Steve Francis:

Current Team:  Houston Rockets

Current number:  3

Position: Guard

Born: 2/21/1977 in Silver Spring, Maryland

Height: 6-3

Weight: 193

College: Maryland 98'

 

BIO:

Steve De'Shawn Francis was born Feb. 21, 1977 in Silver Spring, Maryland.  Raised by his mother, (Brenda Francis), and his grandmother, (Mabel Francis) "Wink" (a nickname he got when he was a kid because he drank that soda an was as quick as a wink!) took a long road to the NBA.  He attended three different high schools and started just one game during his high school carrier.  He first switched schools because his mom got a new job, but then he wanted to graduate with his old friends, so he got permission to switch back.  His mother died of a heart attack during that year.  Wink dropped out.  He tried to get back to school at a private Connecticut academy, until his tuition fell through. At this time, he moved back home.

 

On his way to the NBA, Steve played at two junior colleges before arriving at the University of Maryland.  A fantastic performance in an AAU tournament got him accepted to start his college carrier.  He took his two junior college team, San Jacinto in Texas, and Allegany in Maryland, to the NJC Championship tournament each undefeated.  A first in NNJC history.  As a freshman at San Jacinto, he was named First Team All-Region IV averaging 12.5 pts., 7.5 assists, and 7.5 rebounds.  After his sophomore year he decided to attend Maryland instead of going into the draft.

 

He took the University of Maryland to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament in his year there.  He led the team to a school-record 28 wins, led the ACC in steals, and was named First All-American by Sports Illustrated. 

 

He was now ready for the NBA. Before his rookie season he was traded from Vancouver to the Rockets in a three team trade. While with the Rockets, the "Franchise" averaged 18pys., 6.6 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game.  He shared Rookie of the Year honors with Elton Brand of the Chicago bulls (now with the Los Angeles Clippers).  He became the seventh rookie in NBA history to average 15pts., 5 assists, and 5 rebounds.  He was named Rookie of the Month in December, March and April.  "Wink" participated in the Slam Dunk Contest, finishing second to Vince Carter.

 

On the personal side, Steve has 3 siblings, 2 older brothers, Jeff Jr., and Terry, and a younger sister named Tiffany who he visited during the All-Star break this season. He idolized Randall Cunningham as a kid.  Francis has 2 dogs:  Rico, a rottweiler, and Alexis, a pit bull.

 

Growing up Steve played ball in the D.C. area at Tacoma Park.  His coach at the Trenton Park Boys and Girls Club said his competitive nature was a life long trait, he wanted to win at everything.  Tacoma Park is a big part of what makes Steve Francis "Stevie Franchise".  Tacoma Park is a place where kids can get off the streets and start to realize their dreams.  Steve's involvement keeps a lot of them motivated.  The coaches use him as a role model.  When things get tough and the kids stop working, coaches tell the kids that Stevie had to endure the same things.  They go to 6 tournaments a year with Steve picking up the full tab for entry fees, travel, and room and board expenses.  When Steve played at Tacoma, he wasn't much of a shooter or jumper.  Teammates would laugh and joke about his stature and lack of leaping ability.  He couldn't dunk until he was in 12th grade.  His coach always said that "Wink's" head was quick as his feet.  In one game he used playground etiquette and told the opposing player who was taking out of bounds to "check the ball".  The kid did and Francis laid it in for two.  "Franchise's" team would go on to win by two.