Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks

Howard to have high school number retired

Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy’s (12) Dwight Howard goes for a rebound against Stone Mountain High School during a game on Nov. 25, 2003. AJC file photo
Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy’s (12) Dwight Howard goes for a rebound against Stone Mountain High School during a game on Nov. 25, 2003. AJC file photo
By Chris Vivlamore
Feb 22, 2017

Dwight Howard will have his Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy high school jersey number retired by school Thursday.

The Hawks center will have his No. 12 honored during halftime of Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy’s playoff game against Whitefield Academy.

Howard wore No. 12 for the first 12 seasons of his NBA career after he went straight from high school to the professional ranks as the No. 1 overall pick of the Magic in 2004. He changed his uniform to No. 8 this season upon joining the Hawks.

“It’s cool,” Howard said Wednesday. “I haven’t really thought about it. I’m happy that it’s finally happening. It’s a great accomplishment.”

Howard led his school to a state championship as a senior in 2004. He was named the consensus national Player of the Year that season. In his four high school seasons, Howard averaged 16.6 points, 13.4 rebounds and 6.3 blocks in 129 games.

About the Author

Chris Vivlamore is the sports editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has served as reporter and editor at the AJC since 2003.

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