Tyson Chandler Biography Tyson Chandler biography Basketball phenom Tyson Chandler first picked up a basketball when he was 14-years old. Six years later, Tyson became the starting center for the Chicago Bulls and the centerpiece of a plan to restore the once proud franchise back to prominence. Blessed with great stamina and quickness, Tyson is an exceptionally rare NBA athlete - a 7-footer who has both an inside and outside game, a hybrid player who can run the floor, dominate in the paint, and knock down long-range jumpers.
The 7’1, 235-pounder was born Tyson Cleotis Chandler on October 2, 1982 in Hanford, California. Tyson spent his early years developing his work ethic on his grandfather’s farm and experiencing the awkward adjustments of being so tall. His mother, Vernie, remembers her son starting in the third grade... "he was probably about 5’8", and he had problems sitting up at the desk because his legs were so long."
That height soon paid off. Tyson began playing basketball in 8th grade when, at 6’10", Tyson moved with his family from the farm to San Bernardino, California. He then went to play for the state champion and nationally top-ranked Dominguez High School "Dons," a school located in Compton, two hours from his San Bernardino home. Tyson made the commute every day and as a Don, ran the court with agility and determination. His exciting game was comprised of three-point jumpers, intimidating shot blocking, and rim-shaking slam-dunks.
As an athletic prodigy, Tyson has been one of the most talked about players to ever come out of high school. Fans and the national news media have closely followed Tyson since his junior year in high school - he’s already been featured on 60 Minutes, has graced the cover of ESPN Magazine, and is frequently written about in USA Today, The Chicago Tribune, and The Chicago Sun-Times.
Tyson’s lived up to the hype. He bypassed college, making a successful jump straight to the pros, being picked 2nd overall in the 2001 NBA draft. Having recently finished his second season wearing number 3 for the Bulls, Tyson had a year filled with monster performances.
As a youngster, Tyson spent his early years working hard on his grandfather’s farm, and that ’lunch-pail’ attitude has carried over into his development as a budding NBA star. Known as a worker, Tyson stands at the forefront of a new generation of players. He’s a 7-footer with an all-around game, a player who excites and intrigues fans with his combination of athleticism, grace, and desire to win.
Tyson also wins fans off the court by making time for charitable work with kids. A member of the Bulls All-Star Reading Team as well as the NBA’s All-Star Reading Team, he’s actively involved in children’s programs promoting reading and literacy for kid.
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