From a young age, Sonics point guard Luke Ridnour knew he wanted to play basketball. That explains why the youthful Ridnour plays the game in a throwback fashion and with the demeanor of a wizened veteran. A native of tiny Blaine, Wash., which is near the border with Canada, Ridnour was Pac-10 Player of the Year as a junior at Oregon. The Sonics made him their point guard of the future when they took him with the 14th pick of the 2003 Draft. After showing flashes of brilliance as a rookie, including a 16-point, 13-assist effort against NBA comparison Steve Nash, Ridnour became the Sonics starter at the point during his second season and started all 82 games in 2004-05. His strong first-half play earned him a spot on the Sophomore squad in the got milk? Rookie Challenge. Ridnour continued his development in 2005-06, ranking ninth in the NBA with 7.0 apg. On Oct. 30, 2006, Ridnour signed a multi-year contract extension to stay in Seattle.
Ridnour One-on-One With David Locke
2004-05 Gallery: Luke Ridnour
