Facts about Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson was born on June 7, 1975, in Virginia. He was picked to play for the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1996 NBA Draft. With a height of only 6 feet, he used expertise more than physical attribute to rank just behind the likes of Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. Iverson was declared the Most Valuable NBA Player, 2000–2001. At high school, Iverson played quarterback. He led the Bethel High School football team to the state championship. In 1993, Iverson was involved in an altercation. The sudden outburst of white versus black turned from shouting duel to a huge fight. Iverson was arrested for striking a woman with a chair. He was arrested at the age of 17 and convicted for combat lynching.

Iverson won a gold medal at the World University Games in 1995, in Japan. He led the US players in scoring and assists. With an average of 16.7 points and 6.1 assists per game, he became the leading scorers of the Hoyas. He turned professional early, before graduating. Iverson was the only after Victor Page, to leave Georgetown for the National Basketball Association so early. Iverson played with the Sixers for a decade and earned 'Rookie of the Year', 'League MVP' and '2x All-Star MVP' titles. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1996 and became a part of the All-Rookie First Team. He earned his first scoring title in the 1998–1999 season. He scored at the playoff games despite a number of injuries and physical set backs.

Iverson was selected to the All Star team of the Eastern Conference and went on to average at 26.2 points, 1.3 steals per game, 4.8 assists, 4 rebounds and 40 points in the first round, at Charlotte, in 2000. He became the only player that year, other than Shaquille O'Neal, to receive a vote as NBA Most Valuable Player. Iverson was named 'starter' at the 2001 NBA All-Star Game, and also won the game MVP. He also won the steals title at 2.5 per game and was selected for the All NBA First team. Iverson enjoyed his most successful season during the 2000–01 NBA season.

Most of the early years of Iverson's career was spent with coach Larry Brown. Iverson has been very vocal and generous in his praise for the coach, inspite of Brown criticizing Iverson for skipping team practice. Iverson and Brown worked extensively for the men's basketball team at the 2004 Olympics, in the United States. The subsequent fall under the guidance of new coach Randy Ayers, was again made up for in the 2004–2005 season, under the new coach Jim O'Brien. In December 2006, Iverson and Ivan McFarlin were sent to the Denver Nuggets, Iverson's first game as a Nugget. Iverson was a member of the winning team at the 1995 World University Games.

Iverson has battled with controversy all his personal and professional life. He has faced the challenges of racial bias, sentence to community service, criticism for controversial lyrics, suspension from the team, illegitimate casino gambling and repeat violations of dress code. Iverson is on record for stating that apparel "would not change a person's character regardless of what type of clothing they wore...and associating hip-hop styles of dress with violent crime is racist." Nevertheless, this much loved basketball star remains a favorite with fans and team mates. The averages contributed to the world of sport and the display of true sportsmanship with resilience and courage continues to add to the charisma of Allen Ezail Iverson.