Taipei, Dec. 8 (CNA) Players from the Taoyuan Leopards, including newly recruited eight-time NBA all-star Dwight Howard, stopped by a junior high school in the city on Wednesday for a scrimmage and meet and greet with students.
Howard and his teammates headed to Leopards guard Chen Chien-ming’s(陳建銘) old school, Da-Cheng Junior High School.
Howard personally handed a student with spinal muscular atrophy surnamed Huang (黃) an autographed jersey, and, after the scrimmage, the 37-year-old 2.08-m-tall former NBA star praised the skills of the student basketball players.
“You guys are very talented, you guys can shoot, dribble, pass, and are passionate about the game. So, keep going, ok? I love you guys,” Howard said.
One of the Da-Cheng Junior High School basketball team players said Howard and his teammates had taught him about different styles of play through their visit, according to a statement issued by the Leopards.
“I am thrilled to be able to guard Howard, so I can personally know more about how they play in the NBA. Having professional basketball players visit our school is so exciting,” the student said.
Howard’s teammate Chen said he felt proud to come back to his school to attend the event as a professional basketball player.
“I am very happy, especially to come back to my alma mater with Dwight Howard, as there are many coaches and teachers that still remember me. As a native of Taoyuan and member of a Taoyuan professional basketball team, I hope basketball continues to grow in Taoyuan,” Chen said.
Howard, who joined the Leopards in November, was the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft, later becoming a three-time Defensive Player of the Year. He also won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2019-2020 season.