God Shammgod

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God Shammgod (born April 29, 1976 in New York City, New York) is an American professional basketball player, currently playing for the Portland Chinooks of the International Basketball League (2005-) . Prior to this he played in the Chinese Basketball Association for several teams, including Zhejian Cyclones [1] and Shanxi Yujun. He has played professionally in several countries, including Poland and Saudi Arabia [2].

Shammgod lasted just one season in the National Basketball Association with the Washington Wizards during 1997-98 after being drafted by them in the 2nd round (17th pick) of the 1997 NBA Draft. He is credited with innovating the move that carries his surname,"The Shammgod"[3]

Shammgod played for two seasons at Providence College, where he averaged 10.3 PPG for his college career. He was selected to the Big East All-Rookie Team as a freshman in 1996 after setting the Big East freshman assist record, which has since been broken [4] As a sophomore, Shammgod teamed with current NBA player Austin Croshere in leading the Friars to the 1997 Elite Eight, where they lost to eventual NCAA Champion Arizona in Overtime[5]. Shammgod registered 23 points and 5 assists while matching up against current NBA player Mike Bibby in the loss [6].

Shammgod played his High School basketball at LaSalle Academy in Manhattan, when he was known as Shammgod Wells. His teammates at LaSalle academy included current NBA player Ron Artest and former Providence College Center Karim Shabazz [7]. He was selected to the 1995 McDonald's All-American Team where he joined current NBA player and fellow New Yorker Stephon Marbury on the East Team. Shammgod recorded 9 points in the game [8].

Contrary to popular belief, God Shammgod is his birth-given, legal name. He took his mother's surname, Wells, at age five and was known as Shammgod Wells until reverting back to his legal name, which he shares with his father, just before enrolling at Providence College [9].