Dwight Howard feels honored to represent the Philippines

Dwight Howard expressed that he feels honored to represent the Philippines via Strong Group at the Dubai International Basketball Championships starting next week, where he will finally have the chance to play for the country.

“It’s amazing. This is my third time here, and it’s always fun to come to the Philippines, said Howard after their practice in Makati. “I have some Filipino friends in the states, so being able to come here and represent the Philippines is a great honor, I take pride in it.”

“I’ve been dreaming about coming back here for a couple years and you know, just fun to see the fans, see the smiles and feel the love and the passion from all the people here. It’s a beautiful sight to see and I’m just glad to be here,” he added.

The former LA Lakers center said his current experience in the Philippines has been made more special by the Filipino fans. He explained that a past interaction with Pinoys abroad made him eager to not only return to the country, but also play basketball here.

“What made me say yes? At first, I thought it was Jollibee, but now it’s just the fans,” stressed the 8-time NBA All Star.

“I went to Thailand on a visit last year, and I ran into a lot of Filipinos there who said I got to go back to the Philippines, we love you. And I said: ’You know what, I gotta come back.’ So when [Andray Blatche] called me and asked me, I told him hey I’ll be free and make it possible.”

Aside from playing for Strong Group, the top overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft said he also wants to play in the PBA.

“I’m eligible for the PBA. So, I think they gotta change the height requirements because I’m 6’9” without shoes. And with shoes, it adds a little,” said Howard.

“I hope they do that so guys like Dray can come back here and play as well. You know we want to play in the PBA. If they change the height requirements, maybe we’ll see twin towers in the Philippines.”