DWIGHT HOWARD

Position: PF Class: Early Entry High School: SW Christian Academy (Ga.) Ht., Wt.: 6'11, 245 Selected by Orlando Magic Round 1, pick 1 (1 overall)

BIO: Howard is considered the best high school player in the draft. He is a bonafide back-to-the-basket big man who makes a living underneath. He dominated high school basketball in Georgia, leading his team to the state title in his senior season. Howard made his name on the summer circuit on the star-studded Atlanta Celtics AAU team, helping lead the Celtics to the 2003 Big Time tournament championship. Howard may be the best player in the draft. ANALYSIS: Howard is considered the top high school player in the country. He is a versatile big man who is effective in the low post but can also step outside. He is a good ballhandler for his size and has a nice shooting touch. Howard was co-MVP of the McDonald's All-American Game and won MVP honors at the Capitol Classic. Some scouts feel that he needs to show more of a mean streak. Howard is a top-four selection. POSITIVES: Howard is a matchup problem waiting to happen. He is long, has great speed and leaping ability, can handle the ball, shoot from 18 feet and operate in the post. Moreover, Howard is equally adept in the half-court and up-tempo situations, and he is anticipated to be a productive rebounder and shot-blocker on the defensive end. Off the court, Howard is a devout Christian who is not expected to fall into trouble or upset team chemistry. NEGATIVES: Deciding whether he wants to be a small forward, power forward or center, and then adjusting his game and physique accordingly, would allow Howard to better fit into the NBA game. Despite his ability to play all three frontcourt positions, his body and low post game are weak for a center or power forward and his face-up game needs work at the 3-spot. Additionally, questions surrounding Howard's mean streak have been raised. After the Kwame Brown/Tyson Chandler/Eddy Curry debacles, clubs have put more emphasis on examining a player's intensity level. PROJECTION: Immediate starter, future All-Star Photo: Terrence Vaccaro/Getty Images