Acie Law IV

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Acie Law IV
Law with the Hawks in 2008Photo by Chris Nelson
Law with the Hawks in 2008
Photo by Chris Nelson
Position Point guard
Height 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight 195 lb (88 kg)
Team Atlanta Hawks
Jersey #4
Born January 25, 1985 (1985-01-25) (age 23)
Dallas, Texas
Nationality Flag of the United States United States
High school Kimball
College Texas A&M
Draft 1st round, 11th overall, 2007
Atlanta Hawks
Pro career 2007–present
Awards Bob Cousy Award
Chip Hilton Player of the Year Award

Acie Law IV (born January 25, 1985) is an American basketball player at point guard who currently plays for the NBA's Atlanta Hawks. In his four seasons at Texas A&M University, Law scored 1,653 points and was credited with 540 assists. Nicknamed "Captain Clutch" for his ability to take over the game late, Law is well known among Aggie basketball fans for "The Shot," his buzzer-beating 3-pointer to beat the arch-rival Texas Longhorns at Reed Arena on March 1, 2006,[1] as well as for his play in the Aggies' stunning 69-66 upset win against Kansas (the only Big 12 South team to win at Allen Fieldhouse) on February 3, 2007. Due to his contributions to Texas A&M, the Texas A&M athletic department decided to hang Law's No. 1 jersey on the rafters in Reed Arena.[2] He became the first Aggie in any sport to have the honor.[3]

Contents

[edit] Early years

Acie Law IV was born in Dallas, Texas to Acie and Dolores Law.[4] He was named for his great-grandfather (Acie Law, Sr.), whom he never met; his grandfather (Acie Law, Jr.), who died in 1997 after suffering a heart attack from the excitement of watching a boxing match with young Acie IV; and his father, Acie III, who played point guard at Navarro Junior College.[5] Law has an older brother, Lamont, and two younger sisters, Vivien and Frances.[6] Law is the great-nephew of Chicago Cubs great Ernie Banks. Law has a tattoo on his right arm that reads "Lord's Favorite Lawman," and one on his left arm that is from Psalms 91 and 93.[5]

Law was recruited by the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, University of Connecticut, University of Texas at Austin and Georgia Tech.[4] In order to stay close to home, and because he wanted to have an immediate impact,[6] Law chose to play for Texas A&M under Coach Melvin Watkins.[7]

[edit] Playing career

[edit] Kimball High School

As a junior at Kimball High School in Dallas, Law led his team to a 29-7 record and the state Class 5A championship game, averaging 17.8 points per game and 6.0 assists. Some compare Law's game to another point guard, Cody Patton, who is known for making clutch shots and involving his team mates. Unfortunately, Law's team lost the state championship game when the other team made a shot from half-court at the buzzer. Law's performance was enough to earn him all-state honors, as well as district Most Valuable Player. Law also had the distinction of being the only junior to be named to The Dallas Morning News All-Area Team.[4]

Despite a broken wrist that caused Law to miss the first part of his senior season, his performance in the sixteen remaining games in the school's season earned him first-team Class 5A all-state honors. In those sixteen games, Law averaged 16.6 points per game (19.5 ppg in district play) and 6.5 assists per game. In the Texas State High School All-Star Game Law scored 35 points, leading his team to victory.[4]

[edit] Texas A&M University

[edit] Freshman year

Although the Aggies were an undeveloped team during Law's freshman year and failed to win a single conference game, Law's performance stacked up well against his fellow conference players.[8] As a freshman, Law was a starter for the 12 of the team's 27 games, including 10 of the last 11, and saw playing time in the remaining 15 games. With an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.00, Law ranked fourth in the Big 12 Conference, and was the leading freshman in the conference. His average 3.9 assists per game ranked eighth in the conference.[4]

Law averaged 7.5 points and 2.1 rebounds per game, and by the final ten games of the season Law was scoring double-digit points in each game. In his two best games of the year, Law scored a then-career-high 19 points against Tennessee and put up 18 points against Grambling.[4]

[edit] Sophomore year

Following the 2003-2004 season, Coach Melvin Watkins was replaced by UTEP coach Billy Gillispie, who came to the school insisting that the Aggies could win in basketball.[9] Gillispie's intense coaching style was very different from that of Watkins, and after an initial two-week boot camp Law seriously considered transferring to a different school.[6] After seeing a video of UTEP's NCAA trip the year before Law decided that he wanted to experience that feeling too, and committed to staying at A&M.[9]

Law's commitment paid off, as under Gillispie the team improved from 7-21 to 21-10, winning half of their conference games and earning an invitation to the NIT.[9] Law started in 30 games, earning a spot on the Big 12's All-Improved Team as well as honorable-mention All-Big 12 honors. He completed 49.3% of his shots from the field, 38.4% of three's (28 of 73) and converted 71.6% of his free-thow shots. With a team best 153 assists, Law ranked third in the Big 12.[4]

Law scored in double figures in 20 games, including four games where he earned over twenty points. With the help of his 24 points and six assists, the team beat then Number 9 Texas. In his best game of the season, against Houston, Law earned nine assists and scored 25 points, making all twelve of his free throw shots. Against Missouri, Law scored 11 points and a then-career-high 14 assists, one shy of the school record. Law also cemented the team's victory against Penn State, making the winning free throws with 11 seconds left in a 62-60 win.[4]

[edit] Junior year

As a junior, Law became one of only four players in A&M history to reach 1000 career points with 300 assists and 100 steals. He led the team in scoring, averaging 16.1 overall and 17.3 points in Big 12 play, with 3.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists. In games that Law had at least 5 assists, the team was 10-2.[4]

Law also set an A&M record in Big 12 play, scoring 35 points and earning seven steals in a game against Oklahoma State. After making the game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to beat the Texas Longhorns 46-43, Law was named Big 12 Player of the Week. With his ranking among the top 10 players in the Big 12 in scoring, assists, steals, and field goal percentage, several newspapers named Law to their first-team All-Big 12 teams.[4]

With Law's help, the Aggies earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1987.[9] In their first round match-up against Syracuse, the Aggies won, with Law contributing 23 points.[4] The Aggies appeared poised to reach the Sweet 16 when, with 18 seconds left in their second-round game against LSU, Law hit a jumper, giving the Aggies a 57-55 lead. The dream was dashed fifteen seconds later, however, when Darrell Mitchell made a three-point shot for LSU.[10]

[edit] Senior year

[edit] Regular Season

Shortly after beginning play in the 2006-2007 season, the Aggies reached Number 6 in the rankings, the highest rank the school had ever achieved.[10] The team had their best start since opening 16-2 in the 1959-1960 season, as well as their best conference opening since the inception of the Big 12.[11]

On February 1, 2007, Law was named one of the seventeen finalists for (and later went on to win) the Bob Cousy Award, presented annually to the nation's top collegiate point guard. The winner will be chosen by a committee including NBA Hall of Fame inductees Cousy, Lute Olson and Jim Calhoun, as well as college coaches, members of the media, and additional college basketball experts.[12]

Law has morphed into a true clutch player. As of the beginning of February, 2007, he has averaged a team-high 16.6 point per game, shooting 50.9% from the field and 45.8% from the 3-point line.[13] In a five-game period, he averaged 11 points in the first thirty-five minutes of the games, and an additional 10 points per game in the last 5 minutes.[8] During Big 12 regular-season play, Law has averaged 6.3 points in the last four minutes of games, making 75 percent from the field, 83 percent from 3-point range and 83 percent from the free throw line.[14]

In a historic moment on February 3, 2007, Law's Aggies became the first Big 12 South team (in 32 attempts) to ever beat the then-Number 6 Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas led for much of the game, but Law scored 10 of A&M's final 13 points to ensure the victory for the Aggies, and Big 12 Player of the Week honors for himself.[13] Two days later the team beat then-Number 25 Texas, their twenty-first straight home win, making them the sole leader of the Big 12. Although forced to leave the game for three minutes after hitting the floor hard and injuring his leg, Law earned 21 points and a school-record 15 assists in the 100-82 victory over their archrivals. [15] Following the team's win over Texas, Law was named the Sports Illustrated Player of the Week.[14]

Law again proved his ability to make plays that matter in the Aggies' second game against Texas on February 28, 2007. Playing all 50 minutes during the Aggies' double-overtime 98-96 loss, Law scored a season-high 33 points, with 5 assists and five turnovers. His three pointer at the end of regulation tied the game, sending the teams into overtime. Another three-pointer with 26 seconds left in the first overtime again tied the game, leading to a second overtime. Fouled at the end of the second overtime so that he would not be able to rescue the Aggies with another last-second three-pointer, Law deliberately missed his second free throw in the hopes that the Aggies could recover the ball and score again. Law's outstanding season earned him the honors of being on the AP 1st Team All American squad. He also made Dick Vitale's 1st Team All American squad as players such as Arron Afflalo of UCLA, Alando Tucker of Wisconsin, and Nick Fazekas of Nevada did.[16]

[edit] Big 12 and NCAA Tournaments

Although the Aggies were the number two seed for the Big 12 Conference Tournament, they played poorly in their first game in the quarterfinals of the tournament and were eliminated in a loss to Oklahoma State. Law had only ten points on five-for-twelve shooting.[17]

On Selection Sunday, however, the Aggies were rewarded for their regular-season play with a Number 3 seed in the South region of the 2007 NCAA Tournament.[17] In their first-round game against Penn, Law had a game-high 20 points despite completing only six of fifteen shots. The Aggies won 68-52 to advance to the second round of the tournament.[18]

Exhibiting his trademark poise in front of an unfriendly crowd during a tough second-round game against Louisville, Law again provided a number of big shots. Hitting 13 of his 15 free-throw attempts, he ended the game with 26 points, including the final two points of the game. The Aggie's 72-69 victory earned them a berth in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1980. In a show of good sportsmanship, Law spent time after the game consoling disappointed Louisville freshman Edgar Sosa, complimenting him on his performance.[19] On March 22, however, Law and his teammates faced the #2 seed Memphis Tigers. The score was close throughout and Law had a chance to put A&M up by three with just a few seconds to play. However, the Aggies lost in a narrow contest 65-64, ending his collegiate career.

Acie Law was the first Texas Aggie to be unanimously selected to the All-Big 12 first team,[20] and was named to both the ESPN.com and Sports Illustrated five-man first-team All-American teams. He was also named Big 12 Player of the Year by the Dallas Morning News.

[edit] Atlanta Hawks

Law guards Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics in the 2008 NBA Playoffs.Photo by Chris Nelson
Law guards Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics in the 2008 NBA Playoffs.
Photo by Chris Nelson

On June 28, 2007, Law was taken 11th overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. He was the first college senior selected in that draft. He got his first NBA start on November 6, 2007, when the Hawks played the New Jersey Nets[21] Although his college jersey read "Law IV" on the back, his NBA jersey just reads "Law".

As of January 18, 2008, Law has averaged 4.7 points, 2.3 assists and 18 minutes per game. He has missed ten games because of a right ankle sprain.[22]

[edit] Accolades

[edit] Shooting style

While in junior high, Law broke his right hand during basketball practice. In order to continue to compete, the naturally right-handed Law taught himself to shoot the basketball with his left hand. After recovering from his injury, Law was able to shoot with either hand, but as of 2007 still primarily relied on his left-hand to shoot from a long distance. His left-handed jump shots are unusual, however, because the ball has hardly any spin, instead flying straight into the basket. After much examination, Texas A&M coach Billy Gillispie realized that this is because Law uses his right thumb when he shoots, negating the spin. To help improve his form, Gillispie ordered Law to tape his right thumb against his hand in practice and try shooting without it. Law was unable to make the shots, and Gillispie quickly decided not to intervene further.[13]

[edit] Personal life

Law lives in southwest Atlanta with his college sweetheart, Tiffany Settle, who is enrolled at nearby Kennesaw State University, and his younger sister, Vivian, who attends Woodward Academy, a private school in College Park, Georgia. Law relocated Vivian from their home in Dallas after deciding before the NBA draft that he would take her wherever he would go. According to Vivian, Law shows great affection towards her, and is very strict on her studies and how she spends her time. In the fall of 2007, Law's parents moved to Atlanta, settling near Lenox Square.[34]

Law is the great nephew of Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Winn, Luke. "Aggies giving 'Horns a run in the Lone Star state", Sports Illustrated, 2007-11-20. Retrieved on 2007-11-20. 
  2. ^ Davis, Brian. "Texas A&M to raise Acie Law's No. 1 to rafters", Dallas Morning News, 2008-02-12. Retrieved on 2008-02-12. 
  3. ^ Law becomes first Aggie in any sport to have jersey honored
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Acie Law. Texas A&M University Athletics (2006). Retrieved on 2007-02-15.
  5. ^ a b Winn, Luke (February 20, 2007). Blog Q&A With ... Texas A&M's Acie Law IV. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved on 2007-02-20.
  6. ^ a b c Garcia, Marlen (February 21, 2005). Law makes turnarounds, helps Gillispie guide Texas A&M to new heights. USA Today. Retrieved on 2007-02-20.
  7. ^ Walentik, Steve (February 21, 2006). Watkins saw potential in A&M players. Columbia Tribune. Retrieved on 2007-02-15.
  8. ^ a b Among the Best: Only Law is capable of challenging Durant for Big 12 Player Of The Year. Omaha City Weekly (February 2007). Retrieved on 2007-02-15.
  9. ^ a b c d Cohen, Rachel (March 16, 2006). Gillispie turned moribund A&M around. Dallas Morning News. Retrieved on 2007-02-15.
  10. ^ a b Caplan, Jeff (December 5, 2006). Acie Law has No. 6 A&M ready to show it belongs. Dallas Star-Telegram. Retrieved on 2007-02-15.
  11. ^ Graham, Pat (January 14, 2007). Aggie men survive cold trip to Colorado. AggieSports.com. Retrieved on 2007-02-15.
  12. ^ Robinson, Law Named Finalists For Bob Cousy Award. Big 12 Conference (February 1, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-02-15.
  13. ^ a b c Zwerneman, Brent (February 12, 2007). Law's awkward shot beautiful for A&M. San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved on 2007-02-15.
  14. ^ a b MR. CLUTCH: ACIE LAW IV. Texas A&M University Athletic Department (2007). Retrieved on 2007-03-07.
  15. ^ Rieken, Kristie (February 6, 2007). Law leads No. 6 Texas A&M past Texas. Associated Press. Retrieved on 2007-02-15.
  16. ^ Harris, Terrance (March 1, 2007). Law makes case for Player of the Year. The Houston Chronicle. Retrieved on 2007-03-07.
  17. ^ a b Jackson, Scoop (March 12, 2007). Law and Order. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved on 2007-03-19.
  18. ^ McMurray, Jeffrey (March 15, 2007). 'Captain Clutch' and A&M get by Penn. Yahoo! News. Retrieved on 2007-03-19.
  19. ^ Mandell, Stewart (March 17, 2007). Closer Look: Texas A&M-L'ville. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved on 2007-03-19.
  20. ^ a b 2006-07 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Awards Announced. Big 12 Conference (2007). Retrieved on 2007-03-04.
  21. ^ Smith, Sekou. "Law inserted into starting lineup at point", The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 2007-11-07. Retrieved on 2007-11-07. 
  22. ^ Aggiesports.com
  23. ^ Bob Cousy Award Presented by the Hartford (2007-03-29). Retrieved on 2007-03-29.
  24. ^ AP All-America Team. Associated Press (2007-03-26). Retrieved on 2007-03-28.
  25. ^ a b JOHN R. WOODEN AWARD ANNOUNCES THE 2006-07 ALL-AMERICAN TEAM. CSTV (2007-03-27). Retrieved on 2007-03-28.
  26. ^ Bo Ryan and Acie Law Earn Top Awards (2007-03-30). Retrieved on 2007-03-30.
  27. ^ Durant, Law head AP All-Big 12 team. Sports Illustrated (2007-03-05). Retrieved on 2007-03-05.
  28. ^ National Association of Basketball Coaches Announce 2007 Division I All-America Teams. National Association of Basketball Coaches (March 5, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-03-10.
  29. ^ USBWA NAMES 2006-07 ALL-AMERICANS (2007-03-12). Retrieved on 2007-03-23.
  30. ^ SN 2007 college basketball awards (2007-03-13). Retrieved on 2007-03-23.
  31. ^ All-America Team. Retrieved on 2007-03-23.
  32. ^ Defensive All-America Team. Retrieved on 2007-03-28.
  33. ^ 2007 collegeinsider.com Awards. Retrieved on 2007-03-28.
  34. ^ Smith, Sekou. "Hawks rookie guard both a brother and parent", The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 2008-01-13. Retrieved on 2008-01-13. 

[edit] External links

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