Vince Carter scored 11 points and blocked 2 shots in 21 minutes of action in his homecoming game. Orlando Magic 149 Atlanta Hawks 113 final score on April 5, 2019 in Downtown Orlando at Amway Center.
Photo By James P. Hill
By James P. Hill
Follow on Twitter @JamesHill_News
ORLANDO – Vince Carter is known from Daytona Beach, to Toronto, Ontario for his high flying slam dunks. After facing the Orlando Magic, a team he grew up watching and played for Carter told me he’s planning to play his 22nd season in the NBA.
Still in the NBA
“It’s not over yet so it’s still continuing so I don’t want to kind of put the period on it yet,” Carter said with a smile on his face. “I’m very thankful. I just enjoy playing the game regardless of the outcomes. I still have the competitive fire and juices and I still hate to loose. It’s slowly draining out of my system but I’m going to try it one more time and probably call it a career.”
Carter scored 11 points, and blocked 2 shots in 21 minutes of action. The Orlando Magic defeated Vince Cater and his Atlanta Hawks by a final score of 149 – 113 in front of a sellout crowd at Amway Center. He’s still passionate about competing and playing basketball on the highest level and the biggest stage on earth.
Daytona Beach Native Son
“It’s always fun to come home obviously to play and my friends come out and see me play live, obviously my family come out and see me play live,” Carter said.
Vince Carter grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida dreaming of playing in the NBA. Carter was named 1995 Mr. Basketball in the state of Florida. He also made the McDonald’s All-American team. He helped Mainland High School win the 1995 FHSAA Boys Basketball Class 6A state championship. Carter was a proud drum major with the Mainland HS Band playing saxophone, and baritone. Vince Carter received a music scholarship to Bethune-Cookman University to join the Marching Wildcats Band. He decided to go away to Chapel Hill and play college basketball for the Tar Heels.
“I enjoyed it being a kid, loving the game, playing the game, working on my game like any other. And I was very fortunate to get an opportunity to play at top notch University of North Carolina and from there it was like just see what happens,” Carter said. “I never thought or some people were like oh I knew you were destined for the NBA. No, I just wanted that opportunity to tryout and see what happens and it’s worked in my favor.”
Slam Dunk Master
He was picked 5th overall in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors and traded for his UNC teammate Antwan Jamison on draft night to the Toronto Raptors where he became known as Air Canada. Vince Carter and his cousin Tracy McGady from Auburdale, Florida played together for the Toronto Raptors in 1998-99 and 1999-2000.
Vince Carter put on an unforgettable performance winning the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk contest. Carter is also remembered for a slam dunk in Sidney, Australia when he actually jumped over 7’2 French center Frederic Weis. Team USA defeated France in the Gold medal game 85-75. Carter maintains being ready to perform is the key to his success.
“I’m prepared just like every 20, 21 year old in here if not more. So that’s what makes it easy to come to work everyday,” Carter said.
Vince Carter has a career scoring average of 17.2 points per game, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 1480 NBA games. Every time Carter steps on the basketball court he always brings consistency, passion, and work ethic.
Farewell Tour Next Season
From winning NBA Rookie of the year in 1998-1999 to helping lead the rebuilding 2018-2019 Atlanta Hawks Vince Carter’s journey has come full circle like a basketball spinning after he slams it through the hoop.
“And after twenty something years it’s just business as usual for us all really,” Carter said. “It’s always a pleasure and I’m very thankful for the opportunity to still be seen playing in this professional game.”
A basketball game Vince Carter began playing in Daytona Beach and shares with fans across the globe. People will always remember Vince Carter and his acrobatic, high flying slam dunks.
Follow on Twitter: @JamesHill_News
VINCE CARTER post game
on the james hill sports channel
Follow on Twitter: @JamesHill_News
jameshillsports@gmail.com