NBA: Ray Allen, A Model Athlete For Fans Everywhere
It all started on November 1, 1996 in Philadelphia, where a scrawny shooting guard for the Milwaukee Bucks pulled up and swished a 3-point jump shot.
Walter Ray Allen, better known to the basketball world as just Ray Allen, took a small step that night.
Step 1 of 2,561.
Fast forward to 2011, where the TD Bank Garden was filled with spectators awaiting history. The stage was set, NBA's most coveted rivalry matched up the Boston Celtics against reigning NBA champions the Los Angeles Lakers, was just a mere side note compared to what was awaited for on this cold New England night.
Lakers point guard Shannon Brown had the ball stripped by Celtics guard Von Wafer, and Boston went on a fast break. Wafer dished to point guard Rajon Rondo, as they passed half-court.
And all alone stood Ray Allen.
The 15-year veteran pulled up and drained his record 2,561st three-pointer, surpassing the ever so great Reggie Miller. The crowd erupted in a wave of green and white; screams and chants echoed through Boston and history was made. Chills flew up people's spines, and you just couldn't help but be happy as Ray Allen back-pedaled to get into defensive position and clapped his hands in triumph.
Nothing flashy, nothing over-the-top, nothing boastful.
As humble and graceful as ever, Allen acted as though it were just another shot, and treated it as such. Luckily Reggie Miller, the predecessor of the record, was at the announcers table to witness the entire experience and shortly after shared a moment as the two phenomenal athletes hugged and exchanged a few words.
Somewhere outside that arena, a future star of the league was watching and probably wondering what it would be like to be in Ray Allen shoes one day, and that person probably will be.
After all, records are made to be broken.
And hopefully, they'll be as deserving of the record as Ray Allen.
One can only imagine the work, time and dedication it takes to reach this milestone, but to keep an image of good personal character is the challenge. An iconic player in the game today, Allen radiates professionalism and greatness, and gives the league a better image.
Allen works as a spokesperson for the NBA Junior program, and was selected to be the spokesman for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. He also started his own charity in several communities through the United States called 'Ray of Hope.'
So I write here to all aspiring basketball stars who will one day give the shooting guard a run for his money—should you reflect yourself as a hot headed know-it-all who never matures off the court? Or can you defy the stereotype of NBA players?
There's just a 'Ray of Hope' for a handful of the future superstars, but just remember Ray Allen, a true superstar on and off the court.
