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Tracy Lamar McGrady was born on
May 24,1979 in Bartow, Florida. He was the product of
an area called the Hill in Auburndale, a quaint town
of about 9,000 surrounded by lakes, halfway between
Orlando and Tampa. His family has been a major
influence in his life. His mom, Melanise Williford,
and his grandmother, Roberta, raised me. He eventually
grew to know both women as "mom". His mother worked as
a chambermaid at a Disney World hotel. She made a
daily 90-minute commute, from her home near Tampa, in
order to get to work each day to support the family.
His dad, Tracy McGrady Sr. has had his separate life,
but that does not mean he hasn't been there for Tracy. |
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He's
been around, and he has done whatever he can for Tracy.
Tracy has been a good athlete during his high schools
days. Aside from being good in basketball, he was also a
good baseball pitcher. When Tracy grew and reach the
height of 6-4, he focus on one game and that was
basketball. During the summer of his junior year, he
joined the Adidas ABCD basketball camp. A lot of people
were shocked including coaches and scouts because of his
skills. Coach Joel Hopkins of Mt. Zion Christian academy
took a special interest in Tracy. He invited Tracy to
attend North Carolina school. Hopkins believed that Tracy
was talented- he just lacked structure. During his high
school days, Tracy was studying at Mt. Zion. In that
school players are not allowed to curse, listen to rap,
wear jewelry, have girlfriends, or miss Church service. |
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Tracy and his family think that Mt. Zion is a best
option for Tracy, and I think it was. He finished
his senior year by receiving the High School
player of the year by USA today. Kentucky was
Tracy's choice for his college education. Scouts
said that Tracy was the best player in the '97
draft, maybe best player in all north Carolina, (
including universities and the Charlotte Hornets
). Tracy McGrady went directly to pro and he was
drafted 9th overall to Toronto Raptors. he
coaching staff there said he wouldn't last 3
years. |
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Tracy had to adjust to all the criticism, the cold
weather, and the coaching staff that didn't allow him
much playing time. In 1999, Vince Carter ( Tmac 2nd
cousin ) was drafted by the Raptors. Both of them were
good players, they reached the playoff in 1999-2000,
but they were sweep in the 1st round. During the
summer, Tracy pack up his things and went to play for
the Magic's. This season, Orlando Magic's reached the
playoffs but they were eliminated in the 1st round,
but Tracy was named the NBA most improved player. And
he was also voted as an All- Star starter.
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