Allen Iverson: Basketball All-Star

The small point guard for the 76ers has become a big part of the NBA. Although he has received much undeserved criticism for personal issues and deserved criticism for professional issues, Iverson is a big time all star of the game and a fan favorite. Nicknamed "the answer" and "A.I" Iverson is one of the most successful and entertaining professional basketball players. He is consistently a top scorer in the league and a very good free thrower. His biggest shortcoming, his size 6.0' and 165 pounds, has been part of his amazing accomplishment. At his size, he plays above the level most "normal" size basketball players playing in the league. Not only is his size amazing and revered by many but his tenacity, determination, speed, and love for the game has propelled him to superstar level.

Iverson was born in Hampton, VA on June 7, 1975 to Ann Iverson. His father, Allen Broughton, left the family when he was a child. Iverson's mother enrolled him for little league basketball practice. However, Iverson was more interested in playing football at the time. However, his mother kept encouraging him to play basketball so while attending Bethel High School in Hampton Iverson played football and basketball. He played both Tailback and Point Guard in high school. While playing both sports Iverson won many awards, including being named " Virginia AAA Football Player of the Year" in his junior year.
However, Iverson would run into some legal problems when he was convicted of starting a riot at a bowling alley. He was sentenced to five years in jail and missed out on a scholarship with Kentucky University. Fortunately, the governor of Virginia allowed him to get out of jail early if he promised to stay out of trouble and graduate from high school. After five months of jail time, Iverson got out and received his high school diploma. In the meantime, Allen's mother Ann visited Georgetown University and spoke with coach John Thompson to try and convince him to be her son's guardian and coach. Once Thompson saw Iverson's talent he agreed to be his mentor and coach. Iverson was awarded a full scholarship to Georgetown University.

Once at Georgetown, Iverson excelled on the basketball court receiving two awards for Big East Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year and a host of other awards. Iverson was also the highest scorer in Georgetown's history. Iverson was drafted in June 1996 and was the number #1 pick for the Philadelphia 76ers. In his first year, he was named Schick Rookie of the Year and like most celebrity basketball players had a tennis shoe named after him. Iverson has gone on to become one of the all time best NBA point guards in NBA history and one of the most celebrated and prolific players of the game. He was the MVP of the 2001 season and ranks second only to Michael Jordan in career playoff scoring. He has also been part of the Olympics Basketball Team and has been an all star for seven years straight along with a host of other awards and accomplishments.