Name: Amare Carsares Stoudemire
Born: November 16, 1982 in Lake Wells, FL
Team: Phoenix Suns
Position: Power Forward, Center
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 245 lbs.
Nicknames: Standing Tall And Talented (STAT)
High School: Cypress Creek in Orlando, FL
College: None
Drafted: 2002; 1st round, 9th pick by the Phoenix Suns
Teams Played For In Career:
- Phoenix Suns (2002-Present)
MAJOR AWARDS AND HONORS:
Rookie of the Year
- 2002-03 NBA Rookie of the Year
NBA All-Star
All-NBA Teams
- 2004-05 All-NBA Second Team
- 2006-07 All-NBA First Team
NBA All-Rookie Team
- 2002-03 All-Rookie First Team
Background:
Stoudemire was a journeyteen, playing for six high schools during his prep career and because of transfer rules, he couldn't play basketball his junior season. However, he came back with a vengeance his senior year, receiving numerous accolades such as Mr. Basketball for Florida and being named a First Team All-American by numerous publications. Stoudemire went straight from prep to pros based on the strength of his senior season and size.
Amazingly, Stoudemire did not start playing organized basketball until he was 14 years old. He has his nickname (STAT) tatooed on his right arm.
His Career Thus Far:
Gifted with physical tools and amazing athleticism for a big man, Stoudemire made an immediate impact his first season despite coming straight from high school. He shown a knack for rebounding and has refined his moves in the post and was always able to finish on the break. He suffered a severe knee injury and was limited to only three games during the 2005-06 season. However, the following season, Stoudemire came back strong and was named to the All-NBA First Team.
Stoudemire has shown the ability to become a consistent 20-point scorer, but has yet to achieve a double-digit rebounding average for a season. It's only a matter of time and it's a safe bet to say he'll be a double-double player for a long time to come.
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