Chris Bosh Becomes New Face of The Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors went through a lot of controversy during the 2004/2005 season, as their star franchise player, Vince Carter made it very clear that he wanted a trade. In December of 2004 Vince Carter was traded to New Jersey and Chris Bosh became the new face of the Toronto Raptors.

Following the departure of Vince Carter, Chris Bosh averaged 18.4 points per game, 9.05 rebounds, 1.6 blocked shots and 38.1 minutes per game, which was an improvement in every major category.

In recognition of Chris Bosh´s outstanding efforts, the NBA awarded him with his first Eastern Conference Player of the Week Award for the games played between January 3 and January 9, 2005.

Chris Bosh caught the eye of sports journalists with every game played since the departure of Vince Carter, and many Basketball analysts predicted that Chris Bosh would one day become an NBA All-Star. They were right.

Chris Bosh Rookie Year

Chris Bosh was forced to play out of position in his rookie season after Antonio Davis was traded to the Chicago Bulls. Night after night, Chris Bosh battled against opponents who were much stronger then he was, but he never backed down from any challenge.

Chris Bosh quickly worked his way into the hearts of the Toronto fans, but most importantly, was heralded by his teammates and coaches.

The coaching staff appreciated Chris Bosh´s perseverance, dedication, heart and willingness to play through pain and injury.

In his rookie season, Chris Bosh averaged 11.5 points per game, 7.4 rebounds, 1.41 blocks, and 33.5 minutes in 75 games played. He led all rookies in rebounding and blocked shots and set a franchise record for most rebounds in a rookie season with 557. As a result of his tenacity and eagerness to work hard and produce, Chris Bosh was selected to the All Rookie First Team for the 2003/2004 NBA Season.

Chris Bosh Drafted By Toronto

The 2003 NBA entry draft was one of the best drafts in the history of the NBA with stars such as LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all up of grabs. All four players have proven to be exactly what they were heralded to be by scouts and journalists alike, extremely talented basketball players with long futures in the game.

Cleveland went ahead and drafted James who was everyone´s pick to be the first overall in the 2003, but Raptors had their sites on a young and wirey thin Chris Bosh.

Chris Bosh was drafted fourth overall by the Toronto Raptors who then signed the young power forward on July 8, 2003. But prior to the Raptors signing of the young future superstar of the NBA, the Toronto Raptors had many offers for Chris Bosh. Toronto Veteran star, Vince Carter also was in favour of a trade, but Toronto General Manager, Glen Grunwald refused to trade Chris Bosh as he felt that the then young player would be the future of the Raptors.

Glen Grunwald was right. Chris Bosh did turn out to be the future of the Toronto Raptors.

Chris Bosh Georgia Tech

After graduating from Lincoln High School with a High School Player of the Year Award under his belt, Chris Bosh entered Georgia Tech to begin his journey into the world of professional basketball. Chris Bosh only spent one year at Georgia Tech, He announced his intention to enter the NBA draft on May 9, 2003 and was chosen fourth overall by the Toronto Raptors.

Chris Bosh accomplished many things During the 2002/2003 season at Georgia Tech. He led the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in goal percentage(56.) and was only the second freshman to lead the ACC in that department since Antawn Jamison in 1996 for North Carolina. He was also the first Georgia Tech player to accomplish that feat, since John Salley in 1985.

Chris Bosh also led the ACC in blocked shots with 2.16 per game, and was second in rebounding with 9 per game.

Chris Bosh was eighth in scoring (15.6), third in offensive boards with 3.06 and 14th in free throw percentage.

Although his time at Georgia Tech was brief, Chris Bosh left his mark in the School´s Basketball history.