"He is the most improved player in the country [in 2019-20]. Jordan is also Nigeria's highest scorer in a single match after registering 36 points in a 2019 World Cup qualifier in Lagos. At Arizona, Iguodala planned to major in education. His most lethal move is his euro step, which he uses to slither to the basket in traffic. Andre Tyler Iguodala was born on the 28th of January 1984 to a Nigerian father and an African American mother in Illinois. On September 23, 2022, Iguodala re-signed with the Warriors on a one-year, fully guaranteed, 2.9 million dollar contract (the veteran's minimum) and announced his decision to retire after the season. The Warriors' small lineup, which came to be known as the Death Lineup, helped turn the series around. [60] The Warriors would again matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals where Iguodala was a key bench player during the 2017 NBA Finals, often guarding James and scored 20 points in Game 5,[61] helping the Warriors win the championship by defeating the Cavaliers in five games. !@Giannis_An34 @Paschketball pic.twitter.com/kxLuUoXP0A. One of them was a mobile gaming company that had a lot of success in Zynga. He was acquired by Golden State in 2013. Houses Andre Iguodala bought a mansion in Lafayette, California. You'll never hear a bad thing said about Russell Westbrook from anyone in this league that's played against him or with him. pic.twitter.com/mLYtH2hVnj, Mark Haynes (@markhaynesnba) March 4, 2023, De'Aaron Fox, Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, ASVEL, Business, France, Owners, Uncategorized, ASVEL, Business, France, Owners, Tony Parker, Ja Morant was allegedly seen showing off a gun in his IG Live this morning. After attending Lanphier High School in Springfield, Illinois, Iguodala enrolled at the University of Arizona. [103], Iguodala is a Venture Partner in the Catalyst Fund, which invests in underrepresented founders and entrepreneurs of tech companies. Of course I take responsibility. : Ja Morant thinks he could take MJ one-on-one and more Quotes of the Week, Steph: You need guys like Kerr and Iguodala to give you confidence, Warriors minus Iguodala (right knee) for Game 2, 2022 NBA playoffs: The best poster dunks from every series, Warriors' Iguodala, Porter, Payton available for G1. During the summer of 2000, Iguodala captured the attention of coaches around the nation as he was named the AAU national tournament Most Valuable Player after hitting the game-winning shot at the final buzzer to give his team the 17-and-under national title. Africa largest e-commerce platform welcomes Golden State super star Andre Iguodala as a board member. For other guys like Vincent and Achiuwa, it was a bit different. "It feels great to be the first Nigerian in this draft to be drafted," he said after being picked. Andre Iguodala will return to play his 19th season in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors, the veteran announced on his "Point Forward" podcast Friday morning. [24] Iguodala averaged 12.3 points and 5.9 rebounds on the season. It made me who I am, and its pretty much the foundation of who I am today, Achiuwa said. 6 small forward and the No. At Arizona he joined future NBA players Channing Frye, Luke Walton, Mustafa Shakur, Salim Stoudamire and Hassan Adams. Theyve been trying to get here for a long time now, Iguodala said. It was a grind, to be honest. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. The 21-year-old, 6ft 10 centre looks set to end up at the LA Clippers after he was originally picked by the Minnesota Timberwolves, who immediately traded him the New York Knicks before being moved on again. What building a culture really means, and make sure we have a roster that can accommodate those priorities. Once he picks up momentum it is unstoppable to stop the Greek Freek. A lot of companies were in this area. When people see us on the court, we want them to see Gods work. In the playoffs the 76ers were set to face the third seed Orlando Magic. His mother is African American, while his father is Nigerian. The second edition saw other athletes from the NBA like Kevin Durant and Jaylen Brown make debuts. Looking at the HEAT-Nigeria connection, as Precious Achiuwa was born in the country, while Bam Adebayo, Andre Iguodala, KZ Okpala, Victor Oladipo and Gabe Vincent have one or both parents from . In addition to his numerous basketball achievements, he has found success in the business world with entrepreneurial ventures in technology and e-commerce. [103], Together with partner Rudy Cline-Thomas, Iguodala has been able to invest in companies like Facebook, Twitter, and Tesla. Although the rookie had to adapt to a new culture when he moved from Port Harcourt to the United States in the eighth grade, he knows his upbringing played a vital role in who hes become. Antony Ressler: There should be clarity. Almost instantly, he became a hit, making his mark as one of the leagues premier players. Other players involved in the deal included All-Stars Andrew Bynum and Dwight Howard. During the 2011 NBA lockout, Iguodala had a week-long internship with Merrill Lynch.[28]. Free shipping for many products! He is often called the Greek Freak, a name that perfectly suits his style. [27] The contract had $5 million in bonuses and a player option for the sixth year. Andre Iguodala, whose father is Nigerian, turned down Team Nigeria when they repeatedly tried to recruit him for their Olympic squad. Andre Iguodala is born of a Nigerian father and an African-American mother. Founded in Lagos,Nigeria in 2013, Jumia is the African version of Amazon. [103] The second edition saw other athletes from the NBA like Kevin Durant and Jaylen Brown make debuts. He was named NBA All-Star in 2012. He had previously served as vice-president of the NBPA executive committee starting in 2013. Thats something that theyve talked about, having a Team Nigeria in Miami, and I think its cool, Erik Spoelstra said. It wasnt easy to make the team. The swingman was an NBA All-Star in 2012 and has been named to the NBA All-Defensive Team twice. [44][45] He was also the first MVP to not have started every game in the Finals. Philadelphia was set to face the No. Iguodala is a Nigerian name borne by people of Edo in South . Andre Iguodala, an 18-year veteran of the NBA, has made his mark as one of the league's premier players. "Myself, I just want to be able to get better, be able to be the best that I can be, continue to work hard, have a great work ethic.". Desmond Bane started playing baseball before he switched to basketball and was the 30th overall pick, drafted by the Boston Celtics, with reports that he will be traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. Iguodala was born in Springfield, Illinois on January 28, 1984. 153.122.85.11 The Sixers, however, were a big disappointment, going only 2755 during the regular season and missing the playoffs after two straight playoff berths. On February 17, 2006, at the Rookie Challenge, Iguodala won MVP honors for his 30-point performance in the Sophomores win. He protects the paint regularly, implements chase-down blocks, and can even snatch offensive and defensive rebounds. Continuing, he said You see that it is not something that is trendy. Bam Adebayo, simply put, has no regard for the basket. Though he made the team after sinking a game-winning three against Poland in the 2019 Peak Tournament, it wasnt all smooth sailing. I bring a mature, consistent approach, both on and off the floor, and I think that'll be beneficial early on," he said about the prospect of playing in the NBA. He finished the season averaging 17.1 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 5.8 apg, and 1.7 spg. [65][66] The Warriors went on to win their third championship in four years with a sweep of the Cavaliers. He was born to Nigerian parents who are pentecostal ministers in Minnesota, with his father Francis a former table tennis player for Nigeria. In his freshman year he quickly established himself as one of the best all-around players on the team, ranking in the top 5 for his team in just about every major category. Iguodala told . Its interesting. The Sixers fired head coach Eddie Jordan and brought in Doug Collins. The two have also invested in at least 25 different startups in the technology industry. [63] On December 11, 2017, against the Portland Trail Blazers, Iguodala played his 1,000th regular-season game, becoming one of 126 players in NBA history to accomplish the feat. In his freshman year, the Wildcats were defeated in the Elite Eight by Kansas. He has won three NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors and was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2015. Between Jan. 18 and March 31 of last year, Iguodala played in just two games. During his visit scheduled for next week, Iguodala will be interacting with tech entrepreneurs in the country at an event themed: Moving from zero to growth. [39], Entering the 201415 season, first-year Warriors coach Steve Kerr elected to move Iguodala from the starting rotation to the sixth man reserve position, in favor of forward Harrison Barnes. Andre Iguodala. Antony Ressler: Absolutely not. [38] The win extended the Warriors' season-high winning streak to 8 games. Landry has referenced the need for accountability. [11] However, after their coach, Nolan Richardson, was fired that year (2002), Iguodala decided to attend Arizona instead. Iguodala was named the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) First Vice President earlier this year. From there, you start doing your homework. It was an amazing experience, man. Antony Ressler: We just elevated Landry, elevated Kyle and we brought in a world-class coach (Quin Snyder). Iguodala was born in Springfield, Illinois. So it's just having that on my shoulders.". He has also been named to the NBA All-Defensive Team twice. Copyright 2023 SLAM Media Inc. SLAM, SLAMTV, SLAM MEDIA and the SLAM logo are registered On his 28th birthday, Iguodala recorded a 10-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double effort in a win over the Pistons. Philadelphia also traded veteran big man Samuel Dalembert to the Sacramento Kings for a younger center Spencer Hawes; the 76ers also acquired Andrs Nocioni in the deal. Everything you need to know about the Warriors' championship rings, Warriors vet Iguodala returning for 19th season, They said it! You get to experience different cultures. Getty Images. Along with his star teammate Jimmy Butler, Adebayo has taken the Florida team to three playoffs, reaching the NBA finals against the LA Lakers in the 2019-20 season. He was named to the Pac-10 All-Freshmen team for 200203.