Former National Basketball Association superstar Dwight Howard expressed willingness to suit up as import in the Philippine Basketball Association.
But there’s one problem: The 6-foot-10 American is one inch over the required height limit.
During Strong Group Athletics’ open workout on Wednesday in Makati Cut, the eight-time NBA All-Star asserted that he is eligible to see action in the PBA as his actual height is just 6-foot-9.
Howard said he really wants to see action in the Philippines, similar to Andray Blatche who served as the naturalized player of Gilas Pilipinas in two editions of the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Blatche, unfortunately, is not eligible to see action in the country’s top professional league as his listed height is 6-foot-11.
“I’m 6-foot-9 without the shoes and with shoes, it adds a little inch. So hopefully they do that (change the height limit) so guys like Dray (Blatche) can come back here and play as well,” Howard said.
“You know, if they change the height requirements, maybe we’ll see twin towers here in the Philippines.”
Howard is currently in town to power Strong Group in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship set from 19 to 28 January.
Howard arrived in the country last Sunday and didn’t waste time in expressing his willingness to suit up as import in the PBA.
“PBA, I’m only 6-foot-9” man, come get me in the league! Stop playing,” Howard said.
Having Howard, who last played in Taiwan for the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League last year, in the PBA will definitely boost any team he will join due to his stellar resume.
Apart from having an NBA title under his belt, the 38-year-old center also has an Olympic gold medal after powering the United States in the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and a four-time NBA All-Defensive Team, a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a five-time All-NBA First Team.
For now, Howard is focused on helping Strong Group win the upcoming Dubai tilt after getting eliminated in the quarterfinal last year
“We’ve been really focused on what our mission is, and why I’m here, so everybody’s locked in and I really love the energy from all the guys. Everybody’s focused, they all understand how important this tournament is, not just for us to win but for their future basketball career,” said Howard, who didn’t hide his intention to return to the NBA.
Howard and Blatche will be joined by former NBA players Andre Roberson and McKenzie Moore as well as a local crew led by the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao of De La Salle University and UAAP Season 84 champion and University of the Philippines guard JD Cagulangan.
