Rafer Alston

From Freepedia

Rafer 'Skip To My Lou' Alston (born July 24, 1976 in New York, New York) is currently a basketball player for the NBA's Houston Rockets.

Alston grew up in New York City in Jamaica, Queens as a street basketball legend and has received most of his recognition for that aspect of his career. Alston was drafted after his junior season at Fresno State by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round, 39th pick overall of the 1998 NBA Draft.

His nickname Skip To My Lou stemmed from his tenure with the North American street basketball tour, the And 1 Mix Tape Tour, and the ESPN TV show, Street Ball.

Following a recently tumultuous tenure with the Toronto Raptors, Alston was traded to the Houston Rockets for guard Mike James on October 4, 2005. Although Alston frequently was criticized for his attitude while in Toronto, it is believed that Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy conferred with his brother, Miami Heat coach Stan Van Gundy, who coached Alston during the 2003-2004 NBA season, about Alston's work ethic and attitude. Jeff Van Gundy's reputation for toughness and his ability to get the most out of players previously considered "trouble-makers" or "temperamental" (e.g. Tracy McGrady) should allow Alston to turn a new page in his career.

Career transactions

• Played in the Continental Basketball Association with the Idaho Stampede.

• Signed by the Milwaukee Bucks as a free agent in 1999.

• Played in the NBA's developmental league for a year. He signed a 10-day contract to the Toronto Raptors then signed a contract for the remander of the season. (2002-2003 Season)

• Signed as a free agent with the Miami Heat for the 2003-2004 season.

• Signed as a free agent with the Toronto Raptors through the 2009-2010 season.

• Traded to the Houston Rockets on October 4, 2005, for point guard Mike James.

External links

• NBA Player Page
• Streetball Player Page