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THE PLAYERS | |
 Behind The Numbers Gilbert Arenas 0, Wizards Marcus Banks 3, Timberwolves Mike Bibby 10, Kings Andrew Bogut 6, Bucks Kobe Bryant 8, Lakers Jarron Collins 31, Jazz Tony Delk 00, Pistons Melvin Ely 2, Bobcats Pau Gasol 16, Grizzlies Manu Ginobli 20, Spurs Drew Gooden 90, Cavaliers Grant Hill 33, Magic Royal Ivey 36, Hawks Linton Johnson 43, Hornets Dikembe Mutombo 55, Rockets Eric Piatkowski 52, Bulls Paul Pierce 34, Celtics Shavlik Randolph 42, Sixers Earl Watson 25, Sonics | |
Some
players pick a number when they are
first starting out playing their
sport, and never change it the rest
of their lives. For Hawks PG Royal Ivey, that was not the case -
necessarily.
"In high school I wore number 12," says Ivey, who led Cardozo HS in Queens to their first-ever New York PSAL title during his senior year before doing a post graduate year at Blair Academy in New Jersey.
"When I went to the University of Texas for college, I decided to add 12 to that to represent making the move to the next level."
As a four-year starter at UT, Ivey and his No. 24 jersey were a part of more victories than anyone else in school history. But when it was time to jump to the NBA, he had a decision to make.
"I thought about choosing the place I got drafted as my number for the pros, but I didn't like No. 37 (which is where he was chosen by the Hawks in the second round of the 2004 NBA Draft). So I decided to stick with what I had done at Texas, and now I wear No. 36."
Wearing his No. 36 jersey, Ivey has started all but seven of the Hawks games so far this season and maintains an impressive 3-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.
