Rafer Alston grew up in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York City, and was a standout streetball basketball player, known for his untraditional ballhandling moves that made him adept at outmaneuvering defenders.
22 Facts About Rafer Alston
2.
Rafer Alston's trademark skipping dribble when bringing the ball down the court earned him the nickname, Skip to My Lou.
3.
Rafer Alston played under well-known high school coach Ron Naclerio at Benjamin Cardozo High School in Queens, New York.
4.
Rafer Alston played college basketball for three seasons: one each at Ventura College, Fresno City College, and then for Jerry Tarkanian at Fresno State.
5.
Rafer Alston struggled early in his NBA career, but successfully transitioned from streetball to the professional game.
6.
Rafer Alston played off the bench for most of the time he was with the Bucks.
7.
Rafer Alston signed with the Golden State Warriors in 2002, but was waived in October before the season began.
8.
Rafer Alston played in 47 games, averaged about 21 minutes per game, and averaged 7.8 points per game.
9.
Rafer Alston did not disappoint, averaging 12 points and 4 assists on a young Miami team, led by rookie guard Dwyane Wade, that made it to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the 2004 NBA Playoffs.
10.
Rafer Alston was traded to the Houston Rockets for guard Mike James on October 4,2005.
11.
Rafer Alston finished the season ninth in steals among all NBA players, fourth in three-pointers made, and 23rd in assists.
12.
On November 12,2008, Rafer Alston was suspended for two games without pay for his role in a fight after a non-call foul with Matt Barnes and Steve Nash.
13.
Rafer Alston was traded to the Orlando Magic in a three-way deal on February 19,2009, and replaced the injured Jameer Nelson in the team's starting lineup.
14.
Orlando then defeated the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers to advance to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in five games, after Rafer Alston was replaced in the starting lineup by returning star Jameer Nelson.
15.
The move was a somewhat controversial decision by Stan Van Gundy, because Rafer Alston had led the team to the playoffs.
16.
Rafer Alston averaged 10.6 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.2 rebounds in the Finals.
17.
On January 26,2011, Rafer Alston signed with the Zhejiang Lions in the CBA for the remainder of the season.
18.
Rafer Alston played 8 games for the Lions and averaged 19.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists.
19.
In 2012, Rafer Alston signed with the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA D-League.
20.
On Sunday morning, August 5,2007, Rafer Alston was arrested in downtown Houston on misdemeanor charges of assault and public intoxication.
21.
Rafer Alston was arrested on August 7,2008, and charged with DWI.
22.
Rafer Alston was arrested yet again early Tuesday morning, August 28,2007, in New York for allegedly slashing a man on the neck during a nightclub altercation.