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Recognizing, Honoring, and Celebrating Allen Ezail Iverson on the occasion of his retirement from professional basketball and the permanent retirement of his number 3 jersey by the Philadelphia 76ers.
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WHEREAS, Allen Ezail Iverson, known throughout the world by his initials AI, was born June 7, 1975, in Hampton, Virginia and is the proud father of 5 children - Tiaura, Allen Ezail II (Duece), Isaiah Rashaan, Messiah Lauren, and Dream Alijha; and
WHEREAS, Allen was an outstanding athlete in recreational football for the Aberdeen Raiders where he was coached by his business manager and certified NBA agent, Gary Moore. Allen's position was quarterback although his football hero was Walter Payton. He had a great arm, and a natural feel for the passing game. Although he became world known for his basketball talent, his favorite sports has always been football, loving the strategy and the contact of the sport; and
WHEREAS, Between basketball and football, Allen had enough to keep him off the increasingly dangerous streets of Newport News and Hampton, Virginia where he spent his youth. At Bethel High School, Allen at age 15 had already established himself as the Bruins' best all-around athlete. Allen was honored as the state's top quarterback after his sophomore year with the Bruins, and he earned the honor again in 1992, when he led Bethel to the state title. Allen was also a Division I prospect as a defensive back; and
WHEREAS, Basketball, though still Allen's second favorite sport, had opened up other options. At just under six feet, he had the attention of college basketball recruiters. He surpassed over 900 points during his sophomore season at Bethel. Allen was unbelievably quick off the dribble, and had great vision and shooting range. He was responsible for leading his team to AAA Virginia State Championships in Football and Basketball in the 1992-1993 season; and
WHEREAS, Allen accepted a basketball scholarship at the prestigious Georgetown University and played college basketball for Coach John Thompson, where he set the school record for career scoring average (22.9 points per game) and won Big East Defensive Player of the Year awards both years; and
WHEREAS, Following two successful years at Georgetown, Iverson declared eligibility for the 1996 NBA Draft, and was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the number one overall pick. He was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in the 1996-97 season; and
WHEREAS, Winning the NBA scoring title during the 1998-99, 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2004-05 seasons, Iverson was one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, despite his small stature (listed at 6 feet, 0 inches). His regular season career scoring average of 26.7 points per game ranks sixth all-time, and his playoff career scoring average of 29.7 points per game is second only to Michael Jordan.
WHEREAS, Allen was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player of the 2000-01 season and led the 76ers to the 2001 NBA Finals the same season. Allen also represented the United States at the 2004 Summer Olympics, winning the bronze medal.
WHEREAS, Allen announced his official retirement in October 2013, and will go down in history as a legendary figure for not only the Philadelphia 76ers, but for the entire NBA. Allen changed the game of basketball with his signature move as well as his signature and controversial look on the court. Adorned with his shooting sleeve, cornrows, tattoos and lethal crossover, Allen achieved something far greater than expected from his 6'0", 165-pound frame. Despite his lack of size, Allen dominated the basketball court night after night. He was fearless and tough and a city known for its fighting spirit loved him.
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia 76ers will permanently honor one of their greatest players when they officially retire Allen Iverson's iconic number 3 jersey in a special halftime ceremony on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at the Wells Fargo Center.
WHEREAS, An 11-time NBA All Star, four-time NBA scoring champ, two-time NBA All Star Game MVP, three-time All NBA First Team, 1997 Rookie of the Year and 2001 NBA Most Valuable Player, Iverson leaves a lasting legacy of pride and gratitude forever in the hearts of Philadelphia fans; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That we hereby honor, recognize, and celebrate Allen Iverson on his retirement from professional basketball and the permanent retirement of his number3 jersey by the Philadelphia 76ers; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Allen Iverson as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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