David West (basketball)

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David Moorer West (born August 29, 1980 in Teaneck, New Jersey) is an American professional basketball player in the NBA's New Orleans Hornets. West is considered one of the game's most promising young power forwards, and his playing style is often compared to other power forwards such as Elton Brand, Karl Malone and Derrick Coleman.

Though he grew up in New Jersey, West went to high school at Garner Magnet High School in Garner, North Carolina and at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia and won 1st Team All-State honors in North Carolina.

[edit] College career

West attended and graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. There, he was a four-year starter on the basketball team. His jersey was retired immediately following his senior year, in which he led Xavier to a top 10 national ranking and a #3 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

West was named as a first team All-American his senior year and the 2003 Associated Press and United States Basketball Writers Association National Player of the Year, averaged 20.1 ppg. and 11.8 rpg. as a senior while leading XU to its second straight 26-6 season. West led Xavier to 94 wins in his four seasons while finishing as Xavier's all-time blocked shot leader (228 blocks) and second on XU's all-time scoring (2,132 points) and rebounding (1,308 rebounds) lists. West was also named as the Atlantic 10 Conference Player of the Year three years in a row.

In October 2007, Sports Illustrated released Sports Illustrated: The Basketball Book, which featured West on its NCAA All-Decade Team for the decade, beginning in 2000. He was joined by Connecticut's Emeka Okafor and three Duke players, Jay Williams, J.J. Redick and Shane Battier.

[edit] Professional career

West was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets in the first round, eighteenth overall in the 2003 NBA Draft. After recording modest production in his first two average seasons, in 2005-06 West enjoyed a breakthrough, averaging 17.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and .512 FG% in 74 games. That year, he finished second in the voting for the NBA Most Improved Player Award, behind Boris Diaw of the Phoenix Suns.^[1]He also saw some time at center, due to the team's lack of a true big man. That season he demonstrated an ability to perform under pressure, as he converted three game-winning jump shots.

In 2006-07, West ended the season averaging 18.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists. Despite missing 30 games due to an elbow injury, West managed to record five games of 30 or more points and 13 games of 20 or more points.

West again increased his statistical production in 2007-08, and was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game as a reserve, along with teammate Chris Paul. Paul later stated that he would rather not play with another power forward in the league other than West, because "he's not in it for the spotlight, all he cares about is getting buckets [scoring]."

[edit] Player profile

At 6'9" and 240 lbs, West is a power forward. His game is fundamental for the most part, as he isn't known for being a flamboyant player. West is known for his explosive scoring capabilities, with his fine midrange game and threatening inside presence. He is also an effective rebounder and consistent on the defensive end. West is an above average ball handler for his size, capable of converting with either hand.

[edit] Awards and honors

• NBA All-Star: 2008

[edit] Personal life

West graduated from Xavier with a bachelor of arts degree in Communications. He is also an accomplished musician who plays the tuba. He and his wife, Leslie, have one daughter, Dasia.^[2]

West comes from a family of above-average height. His mother, Harriet, is 6 feet tall (1.83 m), while his father, Amos, is 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m).

West has a Xavier "X" tattooed on his arm which displays, on either side, "My life, my way".^[3]His "DX" nickname is a combination of his "X" tattoo and the first letter of his first name, while he also claims to be the Hornets' "X-factor."

West is an avid video game player and lists Fight Night Round 3 as his favorite game.

West's favorite television shows are Everybody Loves Raymond and Martin.

[edit] See also

• List of college men's basketball players with 2000 points and 1000 rebounds

[edit] References

1. ^ Phoenix's Boris Diaw Wins the 2005-06 NBA Most Improved Player Award. Retrieved on May 2, 2006.
2. ^ In the Lane with Licht: "Mr. Clutch" Beats Buzzer Again
3. ^ Five Questions with David West

[edit] External links

• NBA.com profile
• Profile at ESPN.com
• 2003 Oscar Robertson trophy College Basketball Player of the Year
• hoopshype.com profile