The USA basketball team in the 2024 Paris Olympics was just unstoppable and dominated the courts like no one else. Every basketball lover in the US rode on a wave of national pride in seeing players like Stephen Curry and LeBron James donning the gold medal around their necks after defeating France in the finals (98-87). However, despite such a jaw-dropping performance in the Olympics, one former U.S. national team player, Dwight Howard, showed his love for another National team. But, why?

The former NBA champion revealed on his podcast the time he played for the Philippines team and how the Filipino people hold a special place in his heart. “I had a chance to play for the Filipino team and it was just amazing. And that was most, man, it was, it was just amazing,” Howard said, via Above The Rim with DH 12. Back in January, Howard, after playing in the T1 league in Taiwan for a year, went on to play in the Dubai International Basketball Championship after he signed a contract with the Philippines team, Strong Group Athletics.

During his time there, Howard, under the guidance of coach Charles Tiu, went on to deliver an elite performance in the championship, scoring 17.4 points and 10.3 rebounds through eight games. He even helped the Philippines reach the runner-up stage in such a major event.

Although the Strong Group was defeated 77-74 by the Lebanese group Al Riyadi in the finals, Howard left with a smile, thanking the people of the Philippines for giving him such a wonderful opportunity. “Shout out to all my Filipino fans, man, I love y’all. You have always been great to me,” said Howard on his podcast.

Before he set out to play abroad, Howard had high hopes of returning to the NBA and also getting a spot in the final roster of the 2024 US Olympic team. But unfortunately, none of them happened. However, speaking of the Olympics, did you know Howard had already represented the USA in the Olympics before?

When Dwight Howard represented the USA in the 2008 Beijing Olympics

Dwight Howard had a career highlight in 2008 when he was part of the US National Basketball team. This U.S. Olympic basketball team was ready to reclaim gold after the shocking bronze medal finish at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Howard was not only the youngest player on the Redeem Team but he was also successful in proving his worth as the starting center.

He was surrounded by basketball legends like Kobe Bryant (then team captain), LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade. The 6’10” player went on to amaze everyone in the 2008 Olympics as he averaged about 10.9 points with 5.8 rebounds per game. Additionally, Team USA outsed Team Spain 118-107 to claim the gold.

Howard’s time on the Redeem Team not only solidified his status as a top NBA player but also helped him develop as a leader. He learned from the experienced veterans on the team and gained valuable international experience. Now, it is for us to see what basketball path Howard picks next.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.