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RELUCTANT SUPERSTAR CHRIS BOSH BRINGS LONE STAR STATE CHARM TO THE
TORONTO RAPTORS.
BY KEITH SHARP
CALL IT THE ULTIMATE COMPLIMENT.
The day after Toronto Raptors rookie centre Chris
Bosh limped off the court after sustaining a knee injury in a 75-69
victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, team coach Kevin O’Neill
was already bemoaning his loss to the lineup.
"He’s our biggest guy," O’Neill
told The Toronto Star. "He’s probably our most athletic guy
– other than Vince (Carter)."
"Good to know he feels that way," cracks
the 19-year-old rookie sensation. He’s calling in from team practice
after undergoing MRI scans on his knee. "It’s a bit sore.
It’s a day-to-day situation. We’ll see how I feel for the
Clippers game but... I think I can play."
Dallas, Texas-native Bosh was going head to head with
the Cavs’ own rookie phenomenon, Lebron James, when he collided
with Cleveland’s Zydrunas Ilgauskas midway through the third period,
and was in serious pain when he left the court. However, tests show
no structural damage that could disrupt what has thus far been a standout
campaign.
With all the hoopla surrounding the signing of 18-year
old James to Cleveland and his contract and endorsement package (said
to exceed $90 million US), Bosh came in under the radar when drafted
by the Raptors. But since replacing Alvin Davis this past December,
this slender Georgia Tech grad has played a starring role, clocking
almost 35 minutes of court-time per game with an average of 10.8 points
and 7.2 rebounds.
Bosh is one of five NBA rookies selected by Converse
for their Freshman Class basketball shoe promotion in which they wear
the new Converse Loaded Weapon. "It’s a cool classic basketball
shoe. I was definitely honoured when they selected me at the start of
the season."
Selected fourth in the draft by the Raptors, Bosh
had no reservations about heading north. "You don’t really
have much say in who you play for," he notes. "My goal was
to have a good training camp and show I can play. I don’t think
I was intimidated."
Bosh has been so impressive, despite his slight status,
that he has become an integral part of the Raptors’ line-up, and
has consistently scored in double figures. He’s also been getting
banged around lately, suffered a highlight reel collision with 270-lb
Phoenix Suns forward Jahidi White before enduring his knee strain against
the Cavaliers.
"I’m taking my lumps but it’s all part
of the game," Bosh says. "Obviously the NBA is more physical
than college and you just learn to adapt. When I look on the court and
I see guys like Shaquille O’Neill or Kobe Bryant, I’m not
intimidated. I just need to show that I can play at this level."
One thing Bosh won’t get drawn into is comparisons
with James. The Raptors have won both games against Cleveland, have
a better win-loss record, and Bosh’s stats have compared favourably.
"He’s a got a job to do and so do I. That’s all I care
about."
Bosh’s celebrity status in Toronto has taken
some adjustment but this shy Texan is warming to the task. "I think
Chris is starting to enjoy the attention," said his mother Frieda,
in town recently to watch her son play and attend a Converse autograph
session at a downtown Foot Locker store.
"It kinda comes with the territory. I’m
not big on being a celebrity," he concludes. "I’d just
rather play ball."
 BOSH
BONUS POINTS
Position: C-F
Born: 03/24/84, Dallas TX
Height: 6-foot-10 (2.08 m)
Weight: 210 lbs (95.3 kg)
College: Georgia Tech
SEASON HIGHS
(as of 01/08/04)
Points: 25 vs Houston (11/16/03)
Field Goals Made: 8 vs Seattle (12/07/03)
Field Goals Attempted: 17 @ Miami (11/29/03)
Free Throws Made: 10 vs Houston (11/16/03)
Offensive Rebounds: 7 two times
Defensive Rebounds: 9 two times
Total Rebounds: 16 vs Seattle (12/07/03)
Assists: 4 vs Atlanta (12/05/03)
Steals: 3 two times
Blocks: 6 vs Philadelphia (11/19/03)
Minutes Played: 46 @ Miami (11/29/03)
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