Gary Leonard

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Gary Francis Leonard (born February 16, 1967 in Belleville, Illinois) is a former professional basketball player. Leonard stands 7'1" and weighs 295 lbs. An all-state and All-America prep basketball selection as a senior at Belleville East High School, Leonard went on to a successful college and professional career.

In 1989 Leonard emerged as one of the leading centers available for the 1989 NBA Draft with a strong senior season at the University of Missouri posting career highs in points (10.4 ppg) and rebounds (5.5 rpg). His .593 shooting from the field and 42 blocked shots.

Leonard, was the only Missouri player to start every game in 1988-89, was a part-time starter during his first three years. His .628 field goal percentage as a junior was among the nation's leaders in 1987-88. He helped Missouri advance to the "Sweet 16" of the NCAA tournament that season only to lose to Syracuse University in the NCAA tourney.

Drafted with the 34th overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1989, Leonard spent one season in Minnesota and the parts of the next 3 seasons with the Atlanta Hawks. After a brief career overseas in Greece and in South America, Leonard retired to Columbia, Missouri in 1997 with his wife Jan and their 3 children. Currently he is an investment banker for a local firm in Columbia. Leonard can also be heard as a part-time color analyst on Missouri Tiger basketball broadcast.

[edit] External links

• College & NBA stats @ basketballreference.com