunk Contest by completing his amazing “Superman Dunk” while wearing a Superman cape, which catapulted him to super-stardom in the NBA. At the 2008 Olympics in August, he was the starting center for Team USA, which went on to win the gold medal, further raising his prominence around the world.
In October Howard purchased the home of his dreams, Chateau d’ Usse, in Lake Club in Longwood. Like Howard himself, the home captured all of the awards during the local The Street of Dreams luxury-home show. Located off of Markham Woods Rd. near Lake Mary Blvd., the 11,000-sq.-ft. home features a cathedral entry and an ornate handcrafted interior with five bedrooms, an art gallery, home theater, four kitchens, a four-car garage, a pool with a “lazy river” system and a waterfall—everything a 23-year-old could ask for.
It’s a new year, but it doesn’t appear that Howard’s luck is about to change anytime soon. The Magic are enjoying their best season ever. Howard leads the league in blocks and double-doubles, and is battling for the rebound title. At this writing the team is in first place in its division and finished January with a 35-10 record. Where they will finish? No one knows. But with the team’s driven performance so far, an NBA Championship wouldn’t be surprising.
To say Dwight Howard is a popular guy is an understatement. He recently received the most votes in the NBA All-Star survey with 3,150,181 votes—the most for a player ever. He’s even more popular than Gator QB Tim Tebow. That’s right: on January 4th, a poll on orlandosentinel.com asked readers to vote: “Tim Tebow or Dwight Howard: In Orlando, who is more popular?” Of the 3,962 responses, Howard beat Tebow 54.9% to 45.1%.
Good Start
Howard comes from good athletic genes. His father, Dwight senior, a Georgia state trooper, was Athletic Director of Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy. And his mother, Sheryl, played on the inaugural women’s basketball team at Morris Brown College.
A basketball prodigy almost from the beginning, Howard began making a name for himself as a high school senior in Atlanta. A 6'10'' power forward, he led his team to the state championship and captured the prestigious McDonald’s National Player of the Year Award. From here the story gets familiar for Magic fans. Howard followed the lead of one of his heroes, Kevin Garnett: He decided to forego college. He entered the 2004 NBA draft. He was the Magic’s No. 1 selection. The rest is Magic history.
What many people may not know is that Howard gives back—big-time. A devout Christian, he contributes substantially to philanthropic causes, not least of which is education. The Dwight D. Howard Foundation, Inc., has endowed scholarships for students to attend Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, his alma mater. The foundation has also made grants to Lovell Elementary School and Memorial Middle School in Orlando.
This world-class athlete and Magic team leader has decided to make Seminole County his home, joining the likes of Magic Head Coach Stan Van Gundy and Guard/Forward Mickael Pietrus, who also live here. Howard enjoys the space and serenity of his new home—and his privacy. Welcome to the neighborhood, Dwight. We’re glad you’re here. S
One on One with Dwight Howard
Seminole magazine publisher Bill Ernst met with Dwight Howard after a recent Magic practice. Here’s what Howard had to say about the new house, Seminole County, and the Magic’s prospects this year.
BE: Let me officially say, “Welcome. We’re excited to have you here.” You recently bought a house in Lake Club in Longwood—are you living there yet?
DH: I’ve been living there since the season started.
BE: What do you like best about the house?
DH: It’s quiet. I have a lake behind my home, so I can sit and watch the lake during the day. It’s pretty cool. It’s very quiet. I just like the atmosphere.
BE: Planning any changes to the house?
DH: No. Maybe one day, but right now I’m more focused on basketball. My house—I’ll worry about that during the summer.
BE: You have three acres. I heard you might have plans for an indoor basketball facility there.
DH: I haven’t decided yet. Right now, I’m happy with my house. It’s a blessing to be able to purchase something that I wanted. God has blessed me not only with talent—He has blessed me with the ability to be able to take care of myself and others.
BE: Have you found the perfect place to display your gold medal? Or do you still prefer to keep it with you?
DH: My gold medal is beautifully displayed here across my neck.
BE: Do you wear it at all times?
DH: Yes.
BE: What do you like best about living in Seminole County rather than Orlando or Windermere or someplace like that?
DH: It’s closer to the RDV, our practice site. Also, I like the area . . . nice restaurants and nice places to relax and go to the movie theater. Everything is right by each other.
BE: Any places in particular you like to hang out?
DH: I like going to Colonial TownPark. That area is real nice. They have some good restaurants there. The people are good there—a real nice area.
BE: You’ve received the most votes so far in the All-Star voting. How does that make you feel?
DH: It’s a blessing. I want to thank all the fans for voting. I am going to do my best, on and off the court, to be a great role model.
BE: How do you like the Magic’s chance of winning it all this year?
DH: We have a great chance to win if we stay focused and keep playing hard. I just need to continue being aggressive and do everything to contribute.
BE: What role does faith play in your life?
DH: Faith plays a very big role in my life: It goes God first, family second.
BE: What tip or message would you give kids?
DH: Every time you step on the court, always remember to play hard and give it 110 percent every night.
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Bill Ernst is the publisher of Seminole magazine.
