Cherokee Parks facts for kids
| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Born | October 11, 1972 Huntington Beach, California, U.S. |
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| High school | Marina (Huntington Beach, California) |
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| Listed height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Listed weight | 235 lb (107 kg) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Career information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| College | Duke (1991–1995) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NBA Draft | 1995 / Round: 1 / Pick: 12th overall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selected by the Dallas Mavericks | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pro career | 1995–2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Career history | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1995–1996 | Dallas Mavericks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1996–1998 | Minnesota Timberwolves | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1998–2000 | Vancouver Grizzlies | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2000 | Washington Wizards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2000–2001 | Los Angeles Clippers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2001–2002 | San Antonio Spurs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2002–2003 | Los Angeles Clippers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2003 | Golden State Warriors | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2011–2013 | U. S. Aubenas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medals
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Cherokee Bryan Parks (born October 11, 1972) is an American former professional basketball player. He played for nine seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was known for playing as a center or power forward.
Contents
Early Life and College Basketball
Growing Up and High School
Cherokee Parks was born in Huntington Beach, California. He grew up loving basketball. He went to Marina High School in Huntington Beach. During his high school years, he was recognized as a top player. He was named a Parade All-American twice, in 1990 and 1991.
Playing for Duke University
After high school, Parks went to Duke University. He played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils. His coach was the famous Mike Krzyzewski. In his first year, called his freshman year, he helped his team win a big championship. Duke won the 1992 national title. This was a major achievement for him and his team. He continued to play well at Duke. He was named to the All-ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) team twice.
Professional Basketball Career
Joining the NBA
In 1995, Cherokee Parks was chosen to play in the NBA. The Dallas Mavericks picked him in the first round of the 1995 NBA draft. He was the 12th player picked overall. This was the start of his professional career.
Playing for Different Teams
Cherokee Parks played in the NBA from 1995 to 2004. During these nine seasons, he played for several teams. He played for the Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Vancouver Grizzlies. He also played for the Los Angeles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards, and Golden State Warriors. His best season was in 1997–98 with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He averaged 7.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game that year.
Playing in France
After his NBA career, Cherokee Parks took a break from basketball. However, he came out of retirement in 2011. He decided to play basketball in France. He played for a team called U. S. Aubenas until 2013.
Life After Playing Basketball
After his playing career, Cherokee Parks stayed involved with basketball. He worked for the New Orleans Pelicans as a team liaison. This means he helped connect the team with others. Now, he works in player development for the NBA. He helps young players improve their skills.
Why the Name "Cherokee"?
Cherokee Parks once shared how he got his unique name. His mother named him "Cherokee" because of his family history. When she was pregnant in 1972, she learned something special. Her husband's great-grandmother was a full-blooded Cherokee person. Parks said his name was a way to honor this family connection. He felt it was important and a tribute to his heritage.
International Competitions
Cherokee Parks also represented the United States in international basketball. He won medals for his country:
- Gold Medal: At the 1991 FIBA Under-19 World Championship in Edmonton.
- Gold Medal: At the 1993 FIBA Under-21 World Championship in Valladolid.
- Bronze Medal: At the 1994 Goodwill Games in St. Petersburg.
See also
In Spanish: Cherokee Parks para niños
