For those following nighttime TV and basketball, you might spot a familiar face. Dwight Howard is set to dazzle on the upcoming season of ABC’s hit show, Dancing with the Stars. The former Orlando Magic center, teaming up with professional dancer Daniella Karagach, is gearing up for what fans hope will be a repeat of Karagach’s past success with another NBA star. Announced last week on Good Morning America, this “dynamic duo” is ready to bring the same energy and charisma that marked Iman Shumpert’s memorable run in Season 30. As they gear up for the upcoming star-studded event, fans are anticipating a repetition.

Just days ago, the Dancing with the Stars Instagram account shared a picture of Howard and Karagach, confirming their spot on the show. They recently posted a video where Howard shared their main goal for the competition: “Just have fun.” While their light-hearted approach is clear, fans are eager to see if Howard can match Shumpert’s previous triumph. This isn’t Karagach’s first rodeo with an NBA player.

Her previous partnership with Iman Shumpert led them to win the Mirrorball Trophy in Season 30, beating out fitness coach Cody Rigsby and his partner Cheryl Burke, among others. So, is Howard’s participation purely about fun, or is he eyeing the same prize?

Clearly, Howard isn’t just looking to enjoy the dance floor. The NBA great is in it to win it, aiming for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy and a $50,000 prize. He’ll face stiff competition, including former NFL wide receiver Danny Amendola, Olympic medalists Ilona Maher and Stephen Nedoroscik, and a mix of TV personalities and models.

Although Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars doesn’t kick off until September 17 on ABC and Disney+, fans are already speculating that Howard and Karagach might have the winning formula.

Fans clamor for Dwight Howard’s potential win, hoping for a Shumpert-style repeat on DWTS

Watching Dwight Howard team up with Daniella Karagach, fans can’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu, sparking memories of Iman Shumpert’s Season 30 triumph. “Gonna be like Iman Shumpert season all over again 👏🏼👏🏼,” one fan commented, while another chimed in, “I’m excited for this pairinggg, I mean she’s done it with an NBA player before and hopefully she’ll do it again👀👀.”

However, Howard is putting his full trust in his partner, Karagach. “I’m definitely going to trust her, follow her lead, and have a lot of fun,” Howard told Good Morning America, calling Karagach “amazing.” And she truly is—aside from DWTS, she’s competed on NBC’s World of Dance and worked on choreography for FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance. On DWTS, she’s guided Grammy Award-winning rapper Nelly to third place, proving she’s a force on the dance floor.

Previously, Howard referred to himself and Karagach as a “dynamic duo,” echoing Shumpert’s high praise for his former partner. “I felt like the whole season I was like telling Daniella, ‘Man, you just are great at what you do,’” Shumpert said. “I’m really happy she got one now.”

With the competition approaching, fans can’t contain their excitement. “So excited to see this team perform 🙌,” one fan exclaimed, while another made a bold prediction: “I’m getting nostalgia! She is going to kill it with Dwight! Same as she did with Iman!!! ❤❤❤❤.”

As the season unfolds, all eyes are on Howard and Karagach to see if history will indeed repeat itself.

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.