Former American NBA star Dwight Howard, who arrived in Taiwan this week to play for the Taoyuan Leopards, said his enthusiastic Taiwanese fans were one of the main reasons why he has opted to play professional basketball in Taiwan.
“I really love Taiwan … this is my third trip here. The first two times I came, the fans treated me so well and so nice that I was just like, man, I can’t wait to come back,” the 36-year-old American center said at a press conference in Taipei on Saturday.
Howard, who was in the NBA for 18 years, had visited Taiwan three times before on promotional tours and to play in an exhibition game.
During those visits, Howard said, he received such an enthusiastic response from fans in Taiwan, he was motivated to return to play in the professional league and enjoy the culture.
“For me to be able to play here is just a big honor and blessing,” he said. “Before I step away from the game and retire, I thought that it would be amazing to come out here to Taiwan and show love and how much I care for these fans.”
That apart, Howard said, he will be taking his stint in Taiwan very seriously, as he came “to win.”
“This is not just me coming here to hang out,” he said. “I’m looking forward to dominating on the court and being out in the city with the fans. I’ve been learning about Taiwan and the culture here, so this is going to be amazing. I can’t wait.”
Howard’s addition to the Leopards is expected to boost the team’s performance and the overall level of play in the six-team T1 LEAGUE. The Leopards had an 8-22 record in the last regular season.
Standing 2.08 meters tall, Howard was the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft and has been an eight-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year during his career.
Known for his philanthropic and charitable work in the United States and around the world, he also hopes to inspire children in Taiwan to realize their full potential.
“This is going to be a dream and honor to really inspire these kids, because that’s always been a goal of mine — to help change the world — and this is a part of it right here,” Howard said.
He arrived in Taiwan to great fanfare at Taoyuan International Airport on Thursday and is expected to play his first game on the Leopard’s home turf at National Taiwan Sport University Arena in Taoyuan on Nov. 19, according to the team.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel