Name: Gilbert Jay Arenas
Born: January 6, 1982 in Los Angeles, CA
Team: Washington Wizards
Position: Point Guard
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 191 lbs.
Nicknames: Agent Zero, Hibachi
High School: Grant in Van Nuys, CA
College: University of Arizona
Drafted: 2001; 2nd round, 2nd pick by the Golden State Warriors
Teams Played For In Career:
- Golden State Warriors (2001-2003)
- Washington Wizards (2003-Present)
MAJOR AWARDS AND HONORS:
Most Improved Player
- 2002-03 NBA Most Improved Player
NBA All-Star
All-NBA Teams
- 2004-05 All-NBA Third Team
- 2005-06 All-NBA Third Team
- 2006-07 All-NBA Second Team
Background:
After Arenas' Most Improved Season, he was one of the most sought after free agents during the offseason. It was reported that Arenas flipped a coin ten times to decide if he was going to sign with either the Los Angeles Clippers or the Washington Wizards. The coin came up seven times for the Clippers, so Arenas knew he had to sign with the Wizards.
Obviously, Arenas is a quirky individual. Before each game, Arenas hides a teammate's jersey in the locker room to make them look for it. It was reported he once took a shower at halftime in full uniform and has often been seen playing online poker during the break between halves as well. Also, Arenas had his home converted to simulate high-altitude conditions in hopes that this will give him more energy, especially late in games. And, let's not forget the fact that he says, "Hibachi" upon each shot release. It's hard not to like the guy.
His Career Thus Far:
Arenas is a prolific scorer and has been amongst the league's leaders in scoring average the past few seasons, as well as a top flight ball thief and three-point bomber. Arenas and the Wizards have had minor success in the playoffs - the furthest the Wizards having advanced being the second round in the 2004-05 playoffs where they were swept by the Miami Heat. The 2005-06 postseason first round matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers was one of the better first round matchups. In overtime of the sixth game, Arenas had a chance to win the game with two free throws, but Lebron James had some choice words for Arenas prior to his free throw attempts. Arenas went on to miss both free throws. Still, Agent Zero is still one of the more dangerous shooters on the court, both on the floor and at the charity stripe. Arenas is so entertaining, he has his own blog on NBA.com.
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