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No Second Thoughts for Dwight Howard on Olympic Call-Up
Orlando Magic forward Dwight Howard had no second thoughts about joining the U.S. team in their bid to win back the Olympic basketball title at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
While many top NBA players have spurned the opportunity to go to the Olympics, Dwight Howard, the overall first pick in the 2004 NBA draft, said it had fulfilled a lifelong ambition. |
"I didn't think twice, I wanted to play in the Olympics when I got drafted in 2004 but I didn't get the chance," the 20-year-old rebound expert told Reuters on Thursday.
"I've always wanted to represent my country, I've been watching the USA team since I was able to watch TV. I just want to show people that it's not about the money or the fame, we just want to play for our country."
The U.S., who have won gold in 12 of the 16 Olympic basketball competitions, were relegated to bronze after a shock defeat by Argentina in Athens in 2004.
Dwight Howard was in Beijing this week to help out at the Adidas Superstars Camp where 62 of the brightest teenage talents from China and other parts of Asia have been given training by NBA coaches.
He will be returning to the Chinese capital with his team mates in 2008 determined to win the Olympic title back.
"I'm looking forward to playing here in the 2008 Olympics, I think it will be fun," he said.
"I'll probably get to play against some of these guys so I think it will be real fun."
Hall of Fame Boston Celtics player and coach KC Jones, who has been with Dwight Howard this week, was a gold medallist at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne.
"To represent the United States in the Olympics was the pinnacle of my career," said Jones, who was celebrating his 74th birthday. "How much better can you get?"
Jones, who won 12 NBA championship rings as a player and coach, said he thought it was sad that some turned down the chance to play for their country.
"I think they're missing a great opportunity," he said. |
