Wayne Simien facts for kids
Simien in 2009
|
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| No. 25 | |
|---|---|
| Power forward | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | March 9, 1983 Leavenworth, Kansas, U.S. |
| Listed height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Listed weight | 260 lb (118 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Kansas (2001–2005) |
| NBA Draft | 2005 / Round: 1 / Pick: 29th overall |
| Selected by the Miami Heat | |
| Pro career | 2005–2009 |
| Career history | |
| 2005–2007 | Miami Heat |
| 2008–2009 | Cáceres Ciudad del Baloncesto |
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
|
| Career NBA statistics | |
| Points | 169 |
| Rebound | 99 |
| Assists/Steals | 11/15 |
Wayne Anthony Simien Jr. (born March 9, 1983) is a former American professional basketball player. He played as a power forward. Wayne was a member of the Miami Heat team that won the NBA championship in 2006. Before playing professionally, he was a star player at the University of Kansas. He was named an All-American in his final year there.
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Early Life and High School Basketball
Wayne Simien grew up near Lawrence, Kansas. He was a big fan of the University of Kansas basketball team. He decided to play for Kansas even when he was in middle school.
In 2001, he was chosen for the McDonald's All-American Team. This team features the best high school players in the country. Wayne played for the Leavenworth Pioneers. He helped his team win a state championship in his junior year.
College Success at Kansas
At the University of Kansas, Wayne Simien became a top college player. He earned All-American honors in his junior and senior years. He was also a finalist for the Wooden Award, which goes to the best college player. In his senior year, he was named the Big 12 Player of the Year.
His college career ended when Kansas lost in the first round of the 2005 NCAA tournament. During his time at Kansas, he helped his team win three Big 12 Championships. They also made it to the NCAA Tournament four times. This included two trips to the Final Four.
Wayne finished his college career with 110 wins. He scored 1,593 points, making him the 12th highest scorer in Kansas history. On January 29, 2011, Kansas honored him by retiring his number 23 jersey.
Professional Basketball Career
Wayne Simien was chosen by the Miami Heat in the 2005 NBA draft. He was the 29th player picked overall. With the Heat, he won an NBA championship in 2006. During his first season, he played in 43 games. He averaged about 3 points and 2 rebounds per game.
He later faced some challenges, including a salmonella infection. This kept him from playing in the 2006 Summer League. He was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2007 but was then waived.
In 2008, Wayne played for Cáceres 2016 Basket in Spain. He decided to retire from professional basketball on May 5, 2009. He wanted to focus on his Christian ministry called Called To Greatness. In 2021, he returned to the University of Kansas Athletic Department. He now works as the Associate Athletics Director for Engagement and Outreach.
Personal Life
Wayne Simien is a Christian. He married his wife, Katie, on July 8, 2006. They have five children together.
See also
In Spanish: Wayne Simien para niños
