Name: Allen Ezail Iverson
Born: June 7, 1975 in Hampton, VA
Team:
Jersey Number: 1
Position: Point Guard, Shooting Guard
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 165 lbs.
Nicknames: The Answer, AI, Bubba Chucks
High School: Bethel in Hampton, VA
College: Georgetown University
Drafted: 1996; 1st round, 1st pick by the Philadelphia 76ers
Teams Played For In Career:
- Philadelphia 76ers (1996-2006)
- Denver Nuggets (2006-2008)
- Detroit Pistons (2008-Present)
MAJOR AWARDS AND HONORS:
Most Valuable Player
- 2000-01 NBA Most Valuable Player
Rookie of the Year
- 1996-97 NBA Rookie of the Year
NBA All-Star
- 1999-2000 All-Star
- 2000-01 All-Star (MVP)
- 2001-02 All-Star
- 2002-03 All-Star
- 2003-04 All-Star
- 2004-05 All-Star (MVP)
- 2005-06 All-Star
- 2006-07 All-Star
- 2007-08 All-Star
All-NBA Teams
- 1998-99 All-NBA First Team
- 1999-00 All-NBA Second Team
- 2000-01 All-NBA First Team
- 2001-02 All-NBA Second Team
- 2002-03 All-NBA Second Team
- 2004-05 All-NBA First Team
- 2005-06 All-NBA Third Team
NBA All-Rookie Team
- 1996-97 All-Rookie First Team
Background:
Iverson led his high school to state championships in both football and basketball. He then went on to become one of the most exciting players in college, suiting up for Coach John Thompson's Georgetown University Hoyas. Among his achievements were two Big East Defensive Player of the Year awards, 1995-96 NCAA All-Tournament First Team and a gold medal at the World University Games in 1995. After two years at Georgetown, he declared for the NBA draft.
Iverson's trademark look includes cornrows, tattoos and a compression sleeve on his right arm due to elbow tendonitis. He is seen as the face of the hip hop culture that became part of the league starting in the late 1990s. He has even release a couple of hip hop CDs.
His Career Thus Far:
Right away, Iverson was a premier player. He finished his rookie year ranking among the leaders in points, assists and steals. At times he has been criticized for what outsiders deem selfish play. However, Iverson has shown a resolve and toughness on the court rarely seen in others before or since his arrival. He finds a way to score. No one can question his willingness to play while hurt. The 2000-01 season saw a lot of things go Iverson's way. He was the league scoring champion for the second time, the All-Star MVP, and he led his team into the NBA Finals where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in five games.
Over the years various off-court issues have led to bad press for Iverson. Nevertheless he will be long remembered as one of the league's most prolific scorers despite his small physical stature and the killer crossover dribble he patented during his early years in the league is unforgettable. Ask Michael Jordan.
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