Dwight Howard has no fear, not even of his first year of professional basketball, as the number one overall pick in the National Basketball Association, straight from high school.

"I don't really see it as pressure," Howard said. "I just see it as I'm coming in, and it is something that I have to do as a basketball player. I'm not looking at failing in any way possible."

Fans and insiders recognize that it takes time for a player to rise to greatness, but even very young players who enter the Draft have a lot expected of them right away.  And even a player's rookie-year performance can be a telling indicator of how far he will go in the pros.  

In response to a question about his readiness for the NBA on a 1-10 scale, Howard thought about it for a second.  "I would say nine."