As the 2009-2010 NBA Playoffs kick off, every player involved is no doubt envisioning hoisting the championship trophy at the end of the season in triumph. The Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard is no different. As a 2 seed in the east, many feel the Orlando Magic have a legitimate shot to win it all. But as Dwight is striving for team recognition in that regard, he was recently given a very high praise in another form.
Each year, Gatorade honors America’s elite high school student-athletes on the principles of athletic achievement, academic excellence, and exemplary character in sports such as football, volleyball, baseball, softball, cross country, basketball, soccer and track and field. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the program, Gatorade hosted an online poll that allowed fans to weigh in and 
vote for the Greatest ‘Gatorade High School Basketball Player of the Year’ Winner of All-time. Past winners of the basketball award include Alonzo Mourning, LeBron James, Baron Davis and Stephon Marbury, to name a few. The fans have spoken, and that distinction belongs to none other than the 2003-2004 winner, Dwight Howard.
As one of the premiere big men in the NBA today, Dwight is no stranger to dominating on the basketball court. In his senior year of high school, he led Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy to a 31-2 record and Class A state championship in Georgia while averaging 25 points, 18 rebounds, 8 blocks and nearly 4 assists per game. In addition to being named the 2003-2004 Gatorade National Player of the Year, Dwight was the winner of the 2004 Naismith Prep Player of the Year and the 2004 Morgan Wooten Award. He was also a first team PARADE All-America selection as well as the co-MVP of the 2004 McDonald’s High School All-American Game.
The Hoop Doctors want to give a big shout out of congrats to Dwight Howard on this prestigious selection by fans. You certainly deserve it big man. If you’re a fan of Dwight’s and want a chance to win a trip to the Gatorade Athlete of the Year presentation at the ESPY’s head over to the player of the year site where Gatorade has a sweepstakes to fly a lucky fan out to the event. And if one of The Hoop Doctors readers ends up being one of the lucky winner’s, reach out to us, as we will be in the house for the ESPY’s and we can link up with y’all to chat hoops and take in the event.
