Newz Forum: BASKETBALL: Magic sign top overall pick Howard

Orlando, FL (Sports Network) - The Orlando Magic Wednesday signed forward/center Dwight Howard, the top overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not released.

Howard became the third high school player taken No. 1 in the draft, joining Kwame Brown (Washington, 2001) and LeBron James (Cleveland, 2003).

Howard was voted Naismith Prep Player of the Year in 2004 and was also a McDonald's All-American during his senior year at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, when he averaged 25.0 points, 18.0 rebounds and 8.00 blocks per game.

The 6-11 Howard finished his high school career with 2,146 points, 1,728 rebounds and 811 blocked shots in 129 contests.