Glen Rice
Glen Rice
Glen Rice Sr. is an American former professional basketball player known for his prolific scoring ability and sharpshooting from beyond the arc. Born on May 28, 1967, Rice enjoyed a successful career in the National Basketball Association (NBA), primarily playing as a small forward.
Throughout his 15-year NBA career, Rice earned recognition as a three-time NBA All-Star, showcasing his offensive prowess and consistent shooting stroke. His proficiency from long range was evident in his impressive tally of 1,559 three-point field goals made, cementing his reputation as one of the league's premier shooters.
Rice achieved significant success both at the collegiate and professional levels, capturing an NCAA championship during his collegiate career and later securing an NBA championship as a member of an NBA team.
In more recent years, Glen Rice Sr. has ventured into mixed martial arts fight promotion, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and diverse interests as the owner of G-Force Fights, a fight promotion company based in Miami, Florida.
Overall, Rice's legacy in basketball is defined by his scoring prowess, perimeter shooting, and contributions to championship-winning teams, making him a respected figure in the world of sports.
Glen Rice Sr. made a significant impact during his collegiate basketball career at the University of Michigan Wolverines from 1985 to 1989. As a starter for three out of his four seasons with the Wolverines, Rice left an indelible mark on the program.
One of Rice's most notable achievements was becoming the school's all-time leading scorer with an impressive total of 2,442 points. His scoring prowess was particularly evident during the 1989 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship, where he played a pivotal role in leading Michigan to victory. Rice set an NCAA tournament record by scoring an astonishing 184 points throughout the tournament, a remarkable feat that still stands to this day.
Rice's outstanding performance during the NCAA tournament earned him the title of Most Outstanding Player, further solidifying his status as one of the standout players in college basketball. Additionally, he received recognition from the Associated Press as a member of the All-America second-team for his stellar season, during which he averaged 25.6 points while boasting impressive shooting percentages of 58% from the field and 52% from beyond the arc.
Despite his remarkable collegiate career, Rice faced disappointment when he was cut from the 1988 United States Olympic basketball team during tryouts. Nevertheless, his contributions to the University of Michigan basketball program were duly recognized, culminating in the retirement of his No. 41 jersey during a ceremony at Michigan's Crisler Arena on February 20, 2005.
Rice's achievements extended beyond the basketball court, as he was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated on April 10, 1989, a testament to his widespread recognition and impact on the sport.
Glen Rice's early years with the Miami Heat were marked by steady improvement both individually and as a team. Joining the Heat as an offensive asset, Rice quickly established himself as a reliable scorer alongside teammates like Sherman Douglas and Rony Seikaly.
During his rookie season, Rice started in 60 games and averaged 13.6 points per game, demonstrating his ability to contribute to the team's offense. Although the Heat struggled, winning only 18 games, Rice's promising performance provided hope for the future. The following season saw modest progress for the team, with Rice starting in every game he played and increasing his scoring output to 17.4 points per game while leading the team in three-point field goals.
However, it was during the 1991–92 season that Rice and the Heat truly made their mark. With Rice emerging as the team's leading scorer, averaging 22.3 points per game and ranking second in the league in three-point field goals, the Heat improved significantly, winning 38 games and earning their first playoff berth. Although they were swept in the playoffs by the defending champion Chicago Bulls, the experience was valuable for the young team.
Despite fluctuations in the team's performance in the subsequent years, Rice remained a consistent offensive threat. In the 1993–94 season, he averaged 21.1 points per game and led the Heat back to the playoffs, where they won their first-ever playoff game. The following season, Rice continued to excel, averaging 22.3 points per game and showcasing his sharpshooting skills by winning the NBA All-Star Long Distance Shootout.
One of the highlights of Rice's career came during a game against the Orlando Magic in the 1994–95 season, where he scored a career-high 56 points, including seven three-pointers. Despite his individual success, the Heat fell short of making the playoffs that season.
Overall, Rice's tenure with the Miami Heat was marked by his scoring prowess and contributions to the team's growth and success, setting the stage for a successful career in the NBA.
References
- "Rice claims scoring mark". The New York Times. April 4, 1989. Retrieved February 25, 2007.
- ^ "NCAA Tournament Records". Retrieved February 8, 2010.
- ^ "Thompson makes cuts". The New York Times. May 23, 1988. Retrieved February 25, 2007.
- ^ Holman, Josh (February 21, 2005). "Blue retires Rice's jersey". The Michigan Daily. Retrieved February 25, 2007.
- ^ "On the Cover: Glen Rice". CNN. Retrieved February 4, 2010.
- ^ "Men's Basketball Statistic Archive Query Page". University of Michigan. Archived from the original on April 18, 2010.
- ^ "1997 NBA All-Star Game". NBA.com. Retrieved February 15, 2007.
- ^ "57 Memorable All-Star Moments". NBA.com. Retrieved February 4, 2010.
- ^ "Ex-Hornet Rice stings his old team". Retrieved February 7, 2010.
- ^ "Say it ain't so: Laker transactions that broke our heart". CNN. Archived from the original on February 7, 2012. Retrieved February 7, 2010.
- ^ "SI Vault: George Shinn should sell the Hornets before he completely ruins them". CNN. March 1, 1999. Retrieved February 7, 2010.
- ^ "Charlotte Hornets History". Retrieved February 4, 2010.
- ^ "The Curious Career of Glen Rice". January 15, 2009. Retrieved January 15, 2009.
- ^ "Rice, Jackson continue war of words". CNN. Retrieved February 4, 2010.
- a b Kawakami, Tim (December 20, 1999). "Life at the Top Looks Good for Lakers...but Below Surface Rice Issue Is Simmering". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 4, 2010.