Arizona Wildcats: Top 30 athletes in school history
Jun 16, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9) talks to the media after winning the NBA Finals MVP after game six of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Andre Iguodala is a phenomenal basketball player, and he is a beloved former Arizona Wildcat.
Andre “Iggy” Iguodala is an NBA Champion (2015), an All-star (2012), and has been named to the NBA All-Defensive Team twice. He just recently won an NBA championship ring with fellow Arizona Wildcats Steve Kerr and Luke Walton. Andre doesn’t like his nickname, but he cannot seem to escape it, his fans love to call him Iggy.
June 14, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9) moves to the basket against the defense of Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) in the second half in game five of the NBA Finals. At Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Iguodala’s teams have gone to the playoffs eight times in the last eleven seasons he has played in the NBA; he is currently playing in his twelfth season for the Golden State Warriors as a shooting guard. His career started with the Philadelphia 76ers, drafted 9th overall by the Sixers and played in Philly for eight seasons. T.J. McConnell also is getting his start in the NBA on the Sixers were just 17 games into the season he already ranks No. 1 in assists.
After his stint with the Sixers, Iguodala then played one season for the Denver Nuggets. The last three seasons he has played for the Warriors where he earned the NBA Championship MVP award as a bench player.
In addition to the NBA, Iguodala was also a team member of Team USA representing the United States national team in 2012 Summer Olympics and 2010 FIBA World Championship; he won a gold medal in both.
Iguodala originally signed a National Letter of Intent to play at Arkansas, but Arkansas fired their head coach Nolan Richardson. So, Iguodala decided to play for the Arizona Wildcats to play with Luke Walton, Mustafa Shakur, Salim Stoudamire, Channing Frye, and Hassan Adams. He was already friends with Adams before joining the Wildcats. He only played at Arizona for his freshman and sophomore year (2002-2004).
In his two years at Arizona, Iguodala played in 62 games overall scoring a total of 594 points, making 409 rebounds, 213 assists, 95 steals and 29 blocks. He was selected to the First-team All-Pac-10 in 2004 and recorded three triple-doubles.
Wildcats fans will continue to root and cheer for the Iggy and the Golden State Warriors.
Next: Nick Foles - Football