Anthony Peeler facts for kids

Anthony Eugene Peeler (born November 25, 1969) is an American former professional basketball player. He played for several National Basketball Association (NBA) teams from 1992 to 2005. Anthony was well-known for his strong defense and amazing athleticism on the court. After his playing career, he became an assistant coach at NCAA Division II Virginia Union University.

High School and College Basketball

High School Achievements

Anthony Peeler was a fantastic high school player at Paseo High School in Kansas City, Missouri. He earned the special title of Mr. Show-Me Basketball. This award is given to the best high school basketball player in Missouri, which is known as the "Show Me State."

In his senior year, he was also chosen for the McDonald's All-American team. This team features the best high school players in the country. He played alongside future NBA stars like Alonzo Mourning, Billy Owens, Shawn Kemp, and Malik Sealy. Anthony also played in the 1988 Dapper Dan Classic, where he was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the West team.

College Career at Missouri

Peeler decided to play college basketball at the University of Missouri. He became one of the school's greatest players of all time. During his time there, he averaged 16.8 points per game. He finished his college career as Missouri's third-highest scorer ever with 1,970 points. He also set records for the most assists (497) and steals (196) in school history.

In his first year, he was named Big Eight Newcomer Of The Year. He averaged 10 points and almost 3 assists per game. He was also named first-team All-Big Eight twice. In 1992, his senior year, he was named the conference AP Player of the Year and Male Athlete of the Year. He was also recognized as a second-team All-American. That season, he averaged 23.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. He even scored a career-high 43 points in a game against rival Kansas.

Missouri finished that season with a 21–9 record. They reached the second round of the NCAA tournament. In 2006, Anthony Peeler was honored by being named to Missouri's 30-member All-Century team. This celebrated 100 years of basketball at the school.

Professional Basketball Career

Joining the NBA

After his successful college career, Anthony Peeler was chosen 15th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1992 NBA draft. He was considered one of the top shooting guards available in the draft. The Lakers believed he could be a valuable player for their team.

In his first year with the Lakers, Peeler played in 77 games and started 11 of them. He was the first Lakers rookie since 1983–84 to average double figures in scoring, with 10.4 points per game. He scored a season-high 25 points against the Indiana Pacers in January 1993. Peeler also broke a Lakers rookie record for 3-point shooting.

Playing for Other Teams

Anthony Peeler also played for the Vancouver Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, and the Washington Wizards. Throughout his NBA career, he averaged 9.7 points per game.

During the 2003–04 NBA season with the Sacramento Kings, he was the best in the league at three-point shooting. He made 48.2 percent of his three-point shots that season.

Life After the NBA

After retiring from playing professional basketball, Anthony Peeler went back to college. He finished his degree at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. He then started a new career in coaching. He worked as an assistant coach in China. Anthony has also shown interest in coaching for his former college team, the Missouri Tigers. He is currently looking for new coaching opportunities.

See also

In Spanish: Anthony Peeler para niños