Since joining the Toronto Raptors in 2003, Chris Bosh has captured the hearts of fans, his fellow players and the media with this enthusiasm for the game, dedication to teamwork and outgoing personality.
Chris Bosh Growing Up
Bosh was born in Texas in 1984 to Freida and Noel Bosh. At the age of four he learned to dribble a basketball in the gym where his father played pick-up games and has many memories of playing the game with his brother, Joel. Bosh also played baseball in his youth, but soon he began to focus on basketball. He modelled his playing style after his favourite NBA player, Kevin Garnett.
Bosh’s High School Career
Bosh attended Lincoln high school in Dallas where he led the basketball team to a number one ranking in the country with a perfect 40-0 season. Chris and his Lincoln High team won the Class 4A state title in front of 16,990 fans. As a high school player, Chris received many accolades including being named High School Player of the Year by Basketball America and Powerade Player of the Year in Texas. He was made a First-team all-American by Parade, McDonald's and EA Sports, a Second-team all-American by USA Today and SLAM Magazine, a First-team all-state player and he was called "Mr. Basketball" in Texas by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. With the combination of his excellent grades and obvious superior ball skills, Bosh was in demand when it came to college recruiting.
Bosh’s College Days
Several schools tried to convince Bosh to attend, but it was Paul Hewitt, coach at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), who finally landed the young basketball star. Bosh cited Georgia Tech’s impressive transition offense and the trust and respect he had for Hewitt in making his decision. Bosh studied graphic design and computer imaging at Georgia Tech while he led the Yellow jackets with averages of 15.6 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 31 games. He was also at the top of the Atlantic Coast Conference in field goal percentage (.560). Originally intending to complete his degree before going professional, his strong 2002-2003 season convinced Bosh that he was ready to try for the big leagues. He has promised his mother that he will someday complete his degree as he feels that education is important.
Bosh In The NBA
Bosh entered the 2003 NBA draft and was chosen as the 1st round 4th pick by the Toronto Raptors, where he remains to this day. His drive and determination paid off in an excellent rookie year in which he averaged 11.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.41 blocks and 33.5 minutes in 75 games. He was the leading rookie in rebounding and blocks. With 557 rebounds during the season, he set a franchise record for most rebounds in a rookie season. Thanks to this stellar performance, Bosh was selected for the All-Rookie First Team for the 2003–04 season.
When Vince Carter, the previous face of the franchise, left the team on poor terms in December 2004, Bosh was seen has the new hope for the fledgling team and soon became its most recognizable player. He used the opportunity to improve in every statistical category and he was named NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the first time in early 2005. Bosh continued to work on his game as he led his team in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage. In February 2006, Bosh participated in his first NBA All-Star Game. Bosh suffered a season-ending injury in March of 2006, but signed a three-year contract extension with the Raptors. In the 2006-2007 season, Bosh helped the Raptors win their first ever division title and in 2008 the team clinched the sixth seed for the playoffs. Bosh is Toronto’s all time leader in defensive rebounds, offensive rebounds, rebounds per game in a season, blocks, double-double and free throws made and attempted.
Bosh’s Charity Work
Bosh is active in several charities focussing mainly on children. He established the Chris Bosh Foundation in 2004 to help children achieve educational and physical fitness goals. The foundation has programs in Dallas and Toronto and Bosh’s mother, Freida, is its CEO.
Reading is also a cause close to Bosh’s heart and he regularly speaks to groups of children to encourage them to make reading part of their lives.
Bosh has also worked with and donated to the Toronto Special Olympics and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada.
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