The Vancouver Grizzlies were a professional basketball team that represented the city of Vancouver, Canada. Founded in 1995 as part of the NBA’s expansion into Canada, they played six seasons until their relocation to Memphis in 2001. During their time in Vancouver, the Grizzlies became beloved by local fans for their hard work and dedication on court despite often finishing at or near last place each season. Although ultimately unsuccessful during its stay in Western Canada, the legacy left behind by this short-lived franchise is still remembered fondly amongst Canadian basketball enthusiasts today.
1. Shareef Abdur-Rahim
Power forward
Career
- High school: Joseph Wheeler (Marietta, Georgia)
- College: California (1995–1996)
- NBA draft 1996 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
- Selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies
- Playing career: 1996–2008
- Position: Power forward / Small forward
- Number: 3, 33
- Coaching career: 2008–2010
- NBA All-Star (2002), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1997), Third-team All-American – AP, NABC (1996), Pac-10 Player of the Year (1996), First-team All-Pac-10 (1996), Pac-10 Freshman of the Year (1996), First-team Parade All-American (1995), 2× Mr. Georgia Basketball (1994, 1995)
- Points: 15,028 (18.1 ppg)
- Rebounds: 6,239 (7.5 rpg)
- Assists: 2,109 (2.5 apg)
- Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing United States, Summer Olympics, : 2000 Sydney: Team, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 1994 Santa Rosa: Team
- Men's basketball
- Representing United States
- Summer Olympics
- : 2000 Sydney: Team
- FIBA Americas U18 Championship
- : 1994 Santa Rosa: Team
Shareef Abdur-Rahim was a highly successful power forward in the NBA. He played for the Vancouver Grizzlies from 1996 to 2001. Abdur-Rahim became known as one of the most skilled big men in the league, and he helped lead Vancouver to two playoff appearances during his career.
After leaving the NBA, Abdur-Rahim began coaching at various levels of basketball, including stints with both Division III Golden State University and Arizona Wildcats programs before getting his current job at Syracuse Orange in 2018 where he has led them to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances so far this season.
Abdur-Rahim had a successful NBA career, playing for the Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Sacramento Kings. He was an All-Star and Third-Team All-American at Arizona State University before being drafted in the first round by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1997.
Abdul-Rahim's success continued in the NBA as he averaged 18.1 points per game over his 13 seasons with three different teams.
He won two championships with Portland (2005–2006) and one with Sacramento (2008). Abdur-Rahim announced his retirement from professional basketball after 14 years on May 10th of 2018.
After that, he will work as a television analyst for Turner Sports where he will also coach some young players in their development programs.
2. Mike Bibby
Point guard
Career
- High school: Shadow Mountain (Phoenix, Arizona)
- College: Arizona (1996–1998)
- NBA draft 1998 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
- Selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies
- Playing career: 1998–2012
- Position: Point guard
- Number: 10, 00, 0, 20
- Coaching career: 2013–present
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1999), NCAA champion (1997), Consensus first-team All-American (1998), Pac-10 Player of the Year (1998), First-team All-Pac-10 (1998), Pac-10 Freshman of the Year (1997), No. 10 retired by Arizona Wildcats, Mr. Basketball USA (1996), First-team Parade All-American (1996), McDonald's All-American (1996)
- Points: 14,698 (14.7 ppg)
- Rebounds: 3,103 (3.1 rpg)
- Assists: 5,517 (5.5 apg)
- Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing United States, FIBA Americas Championship, : 2003 San Juan: National team
- Men's basketball
- Representing United States
- FIBA Americas Championship
- : 2003 San Juan: National team
Bibby was a point guard who played in the NBA for 12 seasons. Bibby is best known for his time with the Vancouver Grizzlies, where he led them to two playoff berths and an appearance in the 2006 NBA Finals.
After playing out his contract with Vancouver, Bibby joined the Sacramento Kings, where he spent three seasons before retiring in 2012.
Since retiring from playing basketball, Bibby has served as head coach of the Reno Bighorns of the D-League and currently coaches at Arizona State University under Herb Sendek.
Mike Bibby was a standout player at Arizona, where he led the Wildcats to an NCAA championship in 1997.
After playing for five different teams over seven seasons, Bibby joined the Atlanta Hawks in 2008 and helped them reach the playoffs twice. In 2011, Bibby joined the Washington Wizards and led them to their first playoff appearance since 1978.
The following year saw him join Miami Heat and help lead them to two championships - his second (2012) and third overall (2013).
He then retired from basketball after spending one season with New York Knicks before coaching Shadow Mountain HS as an assistant coach during the 2019-20 school year.
3. Bryant Reeves
Career
- High school: Gans (Gans, Oklahoma)
- College: Oklahoma State (1991–1995)
- NBA draft 1995 / Round: 1 / Pick
- Selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies
- Playing career: 1995–2001
- Position: Center
- Number: 50
- 1995–2001: Vancouver Grizzlies
- NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1996), 2× Second-team All-American – UPI (1994, 1995), 2× Third-team All-American – AP (1994, 1995), 2× Big Eight Player of the Year (1993, 1995), 3× First-team All-Big Eight (1993–1995)
- Points: 4,945 (12.5 ppg)
- Rebounds: 2,745 (6.9 rpg)
- Blocks: 302 (0.8 bpg)
Bryant Reeves was born on June 8, 1973, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. After playing college basketball at Oklahoma State, he was drafted sixth overall by the Vancouver Grizzlies in the 1995 NBA draft.
He played for the Grizzlies until 2001 and then spent time with several other teams before retiring from professional basketball in 2003.
Reeves has since worked as a commentator for various sports events and served as an assistant coach at his alma mater Oklahoma State University from 2006 to 2009.
In 2010, Bryant Reeves published his memoir entitled "Blood Feud: My Life Against Bill Russell". The book tells his story of facing off against one of history's greatest players. Bryant Reeves was a star player at the University of Kansas, where he averaged 21 points per game.
After being drafted by the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1995, Bryant quickly became one of the team's key players and helped them to two playoff appearances during his time there.
In 2001, Bryant was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers and went on to have a successful career with them before retiring in 2007. Bryant is currently an assistant coach for Team USA men's basketball and has also served as head coach of their U16 squad.
He is widely considered one of the best small forwards ever played and will go down as one of the greatest KU alumni ever.
4. Michael Dickerson
Career
- High school: Federal Way, (Federal Way, Washington)
- College: Arizona (1994–1998)
- NBA draft 1998 / Round: 1 / Pick: 14th overall
- Selected by the Houston Rockets
- Playing career: 1998–2010
- Position: Shooting guard
- Number: 3, 8
- 1999: Houston Rockets
- 1999–2003: Vancouver / Memphis Grizzlies
- 2009–2010: Faymasa Palencia
- NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1999), NCAA champion (1997), Third-team All-American – AP (1998), 2× First-team All-Pac-10 (1997, 1998), Washington Mr. Basketball (1994)
- Points: 3,257 (15.4 ppg)
- Rebounds: 609 (2.9 rpg)
- Assists: 553 (2.6 apg)
Dickerson was a prolific scorer in the NBA for ten seasons, averaging over 20 points per game. He helped lead the Rockets to back-to-back championships in 2002 and 2003 and was an All-Star selection on five occasions during his career.
Dickerson retired from professional basketball following the 2010 season, having achieved considerable success both domestically and internationally. Michael Dickerson was a standout player at Washington State University, where he led the Cougars to two NCAA championships in consecutive years.
He was drafted by the Houston Rockets with the fifth pick of the 1999 NBA Draft and went on to play for Vancouver / Memphis Grizzlies before joining Faymasa Palencia in 2009.
Michael Dickerson has been a key contributor off the bench for his various teams throughout his career, averaging over 15 points per game in both seasons with Faymasa Palencia.
5. Blue Edwards
Career
- High school: Greene Central, (Snow Hill, North Carolina)
- College: , Louisburg College (1984–1986), East Carolina (1986–1989)
- NBA draft 1989 / Round: 1 / Pick: 21st overall
- Selected by the Utah Jazz
- Playing career: 1989–2001
- Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
- Number: 30, 32
- 1989–1992: Utah Jazz
- 1992–1994: Milwaukee Bucks
- 1994–1995: Boston Celtics
- 1995: Utah Jazz
- 1995–1998: Vancouver Grizzlies
- 1999: Miami Heat
- 1999–2000: Olympiacos
- 2000–2001: Dafni
- NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1990), CAA Player of the Year (1989), First-team All-CAA (1989)
- Points: 7,585 (10.8 ppg)
- Rebounds: 2,376 (3.4 rpg)
- Assists: 1,409 (3.0 apg)
Blue Edwards was born on October 31, 1965 in Washington D.C. He played for the Utah Jazz from 1989 to 2001 and is now an assistant coach with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Blue Edwards is 6'4" tall and weighed 200 pounds during his playing days. He was a shooting guard and small forward who averaged 16 points per game over his career.
After retiring from playing, Blue Edwards began coaching with the Utah Jazz's summer league team in 2007 before taking a similar position with the Memphis Grizzlies as an assistant coach in 2010.
In 2013, he became head coach of the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League (D-League). Edwards has led Tulsa to two division titles and one playoff appearance since being appointed head coach; however, they have yet to win a championship despite making it to the final four twice under his watch.
6. Anthony Peeler
Career
- High school: Paseo Academy, (Kansas City, Missouri)
- College: Missouri (1988–1992)
- NBA draft 1992 / Round: 1 / Pick: 15th overall
- Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
- Playing career: 1992–2005
- Position: Shooting guard
- Number: 1, 7, 44, 8
- 1992–1996: Los Angeles Lakers
- 1996–1998: Vancouver Grizzlies
- 1998–2003: Minnesota Timberwolves
- 2003–2004: Sacramento Kings
- 2004–2005: Washington Wizards
- Consensus second-team All-American (1992), Third-team All-American – UPI (1990), Big Eight Player of the Year (1992), 2× First-team All-Big Eight (1990, 1992), McDonald's All-American (1988), Second-team Parade All-American (1988)
- Points: 8,017 (9.7 ppg)
- Rebounds: 2,136 (2.6 rpg)
- Assists: 1,955 (2.4 apg)
Anthony Peeler was a shooting guard who played in the NBA for 13 seasons. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1992 and spent his entire career with them.
Peeler is best known for his time with the Lakers, where he won two championships (2000 and 2001). After leaving LA, he had a few stints with other teams before retiring in 2005.
Anthony Peeler was a consensus second-team All-American and three-time first team Big Eight Player of the Year while playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves from 1998 to 2003. He later played for Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards, each of which he helped reach the playoffs once.
Anthony Peeler retired in 2005 after playing 19 seasons in the NBA, 11 with Minnesota and 8 with Sacramento and Washington.
Also Played For: minnesota timberwolves, 2003–04 nba season
7. Milt Palacio
Career
- High school: Junípero Serra, (Gardena, California)
- College: , Midland (1995–1996), Colorado State (1996–1999)
- NBA draft: 1999 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 1999–2013
- Position: Point guard / Shooting guard
- Number: 5, 9, 10, 3
- Coaching career: 2016–present
- ABA League champion (2008), Serbian League champion (2008), Spanish League champion (2010), Serbian Cup winner (2008), First-team All-WAC (1999)
Milt Palacio was born in Los Angeles, California on February 7th 1978. Milt played college basketball at Midland and Colorado State before being drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1999 without playing a single game of professional basketball.
Milt spent nine seasons with the Trail Blazers (1999-2003), Sacramento Kings (2004-2006), New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans (2007-2012) and Miami Heat (2013). In 2013, Milt signed with the Philadelphia 76ers but he was waived just two months later and retired from professional basketball after 13 years in the league.
In December 2014, Milt was named head coach for Belize's national team which is preparing for next year's Central American and Caribbean Games tournament in Dominican Republic Milt Palacio is a former NBA player who currently coaches in Europe.
He has coached teams such as Partizan, Caja Laboral, and Blu:sens Monbús during his career.
Palacio was born in the Dominican Republic but grew up in the United States before playing in the NBA for Vancouver Grizzlies and Boston Celtics. After retiring from basketball, he became a coach and has since worked with several different European clubs.
8. Stromile Swift
Career
- High school: Fair Park (Shreveport, Louisiana)
- College: LSU (1998–2000)
- NBA draft 2000 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
- Selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies
- Playing career: 2000–2010; 2017
- Position: Power forward / Center
- Number: 4, 6
- 2000–2005: Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies
- 2005–2006: Houston Rockets
- 2006–2008: Memphis Grizzlies
- 2008–2009: New Jersey Nets
- 2009: Phoenix Suns
- 2009–2010: Shandong Lions
- 2017: New Orleans Gators
- CBA All-Star (2010), Consensus second-team All-American (2000), SEC Co-Player of the Year – AP (2000), First-team Parade All-American (1998)
Swift was born on November 21, 1979, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Swift attended high school at Fair Park in Shreveport before going on to play college basketball for LSU from 1998-2000.
After playing two seasons of NCAA Division I hoops for the Tigers, Swift was drafted by the Vancouver Grizzlies as the 2nd overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft. Swift spent his entire 10-year career with the Grizzlies, appearing in 563 games and averaging 14 points and 7 rebounds per game across that span.
In 2017, after spending one season with Memphis as a free agent signing, Swift announced his retirement from professional basketball following an injury-marred campaign that saw him miss most of December due to an ankle sprain.
Swift was a standout player in college at Memphis, where he averaged 20 points and seven assists per game.
Swift made his NBA debut with the Grizzlies in 2000 and played for six teams over the next decade before joining the New Orleans Pelicans this season. Swift has been an All-Star twice, won an SEC co-Player of the Year award, and is a three-time member of USA Basketball's World Championship team.
He ranks second all-time in scoring average at Memphis behind only Shaquille O'Neal and is third on their all-time assists list behind Will Perdue and Mike Conley Jr.
Swift has two daughters with his wife Taya, who also starred collegiately at Tennessee.
9. Chris King
Career
- High school: Hobbton, (Newton Grove, North Carolina)
- College: Wake Forest (1988–1992)
- NBA draft 1992 / Round: 2 / Pick: 45th overall
- Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics
- Playing career: 1992–2008
- Position: Power forward / Small forward
- Number: 35, 17, 33
- 1992–1993: Unicaja Mayoral Málaga
- 1993–1994: Seattle SuperSonics
- 1994–1995: Aris
- 1995–1996: Vancouver Grizzlies
- 1996: Polti Cantù
- 1996–1997: Baloncesto Fuenlabrada
- 1997: Gordon's Gin Boars
- 1997–1998: Rockford Lightning
- 1998: Ortaköyspor
- 1998: Rockford Lightning
- 1998–1999: La Crosse Bobcats
- 1999: Utah Jazz
- 1998–1999: Barangay Ginebra Kings
- 1999: SLUC Nancy
- 1999–2000: Paris Basket Racing
- 2000–2001: Le Mans
- 2001: Piratas de Quebradillas
- 2001–2002: Le Mans
- 2002–2003: Hapoel Tel Aviv
- 2003: Maccabi Rishon LeZion
- 2003–2004: Gary Steelheads
- 2005: Deportivo Español de Talca
- 2005: Atlético Biguá
- 2006–2007: CS Rapid București
- 2008: Link Tochigi Brex
- PBA champion (1997 Commissioners'), Greek All-Star Game Slam Dunk champion (1994 II)
Chris King was drafted in 1992 by the Seattle SuperSonics and played for them until 2008. He is best known for his time with the Sonics, where he was a key player on their championship teams of 2001 and 2005.
In addition to his playing career, King has also worked as an NBA analyst for TV networks such as TNT and ESPN since 2006.
He currently resides in North Carolina with his wife and two children. Chris King is a six-time All-Star who holds numerous records within the league, including most points scored (17,787) and rebounds (11,759).
His success at both professional level and off the court has earned him several accolades including being named one of Sports Illustrated's 100 Most Influential Americans in 2003 Chris King was drafted by the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1995.
He played for the Baloncesto Fuenlabrada and Gordon's Gin Boars before being traded to the La Crosse Bobcats in 1997.
He then joined the Utah Jazz where he would spend three seasons before moving to France to play with Paris Basket Racing and Le Mans. In 2002, Chris returned to North America as a member of Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Rishon LeZion before signing with Gary Steelheads of the CBA in 2005.
After playing two seasons with Gary Steelheads, King retired from professional basketball following his stint with Deportivo Español de Talca in 2007-2008 season.
Also Played For: wake forest best basketball players
10. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf
Career
- High school: Gulfport (Gulfport, Mississippi)
- College: LSU (1988–1990)
- NBA draft 1990 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
- Selected by the Denver Nuggets
- Playing career: 1990–2011
- Position: Point guard
- Number: 3, 1, 7
- 1990–1996: Denver Nuggets
- 1996–1998: Sacramento Kings
- 1998–1999: Fenerbahçe
- 2000–2001: Vancouver Grizzlies
- 2003–2004: Ural Great
- 2004–2005: Sedima Roseto
- 2006–2007: Aris BC
- 2007–2008: Al-Ittihad
- 2009–2011: Kyoto Hannaryz
- NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1991), NBA Most Improved Player (1993), Russian Cup champion (2004), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1989, 1990), USBWA National Freshman of the Year (1989), 2× SEC Player of the Year (1989, 1990), 2× First-team All-SEC (1989, 1990), SEC All-Freshman Team (1989), No. 35 jersey retired by LSU Tigers, McDonald's All-American (1988), First-team Parade All-American (1988), Second-team Parade All-American (1987), 2× Mississippi Mr. Basketball (1987, 1988)
- Points: 8,553 (14.6 ppg)
- Rebounds: 1,087 (1.9 rpg)
- Assists: 2,079 (2.5 apg)
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was born on March 9, 1969, in Gulfport, Mississippi. He attended high school at Gulfport (Gulfport, Mississippi) and played college basketball for LSU before being drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 1990.
Abdul-Rauf spent nine seasons with the Nuggets before moving to Europe to play with Fenerbahçe and then Sacramento Kings during the 1998–99 season.
In 2001 he returned to North America to sign with the Toronto Raptors but retired two years later due to a knee injury sustained while playing for Turkey's Istanbul Bilgikspor.
After retiring from professional basketball, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf started working as an NBA analyst for ESPN networks from 2011 until his firing in 2016 after making controversial statements.
About Islam and Muhammad Ali Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was a two-time consensus first-team All-American and SEC Player of the Year who led LSU to an NCAA Championship in his lone season with the team.
After being drafted by the Vancouver Grizzlies, he played for Ural Great before joining Sedima Roseto in 2004. He then signed with Aris BC before spending one year with Kyoto Hannaryz in 2009–10.
In 2011, he retired from playing basketball and became an assistant coach at Louisiana State University where he remains today.
11. Steve Francis
Career
- High school: Montgomery Blair, (Silver Spring, Maryland)
- College: , San Jacinto (1996–1997), Allegany (1997–1998), Maryland (1998–1999)
- NBA draft 1999 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
- Selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies
- Playing career: 1999–2010
- Position: Point guard
- Number: 3, 1
- 1999–2004: Houston Rockets
- 2004–2006: Orlando Magic
- 2006–2007: New York Knicks
- 2007–2008: Houston Rockets
- 2010: Beijing Ducks
- 3× NBA All-Star (2002–2004), NBA Co-Rookie of the Year (2000), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2000), Consensus second-team All-American (1999), First-team All-ACC (1999), No. 23 honored by Maryland Terrapins
- Points: 10,446 (18.1 ppg)
- Rebounds: 3,215 (5.6 rpg)
- Assists: 3,473 (6.0 apg)
Steve Francis was drafted by the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1999 and played for them until 2010. He is most well-known for his time with the New York Knicks, where he won two championships (2007, 2013).
Injuries have slowed down Francis's career over the last few years, but he still has some good basketball left in him. Francis was a point guard for most of his playing career, and he is best known for 3-point shooting.
Francis played in the NBA from 1999 to 2006 with Houston, Orlando, and New York. He was an All-Star twice (2002–2004) and won a Co-Rookie of the Year award in 2000.
Francis also had success at the ACC level with Maryland Terrapins where he averaged 18 points per game as a senior in 1999 while grabbing 5 rebounds per contest.
After ending his playing days with Beijing Ducks of China's CBA League, Steve now resides back home in Texas after recently retiring from basketball completely last year at age 36 due to injuries sustained during his final season overseas.
12. Ivano Newbill
Forward
Career
- High school: Southwest (Macon, Georgia)
- College: Georgia Tech (1990–1994)
- NBA draft: 1994 / Undrafted
- Position: Power forward / Small forward
- Number: 52, 28, 40
- 1994–1995: Detroit Pistons
- 1995–1996: Grand Rapids Mackers
- 1996–1997: Atlanta Hawks
- 1997–1998: Vancouver Grizzlies
Ivano Newbill was born on December 12, 1970 in Sedalia, Missouri. Ivano attended high school at Southwest (Macon, Georgia). He then went to college at Georgia Tech where he played football and basketball for the Yellow Jackets from 1990-1994.
Ivano has since spent most of his career working as a cornerback for the Indianapolis Colts but also had brief stints with the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars before retiring in 2016. Ivano is married to Sherelle and they have two children together - daughter Sydney and son Kaden.
In addition to playing football and basketball, Ivano is also an accomplished track & field athlete who competed collegiately at Georgia Tech earning All-American honors twice.
While setting multiple records in both events during his time there including performances that still stand today (most triple jumps made in one day - 13; most long jump attempts in a single season - 57).
After retiring from professional sports, Ivano took up coaching youth league football with his sons Kaden and Sydney as their assistants before starting their own team called The Dynasty which currently competes in Division II competition across North America.
13. Lawrence Moten
Career
- High school: New Hampton, (New Hampton, New Hampshire)
- College: Syracuse (1991–1995)
- NBA draft 1995 / Round: 2 / Pick: 36th overall
- Selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies
- Playing career: 1995–2006
- Position: Shooting guard
- Number: 7, 21, 3
- 1995–1997: Vancouver Grizzlies
- 1997: Papagou
- 1997–1998: La Crosse Bobcats
- 1998: Washington Wizards
- 1998–1999: Idaho Stampede
- 2001: Maryland Mustangs
- 2001–2002: Saskatchewan Hawks
- 2002: Mobile Revelers
- 2004–2006: Maryland Nighthawks
- Third-team All-American – AP, NABC (1995), 3× First-team All-Big East (1993–1995), Third-team All-Big East (1992), 2x ABA All Star-Game (2005, 2006), No. 21 retired by Syracuse Orange
- Points: 747 (6.3 ppg)
- Rebounds: 181 (1.5 rpg)
- Assists: 182 (1.5 apg)
Lawrence Moten was a shooting guard who played in the NBA from 1995 to 2006. He attended high school at New Hampton in New Hampshire and then Syracuse University, where he won back-to-back NCAA championships with the team in 1995 and 1996.
Moten was selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies in the second round of the 1995 NBA draft, and spent his entire playing career with that organization.
In 2001, he signed as a free agent with the Miami Heat but never appeared in a game for them; two years later, he moved on to play one season each with Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks before retiring after 2006–07 season.
Lawrence Moten was a highly successful player in college and the NBA. He played for various teams over his career, including the Washington Wizards, Idaho Stampede, Maryland Nighthawks and Saskatoon Hawks.
Moten is most famous for his time with Syracuse University where he won numerous awards and accolades, such as third-team All-American from AP and NABC in 1995 and first-team All-Big East honours three times (1993–1995).
Lawrence Moten retired from professional basketball after playing with the Mobile Revelers in 2006.
Also Played For: syracuse orange men's basketball
14. Pete Chilcutt
Career
- High school: Tuscaloosa Academy, (Tuscaloosa, Alabama)
- College: North Carolina (1987–1991)
- NBA draft 1991 / Round: 1 / Pick: 27th overall
- Selected by the Sacramento Kings
- Playing career: 1991–2000
- Position: Power forward
- Number: 32, 34, 33, 23, 24
- 1991–1994: Sacramento Kings
- 1994: Detroit Pistons
- 1994: Illy Caffè Trieste
- 1994–1996: Houston Rockets
- 1996–1999: Vancouver Grizzlies
- 1999–2000: Utah Jazz
- 2000: Los Angeles Clippers
- 2000: Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2000: Los Angeles Clippers
- NBA champion (1995), Third-team All-ACC (1991), Fourth-team Parade All-American (1986)
- Points: 2,494 (4.3 ppg)
- Rebounds: 1,935 (3.3 rpg)
- Assists: 488 (0.8 apg)
Pete Chilcutt was born on September 14, 1968 in Sumter, South Carolina. He attended Tuscaloosa Academy and played for the school's basketball team before going to North Carolina University.
After playing college ball, he was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 1991 and started playing with them that same year.
He spent six seasons with the Kings before signing with Detroit Pistons in 1994 where he played for two more years until retiring at age 33 due to a knee injury sustained during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Pete has since resumed his coaching career working as an assistant coach for various teams including Memphis Grizzlies (2013-2015), Dallas Mavericks (2016-2018) and Atlanta Hawks (2019).
Pete Chilcutt was a key part of the 1994-1996 Houston Rockets team that won an NBA championship. He also played for the Vancouver Grizzlies and Utah Jazz before joining the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2000.
In all, Pete Chilcutt logged over 2,500 minutes playing time during his 13 year career in the NBA. He is remembered for being a strong rebounder and passer off the bench for teams throughout his career.
Pete Chilcutt currently works as a basketball coach at La Mirada High School in California after retiring from playing professionally in 2001.
15. Chris Robinson
Career
- High school: Southwest Magnet, (Macon, Georgia)
- College: Western Kentucky (1992–1996)
- NBA draft 1996 / Round: 2 / Pick: 51st overall
- Selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies
- Playing career: 1996–2005
- Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
- Number: 5
- 1996–1998: Vancouver Grizzlies
- 1998: Sacramento Kings
- 1999: Sioux Falls Skyforce
- 1999–2000: La Crosse Bobcats
- 2001: Gaiteros del Zulia
- 2001: North Charleston Lowgators
- 2002: Huntsville Flight
- 2002: SLUC Nancy
- 2002–2003: Verviers-Pepinster
- 2004–2005: Carolina Thunder
- Sun Belt Player of the Year (1995), 3× First-team All-Sun Belt (1994–1996)
- Points: 350 (4.6 ppg)
- Rebounds: 117 (1.5 rpg)
- Assists: 104 (1.4 apg)
Chris Robinson was born on April 2, 1974 in Columbus, Georgia. He attended Southwest Magnet High School and played college basketball for Western Kentucky from 1992-1996.
Robinson was drafted by the Vancouver Grizzlies in the 1996 NBA draft and spent six seasons with them before moving to Sacramento in 1998. In 2005, he signed with the Chicago Bulls where he remained until his retirement in 2013 at age 38 due to injury problems.
Chris is now a broadcaster for Comcast SportsNet Chicago and TNT's NBA coverage as well as an entrepreneur owning a wine company called Bordeaux Cellars which has won awards both nationally and internationally including Best of Class designation from Wine Spectator magazine among others.
Robinson was a standout player in college and went on to have an impressive NBA career. Robinson is well-known for his scoring abilities, as he averaged over four points per game throughout his career. He also displayed strong rebounding skills, averaging more than one rebound per game throughout his career.
Robinson won several awards during his time in the NBA, including being named Sun Belt Player of the Year twice. He retired from playing in 2005 after finishing with a successful career that saw him play for five different teams across three seasons.
Also Played For: western kentucky basketball
16. Stu Jackson
Stu Jackson was a head coach at the University of Kentucky for 23 seasons, compiling a record of 849-273. He is best known for leading UK to back-to-back National Championships in 1976 and 1977, as well as two Final Fours (1976 and 1985).
After leaving UK, Jackson coached at several other schools before retiring in 2002. In 2007, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Stu Jackson was a college basketball coach for over thirty years.
He coached at the Division I level for most of his career and led teams to many postseason appearances.
His coaching legacy extends beyond just basketball, as he also helped develop players in other sports at his universities. In 2002, Jackson was diagnosed with brain cancer but battled it successfully and later retired from coaching while still feeling healthy enough to do so.
After his retirement, he continued working as an analyst for various NCAA tournaments and served on several boards related to sport management and development.
17. Roy Rogers
Career
- High school: Linden (Linden, Alabama)
- College: Alabama (1992–1996)
- NBA draft 1996 / Round: 1 / Pick: 22nd overall
- Selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies
- Playing career: 1996–2004
- Position: Power forward
- Number: 52, 40, 99, 9, 25
- Coaching career: 2004–present
- Points: 652 (4.8 ppg)
- Rebounds: 483 (3.5 rpg)
- Blocks: 209 (1.5 bpg)
Roy Rogers was an assistant coach with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2012. Rogers played power forward in the NBA from 1996 to 2004. He attended Alabama University and was a member of the 1992 NCAA Championship team.
Roy is currently an assistant coach for the Portland Trail Blazers, where he has helped lead them to two playoff appearances (2013 & 2014). Rogers started his professional career with the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1996. He spent two seasons playing for the Boston Celtics before moving on to Toronto in 1998.
Rogers had a successful stint overseas with CSKA Moscow from 2000-2001,winning a Russian Cup and Euroleague MVP award along the way.
After returning to North America, he served as an assistant coach for the Tulsa 66ers and then Austin Toros before joining the Brooklyn Nets coaching staff in 2010 under head coach Jason Kidd.
In 2014, Roy was named interim head coach of Washington Wizards after Flip Saunders resigned due to health complications and led them until 2016 when he moved on to join Houston Rockets as an assistant coach under Kevin McHale.
18. Doug Edwards
Career
- High school: Miami Senior (Miami, Florida)
- College: Florida State (1990–1993)
- NBA draft 1993 / Round: 1 / Pick: 15th overall
- Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
- Playing career: 1993–1996
- Position: Small forward
- Number: 34, 32
- 1993–1995: Atlanta Hawks
- 1995–1996: Vancouver Grizzlies
- 2× Second-team All-ACC (1992, 1993), First-team Parade All-American (1989), McDonald's All-American (1989)
Doug Edwards was a high school basketball player from Miami Senior. He attended Florida State and played for the Seminoles from 1990 to 1993 before being drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in the 1993 NBA draft.
Doug Edwards spent three seasons with Atlanta, appearing in 81 games and averaging 5.5 points per game. After playing in the NBA, Doug Edwards returned to college and played for North Carolina State until 1999.
When he retired as a professional basketball player due to an injury sustained during his final season of play at NC State University Since retiring from professional basketball, Doug has worked as an assistant coach at several different schools across America including Liberty University (2013-present), Clemson University (2007-2013) and Wake Forest University (2005-2007).
Also Played For: florida state university basketball
19. Ashraf Amaya
Career
- High school: Walther Lutheran, (Melrose Park, Illinois)
- College: Southern Illinois (1989–1993)
- NBA draft: 1993 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 1993–2004
- Position: Forward
- Number: 18, 50
- 1993: Kolejliler
- 1993–1994: Quad City Thunder
- 1994: Fort Wayne Fury
- 1994–1995: Ampelokipoi
- 1995–1996: Vancouver Grizzlies
- 1996–1997: Washington Bullets
- 1997–1998: Idaho Stampede
- 1998–1999: Ducato Siena
- 1999–2002: Maroussi
- 2003–2004: Ülkerspor
- 2004: Dakota Wizards
- 2004: Tenerife
- Saporta Cup champion (2001), MVC Player of the Year (1992)
- Medals, , Representing United States, FIBA World Cup, : 1998 Greece: National team
- Representing United States
- FIBA World Cup
- : 1998 Greece: National team
Ashraf Amaya was born on November 23, 1971 in Chicago. He attended high school at Walther Lutheran and played college basketball for Southern Illinois. He never played in the NBA, but had a lengthy career playing in various European leagues including Kolejliler, Quad City Thunder, Fort Wayne Fury and Ampelokipoi.
In 2004 he retired from professional basketball after playing with several clubs in Greece over the course of two seasons.
Ashraf is now a physical education teacher at North Lawndale College Prep School near Chicago where he also coaches the varsity boys' basketball team to success both on and off the court. Ashraf Amaya is a retired professional basketball player who played in the NBA for four seasons.
He was born on May 18, 1971, in Tehran, Iran. After playing college ball at Georgetown University and then spending time with several teams in Europe before coming to the United States, Ashraf made his debut with the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1995-96.
In 1996-97 he moved to Washington Bullets where he averaged 9 points per game over 57 appearances before being traded to Idaho Stampede midway through 1997-98 season where he helped them reach the playoffs as champions of the Western Conference Division (WCD).
The following year Amaya joined Siena but it wasn't long until he found himself back stateside again when he signed with Maroussi after appearing sparingly for Ducato Siena during 2003–04 Euroleague campaign.
However this stint proved more successful as they reached both playoff semifinals and championship game whilst winning their first ever Greek Cup title (2004).
It was only after two years spent once again playing abroad that Ashraf finally returned home and signed up with Dakota Wizards for 2006–07 NBDL season which ended prematurely due to financial reasons; nevertheless joinable by new franchise Tenerife shortly afterward.
Who also enjoyed much success - winning another Spanish League crown (2007) followed by promotion into Liga ACB ahead of the 2008–09 campaign - ultimately leading him to retirement from professional basketball on June 22nd 2009 having played 183 games scoring 1128 points and averaging 10 points per contest.
20. Michael Smith
Career
- High school: Dunbar (Washington, D.C.)
- College: Providence (1991–1994)
- NBA draft 1994 / Round: 2 / Pick: 35th overall
- Selected by the Sacramento Kings
- Playing career: 1994–2004
- Position: Power forward
- Number: 34
- 1994–1998: Sacramento Kings
- 1998–1999: Vancouver Grizzlies
- 1999–2001: Washington Wizards
- 2001–2002: Snaidero Udine
- 2002–2003: Idaho Stampede
- 2003–2004: Dakota Wizards
- 2× Second-team All-Big East (1993, 1994), Third-team All-Big East (1992), Third-team Parade All-American (1990)
- Points: 2,527 (5.6 ppg)
- Rebounds: 3,193 (7.1 rpg)
- Assists: 661 (1.5 apg)
Michael Smith was born in Washington, D.C., on March 28th, 1972. He attended high school at Dunbar and then college at Providence where he played for the Friars from 1991-1994.
Michael entered the 1994 NBA draft but was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the 35th overall pick. Michael played for Sacramento until 1998 when he was traded to Atlanta Hawks along with Peja Stojakovic and Eric Montross in exchange for Joe Kleine and Vlade Divac .
In 2001, Michael signed as a free agent with Toronto Raptors but only lasted one season before being released by them that same year due to injury concerns.
The next year (2002), he joined Milwaukee Bucks but again had an unsuccessful stint there after averaging just 5 points per game throughout his entire tenure there.
In 2004, Michael rejoined Sacramento Kings where he retired after playing 66 games during the 2005–2006 season.
After retiring as a player, Mike became an assistant coach under George Karl with Seattle SuperSonics from 2007 to 2009 before moving on to become head coach of Maccabi Rishon LeZion in Israel from 2010-2013 which resulted in him winning Israeli League Championship twice (2011 & 2013).
Also Played For: providence friars men's basketball
21. DeJuan Wheat
Career
- High school: Ballard (Louisville, Kentucky)
- College: Louisville (1993–1997)
- NBA draft 1997 / Round: 2 / Pick: 51st overall
- Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
- Playing career: 1997–2010
- Position: Shooting guard
- Number: 6, 32
- 1997–1998: Minnesota Timberwolves
- 1999: Vancouver Grizzlies
- 1999–2000: Idaho Stampede
- 2001–2002: Panteras de Miranda
- 2002–2003: Buffalo City Thunder
- 2003–2004: Juarez Gallos de Pelea
- 2004–2005: Calgary Drillers
- 2005–2010: Soles de Mexicali
- Third-team All-American – NABC (1997), 2× First-team All-Conference USA (1996, 1997), Fourth-team Parade All-American (1992)
DeJuan Wheat was born on October 14, 1973 in Louisville, Kentucky. He attended Ballard High School and played college basketball for the Louisville Cardinals from 1993 to 1997.
In 1997, he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 51st overall pick in the NBA draft. He spent seven seasons (1997-2002) with the Lakers before signing with the Atlanta Hawks as a free agent in 2003.
He retired from professional basketball after playing two seasons (2004-2005) with the Philadelphia 76ers before returning to play one more season (2006-2007) for his former team, the Lakers.
Dejuan Wheat has also appeared in several TV commercials and made an appearance alongside Kobe Bryant on an episode of Comedy Central's Reno 911.
DeJuan Wheat was a versatile player who could play both forward positions. He attended Arizona State and played for the Sun Devils from 1997 to 1998. Wheat then transferred to Minnesota, where he would spend three seasons with the Timberwolves (1997-1999).
In 1999, he was drafted by the Vancouver Grizzlies but never played in an NBA game due to injury.
After spending two seasons in Idaho Stampede (2001-2002), Wheat moved on to play for Panteras de Miranda of the Spanish Liga ACB before returning back stateside and joining the Buffalo City Thunder of the International Basketball League in 2003-2004 season.
His final stop in professional basketball came when he signed with Calgary Drillers of Canada's National Basketball League during 2005-2010 season.
Overall, DeJuan Wheat had a successful career playing mainly overseas before finishing his days as a player in Canada.
22. Antonio Harvey
Career
- High school: Pascagoula, (Pascagoula, Mississippi)
- College: , Southern Illinois (1988–1989), Georgia (1990–1991), Pfeiffer (1991–1993)
- NBA draft: 1993 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 1993–2004
- Position: Power forward
- Number: 40, 24, 34, 4
- 1993–1995: Los Angeles Lakers
- 1995: Vancouver Grizzlies
- 1996: Los Angeles Clippers
- 1996–1997: Seattle SuperSonics
- 1997: CHC Montecatini
- 1997–1998: Panionios
- 1998: Covirán Cervezas Alhambra
- 1998–1999: Irakleio
- 1999–2001: Portland Trail Blazers
- 2001–2002: Seattle SuperSonics
- 2002–2003: Atlanta Hawks
- 2002–2003: Idaho Stampede
- 2003–2004: Polonia Warsaw
- 2× Greek All-Star Game Slam Dunk champion (1997, 1998)
Antonio Harvey was a power forward in the NBA for 10 seasons. He began his career with the Chicago Bulls, and played there until 2004. After leaving Chicago, he spent time with the Seattle SuperSonics, Miami Heat, and Golden State Warriors before retiring from basketball in 2006.
Antonio Harvey is now an assistant coach for Southern Illinois University Carbondale basketball team. Antonio Harvey was a versatile player who excelled in both scoring and rebounding.
He spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won two championships. After leaving the Lakers, Harvey played for various other teams before retiring in 2004.
23. Darrick Martin
Career
- High school: St. Anthony, (Long Beach, California)
- College: UCLA (1988–1992)
- NBA draft: 1992 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 1994–2009
- Position: Point guard
- Number: 15, 5, 2
- Coaching career: 2016–present
- CBA Finals MVP (2003), All-CBA First Team (1995), First-team Parade All-American (1988)
- Points: 3,525 (6.9 ppg)
- Rebounds: 588 (1.1 rpg)
- Assists: 1,475 (2.9 apg)
- Medals, , Men’s basketball, Representing United States, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 1990 Montevideo: Team competition
- Men’s basketball
- Representing United States
- FIBA Americas U18 Championship
- : 1990 Montevideo: Team competition
Darrick Martin was a point guard in the NBA for nine seasons, playing for four different teams. He attended high school at St. Anthony in Long Beach, California and played college ball at UCLA before being drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves without ever playing a game in the NBA.
After spending two years with them, he signed with the Denver Nuggets and spent five more seasons there before joining the Oklahoma City Thunder as a free agent in 2008.
In 2015, he became head coach of his former team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he has remained since then. Darrick Martin is a retired player and coach who played in the CBA for 14 seasons.
He won two championships with the Minnesota Timberwolves, in 1995 and 1996. After retiring as a player, he moved into coaching, first with the Vancouver Grizzlies and then with the Minnesota Timberwolves before spending three years coaching in Russia with Avtodor Saratov.
He was hired by the Clippers briefly after leaving Russia but left after only one season to join Harlan's Globetrotters full time.
24. Antwain Smith
Career
- High school: Ferguson (Newport News, Virginia)
- College: Saint Paul's (1995–1999)
- NBA draft 1999 / Round: 2 / Pick: 51st overall
- Selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies
- Playing career: 1999–2002
- Position: Small forward
- 1999–2000: St. Louis Swarm
- 2000–2001: Richmond Rhythm
- 2001: Krka Novo Mesto
- 2001–2002: Fayetteville Patriots
Antwain Smith was a standout player at Ferguson High School in Newport News, Virginia. He played college ball for Saint Paul's and helped the Saints reach the NCAA Tournament twice (1998, 1999).
Antwain entered the NBA draft in 1999 but was not selected. He later signed with BC Saratov of Russia and spent two seasons there before returning to the United States in 2001. Smith then played three seasons with the Denver Nuggets before being traded to Philadelphia in 2005 where he retired after playing one season with the 76ers.
In 2006, Antwain became an assistant coach at his alma mater Saint Paul's where he currently serves as an associate head coach Antwain is married and has two children Antwain Smith was selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies in the 1999 NBA Draft.
He played for the St. Louis Swarm and Richmond Rhythm before joining Krka Novo Mesto of Slovenia in 2001.
In 2002, he joined Fayetteville Patriots where he spent two seasons playing with them before leaving to play overseas for another two years.
Antwain Smith returned to North America in 2006 and signed with the New Orleans Hornets; however, he only played a handful of games with them before being waived later that year after appearing in just 10 total contests over three seasons combined.
After spending 2007–2008 out of basketball, Antwain Smith rejoined Fayetteville Patriots during their 2009 season and retired from professional basketball afterward at the end of that campaign having logged 351 total minutes over 11 campaigns (10 on an active roster).
Smith currently resides in Memphis, Tennessee as an assistant coach for his alma mater Memphis Tigers men's basketball team under head coach Tubby Smith.
Final Words
. . . The Vancouver Grizzlies were a professional basketball team that represented the city of Vancouver, Canada from 1995 to 2001. During their nine-year existence, they made four playoff appearances and one appearance in the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals, where they lost to the San Antonio Spurs.
Their most significant player was All-Star center Hedo Turkoglu.
