Reggie Evans

Reggie on the court. (Hoopedia)

My hero is an NBA player who has brought a spark of energy and enthusiasm to a struggling and hopeless Toronto Raptors. He is a crowd favorite amongst Toronto fans and even when injured for most of the 09-10 seasons and with trade rumors circling, Raptors fans made it known they wanted Evans to stay. Reggie was bon in Pensacola Florida on May 18 1980. He attended Coffeyville Community College. During his time there he was transferred to the university of Iowa. During his time in 2001 he led the league in free throws attempted and free throws made. He also led the league in double doubles, which is a very hard goal to accomplish.

He led the Big Ten Conference in rebounding for two years in a row 2001 and 2002. He was an honorable mention for the all-American team. He was undrafted in 2002. He signed with the Seattle Supersonics (No longer a team any more.), which is where he spent the first four years of his career. He was praised for always being a terrific rebounder, during the 2004-2005 season he led the league in rebounds per minute. He has also played on two other teams before the Raptors including the Denver Nuggets and the Philadelphia 76ers. On June 9 2009, Evans was traded to Toronto for Sharp shooter Jason Kapono. His first season in Toronto he suffered a season altering injury. Evans only played extremely limited minutes during his first season. He played his first healthy game on February 10 2010. Since his arrival he has given a once dead and non-motivated team a much-needed kick in the butt. During a game against the 76ers Evans pulled down a career high 22 rebounds and scored 12 points. Reggie was two away from tying Toronto's all time record for most rebounds in a single game, which is 24.

Reggie has injured himself just as the season began, yet again. He is playing a key role on the team even though he remains out of action with a broken foot. With Reggie out for a majority of the season, the pressure is now on the shoulders of a young Joey Dorsey to fill in his shoes. At 6 foot 8, 278 pounds he is certainly a force to be reckoned with on the glass, but, can he become the leader on the court which the Raptors so desperately need and can Reggie make a speedy return to the team and fans, that need him as badly as they do. The ethics Reggie displays on the court; effort, hustle, determination and heart can be used by any person on anything they wish to achieve. He also serves a perfect role model for children with his energetic outlook on the game and life, which is why I believe Reggie Evans can serve as a role model and a hero to many people. He is never shy to show appreciation to the home crowd and getting them involved which Raptors fans didn't see that much even in Chris Bosh, which is why he is clearly the crowd favorite. The future for the Raptors will certainly be a rocky one with many ups and downs but if they play with a team effort they could possibly make an unexpected playoff run, hopefully with Reggie leading the way, and shock the basketball world.