Chris Bosh

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For the professional wrestler, see Chris Bosh (wrestler).
Chris Bosh
Position Power Forward, Center
Height 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Weight 230 lb (100 kg)
Team Toronto Raptors
Jersey #4
Born March 24, 1984 (1984-03-24) (age 24)
Dallas, Texas
Nationality American
High school Lincoln High School,
Dallas
College Georgia Tech
Draft 4th overall, 2003
Toronto Raptors
Pro career 2003–present
Awards 3-time NBA All-Star
2003-04 NBA All-Rookie Team
2006-07 All-NBA Second Team
Medal record
Competitor for Flag of the United States United States
World Championships
Bronze 2006 Japan USA

Christopher Wesson Bosh (born March 24, 1984) is an American professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association who plays for the Toronto Raptors. Garnering an array of basketball accolades since his high school days, the power forward left college after one season to enter the 2003 NBA Draft. He was selected fourth overall by the Raptors in a very competitive draft class. Since his NBA career began Bosh has emerged as one of the most established young stars in the NBA. In the process, he has become a three-time NBA All-Star, been named to the All-NBA team, appeared for the USA National Team, and taken over former fan-favorite Vince Carter as the face and leader of the Raptors franchise. In the 2006-07 NBA season, Bosh led the Raptors to their first NBA Playoffs berth in five years, and their first ever division title. The following season, Bosh became Toronto's all-time leader in rebounds, blocks, double doubles and free throws made and attempted.

Owing to his initials and jersey number, Bosh is nicknamed "CB4", a name first coined by Toronto Raptors play-by-play commentator, Chuck Swirsky.[1] The nickname also alludes to a cult movie of the same name. Off the court, Bosh is noted for his philanthropy and active community service. In recognition of his own childhood experience, Bosh set up the Chris Bosh Foundation to help promote sports and education amongst youths in Dallas and Toronto, and regularly speaks to youths about the benefits of reading.

Contents

[edit] Early life

Born in Dallas, Texas, to Noel and Freida Bosh,[2]Chris Bosh grew up in Hutchins, Texas.[3] A family-oriented person, Bosh often played basketball in the house with his younger brother.[4] By four years of age, he began learning how to dribble a basketball in the gym where his dad played pick-up games.[5] Although Bosh was always tall since youth and this allowed him to out-rebound others in basketball games,[6] he only started learning the game around fourth grade at a playground near his grandmother's house.[4] Apart from basketball, Bosh also played baseball up till high school, preferring to play as first baseman.[4] Growing up, Bosh names his parents as the biggest influences on his personality and considered NBA superstar Kevin Garnett as his favorite athlete, modeling his play after him.[6] Academically, Bosh always did well in school[7] but he began to garner significant attention from college recruiters when he led Lincoln High School in Dallas to the number one ranking in the country and the USA Today National Championship with a perfect 40–0 season.[8]

The teenager went on to lead Lincoln High to win the Class 4A state title before 16,990 fans as he racked up 23 points, 17 rebounds and nine blocks. Bosh was subsequently named High School Player of the Year by Basketball America, Powerade Player of the Year in Texas, a First-team all-American by Parade, McDonald's and EA Sports, a Second-team all-American by USA Today and SLAM Magazine, a First-team all-state player, and "Mr. Basketball" in Texas by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches.[8] With his combination of grades and basketball skills, Bosh was on a number of college recruiting lists. Florida and Memphis made serious attempts, but it was Paul Hewitt, coach of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), who made the best impression. Bosh felt Hewitt would look out for his best interests and respect his aspirations to play professional basketball; moreover, Georgia Tech’s transition offense impressed the teenager.[7]

Bosh eventually chose to follow the footsteps of his cousin and aunt and attended Georgia Tech to study graphic design and computer imaging, and subsequently, management.[4] There, he led the Yellow Jackets in averaging 15.6 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 31 games, and led the Atlantic Coast Conference in field goal percentage (.560), joining Antawn Jamison as the only freshman ever to do so.[2] Bosh originally intended to complete his degree as he valued the importance of education, but by the end of the 2002–03 season, his strong performances convinced him that he was ready for the NBA.[7] Thus, he left Georgia Tech after his freshman season[2] and entered the 2003 NBA Draft. Although Bosh said in future interviews that he misses his college days, he believes he made the right decision to pursue a professional career.[6] He also intends to obtain his college degree one day,[5] to fulfill a promise made to his mother.[4]

[edit] NBA career

Bosh shooting a free throw.
Bosh shooting a free throw.

[edit] Rookie year

In a strong draft class comprising future All-Stars LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade,[7] Bosh was selected fourth overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2003 NBA Draft and was signed on 8 July 2003.[9] Prior to his signing however, other NBA teams made offers for Bosh as they knew Toronto needed a veteran scorer, and Raptors star Vince Carter himself pressed for a trade. General manager Glen Grunwald turned everyone down.[7]

In his rookie season Bosh was forced to play out of position as the Raptors' starting center after Antonio Davis was traded to the Chicago Bulls.[10] Night in and night out the wiry teenager battled against opponents who had a significant size and strength advantage over him.[10] Bosh—who cited teammate Michael Curry as his mentor[6]—was often praised by his coaches for his heart, and willingness to play through pain and injuries resulting from his lack of body strength compared to some of the league's strong forwards and centers.[11] Bosh's contributions were not unnoticed by teammates either,[12] as he averaged 11.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.41 blocks, and 33.5 minutes in 75 games, leading all rookies in rebounding and blocks, and setting a franchise record for most rebounds in a rookie season with 557.[2] Bosh was rewarded by being selected to the All-Rookie First Team for the 2003–04 season.[2]

[edit] Heralded as the new hope

Bosh and his team mates in a 2005–06 game against the Milwaukee Bucks. From left: Pape Sow, Bosh, Mike James and Morris Peterson.
Bosh and his team mates in a 2005–06 game against the Milwaukee Bucks. From left: Pape Sow, Bosh, Mike James and Morris Peterson.

With the departure of the former disenchanted franchise face Vince Carter in December 2004, Bosh was simultaneously anointed as the new leader around whom Toronto would build.[13] In the remaining games following Carter's departure, the power forward averaged 18.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 38.1 minutes per game, improving in every major statistical category.[2] In recognition of his efforts, he was awarded his first ever NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played between 3 and 9 January, 2005.[2] As the season drew to a close, analysts predicted that Bosh would become an All-Star one day.[14][15] Bosh ended the 2004–05 season as the leading scorer and leading rebounder for the team on 21 and 46 occasions respectively.[2]

Prior to the 2005–06 season, Bosh was named as one of Toronto's team captains. Bosh continued to work on his game as he consistently chalked up double doubles, leading the team in scoring, rebounding, and field goal percentage for the first half of the season.[16] On 9 February 2006, for the first time in his career, Bosh was selected to play in the 2006 NBA All-Star Game in Houston, Texas as a reserve forward for the Eastern Conference[2] He was only the third Raptor to make an All-Star game, after Carter and Antonio Davis. Bosh's selection was just three days after he was named NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the second time in his career.[16] In March 2006, following a season-ending injury to Bosh,[17] the Raptors slid to a 1–10 record.[18] This highlighted Bosh's importance as the centerpiece of the offense, as well as the leader of the team. The Raptors finished the season 27–55 and Bosh averaged 22.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.[19]

Despite a major off-season revamp of the Raptors roster—including the departure of good friends Mike James and Charlie Villanueva—Bosh officially signed a three-year contract extension with a player option for a fourth year on 14 July 2006.[20] The deal was reportedly worth US$65 million over four years.[21] Upon signing the contract, Bosh said "I think the future is very positive for the franchise…change was needed…we have a lot of guys who just want to win and are willing to work hard."[21] During the same press conference, Bosh also announced a donation of $1,000,000 to a Toronto charity, known as Community Legacy Programs.[20]

Bosh improved his numbers in ppg and rpg in the 2006–07 season and had to lead a vastly different team from the 2005–06 roster.
Bosh improved his numbers in ppg and rpg in the 2006–07 season and had to lead a vastly different team from the 2005–06 roster.

[edit] Leader of the division champions

After a shaky start to the Raptors' 2006–07 campaign, the Raptors managed to surpass the 0.500 mark as the All-Star break approached.[22] Bosh's play and leadership were pivotal to this run and as an increasing recognition of his abilities, on 25 January 2007, he was named an All-Star starter for the East in the 2007 NBA All-Star Game. Bosh received the second highest number of votes among all Eastern Conference forwards.[23] This was his first All-Star start and second overall All-Star appearance, having averaged over 22 points and 11 rebounds in the first half of the season.[23] On 31 January 2007, in a game against the Washington Wizards, Bosh scored a 65-foot (20 m) buzzer-beating shot to end the third quarter of the game.[24] He shot 15-of-15 after missing his first four shots.[25] Bosh's in-form streak enabled him to be selected Eastern Conference Player of the Month for January 2007.[26] He had averaged 25.4 points and 9.1 rebounds while leading the Raptors to a 10–5 record in that month. On 7 February 2007, Bosh's career-high 41 points prompted the home fans to chant "MVP" — an unprecedented event in the Air Canada Centre.[27] Two days later, Bosh collected 29 points and 11 rebounds against the Los Angeles Lakers, shooting 10-of-10 in the second half.[28]

On 28 March 2007, Bosh became the new franchise record holder for double doubles in a home win against the Miami Heat.[29] He was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the third time in his career shortly after,[30] having led Toronto to clinch their first NBA Playoffs berth in five years. Toronto went on to win its first ever division title, and concluded the regular season with a 47–35 record, including a 30–11 home record, both franchise records.[31] Bosh averaged a double-double with 22.6 ppg and 10.7 rpg for the regular season, both career-highs, and posted 17.5 ppg and 9.0 rpg for the 2007 NBA Playoffs.[19] He was named to the All-NBA Second Team at the end of the 2006–07 campaign.[32]

Before the 2007–08 season began, Andrea Bargnani, the number one pick of the 2006 NBA Draft, was slated to start alongside Bosh to form a strong Toronto frontcourt and Jason Kapono, a three-point specialist, was acquired from the Miami Heat to add further offense to the team; however, as the season unfolded, neither plans materialized as hoped.[33] Bosh himself had a slow start to the season, but as mid-season approached, his form picked up and he was named Player of the Week for the second week of January.[34] On 31 January 2008, he was selected to be on the Eastern Conference team for the 2008 NBA All-Star Game.[35] In the meantime, Toronto continued to struggle and their problems were exacerbated when regular starting point guard TJ Ford returned from injury and became frustrated playing backup to José Calderón.[33] Nevertheless, even with injuries to Bosh (15 games), Jorge Garbajosa (75 games) and Ford (31 games), the Raptors concluded the regular season with a 41–41 record, and clinched the sixth seed for the 2008 NBA Playoffs. However, they were defeated by the Orlando Magic in the first round, losing 4–1.[36] Bosh said after the loss, "They played a great series, they executed on offense and defense better than we did and when it came to the small things, they did a better job... I can't sit here and bark in protest that the better team didn't win. That's pretty obvious. They beat us pretty good."[36]

[edit] Player profile

You are not going to see a whole lot of screaming and hollering at guys... He is a guy that is going to pull somebody aside and say it in a positive way, and I think it goes a lot farther that way.
Anthony Parker on Bosh's leadership[37]

Bosh, listed at 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) and 230 pounds (104 kg),[19] possesses excellent speed, athleticism, and ball handling for a player of his size. He is particularly noted for his ability to drive to the basket and finish strong or get to the free throw line—where he is also proficient—but he is also known for his well-developed jump shot.[38] As the centerpiece of the Raptors' offence, when Bosh is double teamed, he is noted to unselfishly pass the ball to team mates who are in better shooting positions.[39] Bosh improved his shooting range when he worked on his three point shooting during the summer of 2006 and showed improvement in the 2006–07 season. On 8 November 2006, against the Philadelphia Sixers, he hit a game winning three point shot with 6.1 seconds left.[40] It was reminiscent of the shot that marked his "arrival" to the NBA in his first season, when he hit a game-tying three pointer against Houston to send the game to overtime.[2] When the 2006–07 season concluded, Bosh had shot .343 from the three point arc for the season; he improved to .400 the following season.[19]

In terms of leadership, Bosh has always led by example. As the leader of the Raptors, he is not noted for being vocal on the court, preferring to maintain his quiet and humble demeanor but expecting his team mates to match his work ethic.[38] However, Bosh is also known to deliver stern rebukes to team mates who make bad calls on the court.[41] Comparisons have been made between him and Kevin Garnett due to their similar style of play and physique.

[edit] NBA career statistics

Correct as of 29 April 2008[19]
Regular season Team GP MPG SPG BPG RPG APG PPG FG% 3P% FT%
2003–04 Toronto 75 33.5 0.8 1.4 7.4 1.0 11.5 0.459 0.357 0.701
2004–05 Toronto 81 37.2 0.9 1.4 8.9 1.9 16.8 0.471 0.300 0.760
2005–06 Toronto 70 39.3 0.7 1.1 9.2 2.6 22.5 0.505 0.000 0.816
2006–07 Toronto 69 38.5 0.6 1.3 10.7 2.5 22.6 0.496 0.343 0.785
2007–08 Toronto 67 36.2 0.9 1.0 8.7 2.6 22.3 0.494 0.400 0.844
Career 362 36.9 0.8 1.2 9.0 2.1 18.9 0.487 0.309 0.790
All-Star 3 20.3 0.0 0.0 7.3 1.3 11.0 0.517 0.000 0.429
Playoffs Team GP MPG SPG BPG RPG APG PPG FG% 3P% FT%
2006–07 Toronto 6 37.0 0.8 1.8 9.0 2.5 17.5 0.396 0.200 0.842
2007–08 Toronto 5 39.8 1.6 0.4 9.0 3.6 24.0 0.472 0.143 0.833
Career 11 38.3 1.2 1.2 9.0 3.0 20.5 0.433 0.167 0.838

[edit] Honors and achievements

  • 2007 NBA Atlantic Division Champion with the Toronto Raptors
  • NBA All-Star: 2006, 2007, 2008
  • All-NBA
    • Second Team: 2007
  • NBA All-Rookie Team: 2004
  • NBA Rookie All-Star Game: 2004, 2005
  • Bronze medal winner with team USA basketball at the 2006 FIBA World Championship

[edit] Other achievements

  • Third-youngest player in NBA history to record 1,000 rebounds[2]
  • Fourth-youngest player in NBA history to record 20 points and 20 rebounds in a game[2]
  • Toronto's all-time leader in rebounds, defensive rebounds and rebounds per game in a season
  • Toronto's all-time leader in blocks
  • Toronto's all-time leader in double-doubles[29]
  • Toronto's all-time leader in free throws made and attempted[42]
  • NBA Sportsmanship Award (divisional winner): 2007–08[43]

[edit] International career

Bosh's international career began in 2002 when he was selected as a member of the 2002 USA Basketball Junior World Championship Qualifying Team that finished with a 4–1 record and the bronze medal.[44]

After his NBA career began, Bosh was named in March 2006 to the 2006-2008 United States men's national basketball team program, and helped lead the team to a 5–0 record during its pre-World Championship tour.[44] In August 2006, Bosh was named as a member of the 2006 USA World Championship Team.[44] Together with fellow 2003 draftees Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Kirk Hinrich, this team competed in the 2006 FIBA World Championship. The team won the bronze medal, defeating former 2004 Olympic champion Argentina.[45] Bosh was ranked sixth in field goal percentage.[44]

Following the 2006–07 season, Bosh was named in the team that would compete in the 2007 FIBA Americas tournament. However, he sustained a foot injury and withdrew from the squad.[46]

Bosh at the 2007 MuchMusic Video Awards
Bosh at the 2007 MuchMusic Video Awards

[edit] Personal life

Besides his on-the-court exploits, Bosh was a National Honor Society member and graduated with honors from Lincoln.[5] He is also a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and the Dallas Association of Minority Engineers.[5]

In the field of philanthropy, given that he was only a few years removed from a childhood not without its financial challenges,[5] Bosh established the Chris Bosh Foundation in 2004. The Foundation's website describes the Foundation as "a non-profit organization promoting social enrichment, education and physical fitness among youth. The Foundation assists youth in reaching the educational and athletic goals they set through mentoring and setting examples in the community."[47] The Foundation, with programs in Toronto and Dallas, has worked closely with organizations such as the Toronto Special Olympics to raise important funding for community projects.[5] Bosh's mother, Freida, is the CEO of the Foundation.[47] As an avid reader, Bosh also regularly speaks to groups of Toronto children about the benefits of reading,[3] and has received the NBA Community Assist Award for his active contributions for the Raptors community development program in Toronto and Dallas during the course of the NBA campaign.[48]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Gallay, Mike, "The Birthday Bosh", nba.com/raptors, 24 March 2004, accessed 30 April 2008.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Chris Bosh Info Page – Bio, nba.com, accessed 3 August 2007.
  3. ^ a b Mawhinney, Janice, "Playing by the book; Raptors star uses money and charisma to make sure literacy is a winner with Toronto schoolkids", Toronto Star, 26 November 2005.
  4. ^ a b c d e Colbourn, Glenn, "A new Bosh in Raps' town", Toronto Star, 13 January 2004.
  5. ^ a b c d e f About, Official Website of Chris Bosh, accessed 3 August 2007.
  6. ^ a b c d Aldridge, Andre, "CHATTING WITH CB4", nba.com, 2 January 2007, accessed 3 August 2007.
  7. ^ a b c d e Chris Bosh Biography, jockbio.com, accessed 25 August 2007.
  8. ^ a b Player Bio: Chris Bosh, ramblinwreck.com, accessed 29 April 2007.
  9. ^ "Raptors Sign Chris Bosh", nba.com/raptors, 8 July 2003, accessed 20 March 2007.
  10. ^ a b Feschuk, Dave, "Vegas trip leaves Bosh bushed", thestar.com, 18 February 2007, accessed 20 March 2007.
  11. ^ "Chris Bosh's evolution into an NBA star", ctv.ca, 18 February 2007, accessed 20 March 2007.
  12. ^ Kahn, Mike, "The sky, Bosh? Raptors rookie just getting started", cbs.sportsline.com, 26 January 2004, accessed 20 March 2007.
  13. ^ 2004-05: End Of The Carter Era, nba.com/raptors, accessed 27 April 2007.
  14. ^ Wick, Norma, "All Flights Cancelled, nba.com/raptors, 10 January 2005, accessed 27 April 2007.
  15. ^ Ball, Mike, "Still An All-Star In This Town", nba.com/raptors, 17 January 2005, accessed 27 April 2007.
  16. ^ a b "Bosh Named NBA's Eastern Conference Player of the Week", nba.com/raptors, 6 February 2006, accessed 27 April 2007.
  17. ^ "Charlie Villanueva Nets 48 in OT Loss in Milwaukee", nba.com/raptors, 26 March 2006, accessed 3 August 2007.
  18. ^ Raptors Schedules & Results 2005-2006, nba.com/raptors, accessed 3 August 2007.
  19. ^ a b c d e Chris Bosh Info Page – Career Stats and Totals, nba.com, accessed 12 November 2007.
  20. ^ a b "Raptors Re-Sign Bosh to Multi-Year Contract Extension", nba.com/raptors, 14 July 2006, accessed 3 August 2007.
  21. ^ a b "Raptors Re-Sign Chris Bosh To Contract Extension", nba.com/raptors, 14 July 2006, accessed 3 August 2007.
  22. ^ Raptors Post Up, nba.com/raptors, 26 January 2007, accessed 26 April 2007.
  23. ^ a b "Raptors voted all-star starter" cbc.ca, 25 January 2007, accessed 27 April 2007.
  24. ^ Raptors Post Up, nba.com/raptors, 31 January 2007, accessed 26 April 2007.
  25. ^ Game Notes, nba.com/raptors, 31 January 2007, accessed 20 March 2007.
  26. ^ "Bosh named Eastern Conference Player of the Month", nba.com/raptors, 2 February 2007, accessed 20 March 2007.
  27. ^ Smith, Doug, Bosh's career-high 41 sparks 'M-V-P' chant, thestar.com, 7 February 2007, accessed 27 April 2007.
  28. ^ Post-Game Notes, nba.com/raptors, accessed 20 March 2007.
  29. ^ a b Smith, Doug, "Raptors' small-ball ices Heat", thestar.com, 29 March 2007, accessed 27 April 2007.
  30. ^ Raptors Forward Chris Bosh Named Eastern Conference Player Of The Week, nba.com/raptors, 2 April 2007, accessed 26 April 2007.
  31. ^ Raptors Post Up, nba.com/raptors, 15 April 2007, accessed 27 April 2007.
  32. ^ Phoenix Duo Highlights All-NBA First Team, nba.com, 10 May 2007, accessed 12 May 2007.
  33. ^ a b Grange, Michael, "Colangelo, Mitchell have issues to reconcile", Globe and Mail, 29 April 2008.
  34. ^ Ganter, Mike, "Bosh keeps up streak", torontosun.com, 15 January 2008, accessed 18 January 2008.
  35. ^ Two Hometown Hornets Named as Reserves for 2008 NBA All-Star Game, nba.com, 31 January 2008, accessed 1 February 2008.
  36. ^ a b Smith, Doug, "Season over for deflated Raptors", thestar.com, 29 April 2008, accessed 30 April 2008.
  37. ^ O'Connor, Joe, "Bosh still learning to be a leader", canada.com, 18 January 2008, accessed 12 April 2008.
  38. ^ a b Thomsen, Ian, "Leading man", sportsillustrated.cnn.com, 6 February 2007, accessed 20 March 2007.
  39. ^ Grange, Michael, "Bosh plays leading role in playoff push", globeandmail.com, 6 April 2007, accessed 7 April 2007.
  40. ^ Raptors Post-Up, nba.com/raptors, 8 November 2006, accessed 20 March 2007.
  41. ^ Feschuk, Dave, "Chris Bosh: Father figure", thestar.com, 6 April 2007, accessed 6 April 2007.
  42. ^ Post-Game Notes, nba.com/raptors, 16 January 2008, accessed 18 January 2008.
  43. ^ Bosh Named One Of The Divisional Winners For 2007-08 NBA Sportsmanship Award, nba.com/raptors, 3 April 2008, accessed 4 April 2008.
  44. ^ a b c d USA Basketball: Bio: Chris Bosh, usabasketball.com, accessed 20 March 2007.
  45. ^ 2006 FIBA World Championship, fiba.com, accessed 20 March 2007.
  46. ^ Chris Bosh leaves U.S. training camp because of left foot injury, sports.yahoo.com, 15 August 2007, accessed 5 November 2007.
  47. ^ a b Official website, Chris Bosh Foundation, accessed 20 March 2007.
  48. ^ "Chris Bosh Receives NBA Community Assist Award", nba.com/raptors, 19 July 2005, accessed 20 March 2007.

[edit] External links

Sporting positions
Preceded by
Vince Carter		 Captain of Toronto Raptors
2005-present		 Succeeded by
Incumbent
Awards
Preceded by
Ed Nelson		 Atlantic Coast Conference
Freshman of the Year
2003		 Succeeded by
Chris Paul
v • d • e
Flag of the United States United States squad - 2006 FIBA World Championship - Bronze medal Flag of the United States
4 Johnson | 5 Hinrich | 6 James | 7 Jamison | 8 Battier | 9 Wade | 10 Paul | 11 Bosh | 12 Howard | 13 Miller | 14 Brand | 15 Anthony | Coach: Krzyzewski
v • d • e
2003 NBA Draft
Draft Templates
83 • 84 • 85 • 86 • 87 • 88 • 89 • 90 • 91 • 92 • 93 • 94 • 95 • 96 • 97 • 98 • 99 • 00 • 01 • 02 • 03 • 04 • 05 • 06 • 07 • 08
v • d • e
Toronto Raptors current roster

1 Brezec | 4 Bosh | 7 Bargnani | 8 Calderón | 9 Baston | 11 Ford | 12 Nesterović | 14 Graham | 15 Garbajosa | 18 Parker | 20 Delfino | 24 Kapono | 33 Moon | 43 Humphries | Coach Mitchell