T.J Ford

T.J. Ford on Texas (http://www.texassports.com/images/mbbimages/2002_03/012/ford_tj_340_21.jpg)

“For the 8th pick in the 2003 NBA Draft the Milwaukee Bucks select T.J. Ford”. T.J. Ford was born on March 24th 1983 in Houston Texas. He went to Willowridge High School, after that he went to the University of Texas. He played for them in the 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 seasons. In his freshman year (2001-2002) he led the NCAA nation in assists, and was the first freshman to do so. In 2003 his second year playing for the Longhorns he won the Naismith College Player of the Year award and the John R. Wooden Award. He also led Texas to its first final four appearance since 1947. Then in 2003 he was drafted by the Milwaukee Buck 8th overall. He was leading the team with 6.5 assists a game, until one fateful day.

T.J. Ford On Milwaukee (http://www.endscore.com/blogimages/tj_ford.jpg)

During a home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves On February 24th 2004 he fell hard on his tailbone after being fouled by Mark Madsen. He suffered a contusion of the spinal cord, which was a career threatening injury. This injury made him sit out the entire 2004-2005 season, but on June 6th 2005 Dr. Robert Watkins of the Los Angeles Spine Surgery Institute said that T.J. was fully recovered. He rejoined his team in training camp playing like he was never injured at all. In his first game back he got 16 points 14 rebounds and 9 assists. He continued this intensity throughout the season. But then on June 30, 2006, Ford was traded to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for forward Charlie Villanueva and cash. He has now started the season flying with the Raptors averaging 16 points 4 rebounds and 9 assists in his first two games. He will hopefully stay healthy for the Raptors and be a big part of the team.

T.J. Ford On the Toronto Raptors ( http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/images/hs/hs1490647_1.jpg)

T.J. Ford is my hero because he didn’t give up. Even when most people said he wouldn’t be able to come back after his injury. He just kept working hard to get better, and eventually he was able to return to the game he loved. With his heart he was able to rejoin his team with great intensity, and also bring this intensity with an open mind to the Toronto Raptors.