Move over Amar’e Stoudemire. Here comes Dwight Howard. But unlike Stoudemire’s high-profile “all of us are Jewish” proclamation, Howard’s visit next week will focus on holding a basketball clinic for teenagers.
Stoudemire, the New York Knick’s $100 million man, said his visit to Israel was part of his spiritual quest and that he is beginning to observe Jewish holidays. He said he will even fast on Yom Kippur - unless, of course, there is a basketball game.
It is highly unlikely that Howard will follow Stoudemire’s route. He is a devout Christian and has said he wanted to use his NBA career and Christian faith to "raise the name of the Lord in the league and throughout the world". In November 2009, he was named one of the 10 finalists for the Jefferson Awards for Public Service, which awards athletes for their charitable work.
Howard, who plays for the Orlando, Florida Magics, will join several former NBA stars next week “to demonstrate their solidarity with the people and State of Israel," SportsPower International reported. He also will hold a workshop for teenagers.
The visiting group, including Jerome Williams, Anthony Bonner, Paul Grant, David Wood and Laron Profit, also will hold dribble against the Maccabi Haifa basketball team, which will play against the New Jersey Nets during a visit to the United States in October.