Howard gets extra practice in with local teens
By: Brian Feldt

After the Mavs’ latest two-game losing streak, Mavs forward Josh Howard thought it a good idea to get some extra practice in. Thursday he got his chance, though not with the usual suspects.

Howard, the 6-foot-7-inch Mavs forward, hosted a private locker room tour and skills demonstration for Roxanna Lopez, the winner of the “Get Fit with Josh Howard” sweepstakes sponsored by Dairy MAX and Dannon.

Lopez, whose entry was selected from more than 1,000 applicants, was invited to bring 15 of her friends to the locker room tour with Howard, which ended in a Q&A session.

Howard discussed his off-court activities, respect for players around the NBA and his recent decision to not fill out a NCAA Tournament bracket, citing Wake Forest, his alma matter’s exclusion as the reason. Howard later went on to name North Carolina and Florida as his two favorites to win March Madness. The event was aimed at teaching children the importance of healthy eating and exercise – two things Howard said are very important in leading a nourishing life.

“I’m out here with Dairy MAX to just promote healthy kids and a healthy lifestyle,” Howard said. “We are trying to encourage exercise because that is what is important to me.”

After the session, Lopez and her friends were escorted to the Mavs’ practice court, located on the south side of the American Airlines Center for a free skills demonstration by Howard and Mavs Player Development coach Greg Dreiling.

Dreiling instructed a wide variety of drills focusing on basketball related activities such as defensive posture, muscle toning and basic lay ups. Following the skills demonstration, Dreiling led the kids to a pick-up game to finish off the night.

Howard said he always enjoys spending time with area youth especially when the event promotes a good cause.

“I like coming out here and doing things with these kids,” Howard said. “It’s always nice to give back like this and give them someone to look up to. Give them a role model that can set a good example for them.”

Howard also said being a positive role model for children is something very important to him since as a child, he did not have the same luxuries.

“Growing up I didn’t have anyone to really be an example for me besides my grandma, my mom and my cousin,” Howard said. “It’s nice to know that some of these kids will have a role model to look up to.”