Howard hopes to strut stuff in PBA

MANILA, Philippines —  Dwight Howard stressed a desire to play in the PBA someday, saying he’ll fit in the league’s tourney featuring imports 6-9 and below.

“I’m eligible for the PBA,” said Howard, clarifying that he’s 6-foot-9 without shoes.

Howard, set for action with the Strong Group Athletics in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championships, is 6-foot-10 according to the NBA website. In FIBA, he’s billed as 6-foot-11.

The PBA has a height limit of 6-foot-9 for imports in the Commissioner’s Cup and 6-foot-6 in the Governors’ Cup, making Howard eligible if his claim is true.

If not, the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and one-time champion with the Los Angeles Lakers is appealing for consideration.

“I think they gotta change the height requirements because I’m 6’9” without shoes. And with shoes, it has a little. I hope they do that so guys like Dray (Andray Blatche) can come back here and play as well,” Howard said.

“We want to play in the PBA. If they change the height requirements, maybe we’ll see twin towers in the Philippines.”