Wayne Simien facts for kids
Simien in 2009
|
|
| 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 an American who used to play professional basketball. He played for the Miami Heat and helped them win the NBA championship in 2006. Before playing professionally, Simien was a star player at the University of Kansas. He was recognized as one of the best college players in the country during his senior year in 2005. His last team was Cáceres Ciudad de Baloncesto in Spain.
Contents
High School Basketball Star
Wayne Simien grew up near Lawrence, Kansas, so he was a big fan of the University of Kansas basketball team. He decided he wanted to play for Kansas as early as middle school!
In high school, Wayne played for the Leavenworth Pioneers. He was a very talented player. In 2001, he was chosen for the McDonald's All-American Team, which features the best high school basketball players in the nation. He also led his high school team to win a state championship.
College Career at Kansas
At the University of Kansas, Wayne Simien became a top college basketball player. He earned special awards in his junior and senior years, being named an All-American. 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.
Wayne's college team had a lot of success. They won three Big 12 Championships. They also made it to the NCAA Tournament four times. This included reaching the Final Four twice and the Elite Eight once. Wayne finished his college career with 110 wins. He was the 12th highest scorer in Kansas history, with 1,593 points. To honor his amazing career, Kansas retired his number 23 jersey on January 29, 2011.
Professional Basketball Journey
In 2005, the Miami Heat picked Wayne Simien in the NBA draft. He was the 29th player chosen overall. With the Heat, he achieved a huge goal: winning an NBA championship in 2006! During that season, he played in 43 games.
After his time with the Heat, Wayne faced some challenges. He had a salmonella infection and later a hamstring injury, which kept him from playing. He was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves but was later released.
In 2008, Wayne moved to Spain to play for Cáceres 2016 Basket. He decided to retire from professional basketball on May 5, 2009. He wanted to focus on his Christian ministry, called Called To Greatness. In August 2021, he returned to the University of Kansas to work in their Athletic Department.
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
