Steve Francis facts for kids
Francis with the Knicks in 2007
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| Personal information | |
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| Born | February 21, 1977 Takoma Park, Maryland, U.S. |
| High school | Montgomery Blair (Silver Spring, Maryland) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Listed weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College |
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| NBA Draft | 1999 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall |
| Selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies | |
| Pro career | 1999–2010 |
| Career history | |
| 1999–2004 | Houston Rockets |
| 2004–2006 | Orlando Magic |
| 2006–2007 | New York Knicks |
| 2007–2008 | Houston Rockets |
| 2010 | Beijing Ducks |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Career NBA statistics | |
| Points | 10,446 (18.1 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 3,215 (5.6 rpg) |
| Assists | 3,473 (6.0 apg) |
Steven D'Shawn Francis (born February 21, 1977) is an American former professional basketball player. He was picked second overall in the 1999 NBA draft. In his first season, he was named co-NBA Rookie of the Year along with Elton Brand.
Francis was a three-time NBA All-Star while playing for the Houston Rockets. He also played for the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks. He finished his career with the Beijing Ducks in China. Francis was known for his amazing dribbling skills, strong drives to the basket, and exciting dunks. People often called him Stevie Franchise.
Contents
Early Life and College Basketball
Growing Up in Maryland
Steve Francis was born and grew up in Takoma Park, Maryland. As a child, he was nicknamed "Wink." After his mother passed away in 1995, his grandmother became a very important person in his life.
Starting College Basketball
Francis had a challenging start to his education. He attended six different high schools. He later completed his GED (General Educational Development) test. This allowed him to play college basketball for San Jacinto College. Coaches noticed his talent at an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) tournament.
He played for San Jacinto College in 1996–97. Then, he played for the Allegany College of Maryland in 1997–98. Francis made history by leading two undefeated teams to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Tournament. In one game for Allegany, he achieved a rare quadruple double. This means he had double-digit numbers in four different stats: points, rebounds, assists, and steals or blocks.
University of Maryland Terrapins
Joining the Terrapins
In 1998, Francis transferred to the University of Maryland for his junior year. His arrival helped the Terrapins become a top team, ranked #5 before the season started. Francis quickly made a big impact as Maryland's starting shooting guard. He scored 17 points in his very first game.
Success and Achievements
Francis and the Terrapins gained national attention with strong performances. They even beat #5 ranked Stanford. By early December, the Terrapins were ranked #2 in the country.
The Terrapins finished second in their conference, the ACC. Francis was named to the All-ACC first team. Maryland was a #2 seed in the NCAA tournament. They finished with a school record of 28 wins and only 6 losses. They were ranked #5 in the final poll.
Francis averaged 17 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.8 steals per game that season. He was recognized as a second-team All-American. He was also a finalist for major college player awards. Even though he thought he would return for his senior year, he decided to enter the NBA draft.
NBA Career Highlights
Joining the Houston Rockets
Francis was picked second in the 1999 NBA draft by the Vancouver Grizzlies. He initially did not want to play for the Grizzlies. Before the 1999–2000 season began, he was traded to the Houston Rockets. This was a big trade involving many players.
In his first season, Francis shared the NBA Rookie of the Year award with Elton Brand. He also finished second in the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest. The Rockets improved their record in his second season.
Becoming an All-Star
In his third season, fans voted Francis to start the 2002 NBA All-Star Game. He played fewer games that year due to a foot injury and recurring Ménière's disease (which caused migraines). The Rockets then drafted 7'6" Chinese center Yao Ming.
Francis and Yao Ming quickly became a great duo. They were both chosen as starters for the 2003 NBA All-Star Game. Francis scored a career-high 44 points in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The team improved their record.
Francis made the 2004 NBA All-Star Game for a third year in a row. The Rockets made the 2004 NBA Playoffs for the first time since 1999. This was Francis's only time playing in the NBA playoffs. The Rockets lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in five games.
Francis was later traded from the Rockets to the Orlando Magic. During his first time with the Rockets, he averaged 19.3 points, 6.4 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game.
Time with the Orlando Magic
Francis was traded to the Orlando Magic in 2004. He adapted to his new team and played very well. In his first season with the Magic, he averaged 21.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. He made several game-winning shots early in the season.
Playing for the New York Knicks
In February 2006, Francis was traded to the New York Knicks. He wore jersey #1 because his usual #3 was already taken. He dealt with a knee injury during this time. On March 10, 2007, Francis scored 26 points and hit a game-winning three-point shot against the Washington Wizards.
In June 2007, the Knicks traded Francis to the Portland Trail Blazers. Portland then bought out his contract, making him a free agent.
Returning to Houston
On July 20, 2007, Francis chose to sign a two-year contract to return to the Houston Rockets. He played in ten games before needing surgery for a leg injury. He tried to come back for the 2008–09 season but was traded to the Grizzlies in December 2008. He was later released by the Grizzlies without playing a game for them.
Playing in China
In November 2010, Francis signed with the Beijing Ducks in China. He played in four games before leaving the team later that year.
Personal Life and Legacy
Giving Back to Maryland
On September 27, 2001, a tornado hit the University of Maryland, College Park campus. It caused damage and displaced many students. Francis, who was on campus, helped by sponsoring a dinner for the affected students. He said he wanted to give back to the people who supported him when he was a student there.
On February 17, 2002, the University of Maryland honored Francis by retiring his #23 jersey. This means no other player will wear that number for the Maryland Terrapins. Francis was there to cheer as his former team won a big game.
Other Interests
Francis has explored different business ideas. These include a construction company, boxing promotions, a barbershop, and a clothing line. He also started a hip-hop record label.
Francis has experienced Ménière's disease, which can cause dizziness and ringing in the ears.
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See also
In Spanish: Steve Francis para niños
