Sports

Damian Lillard named Rookie of the Year

Christian Marvin
May 2, 2013

Damian Lillard, rookie guard for the Portland Trail Blazers, was recognized as the NBA’s Rookie of the Year. He is the fourth Trail Blazer to win the award, joining Geoff Petrie (1971), Sidney Wicks (1972) and Brandon Roy (2006).

The decision to award Lillard as the Rookie of the Year was announced yesterday, May 1. Lillard, who entered the league as the sixth overall draft pick, won the award based on a unanimous vote, making him the fourth player to win unanimously. The only other three players to ever win the award unanimously are Blake Griffin (2011), David Robinson (1990) and Ralph Sampson (1984).

In his rookie season, Lillard played more minutes in the regular season than any other player in the NBA, averaging 38.6 minutes per game while playing all 82 games. Lillard also averaged 19 points per game and 6.5 assists per game this season. He became only the third player to score over 1,500 points and earn 500 assists in a rookie season, with only Allen Iverson and Oscar Robertson before him.

Lillard also broke the record for most three pointers in a rookie season, finishing the season with a total of 185 three pointers. The record was previously held by Stephen Curry, who broke the all time NBA record for three pointers in a season this season with 272.

Lillard was an easy pick for the Rookie of the Year award, winning all six of the Rookie of the Month awards during the season. Before joining the NBA, Lillard played at Weber State, where he was named the Big Sky Conference’s Most Valuable Player.

Although Lillard was rewarded for a successful season, the Trail Blazers (33-49) failed to make the playoffs this season and finished the season on a 13 game losing streak.

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About the Contributor

Christian Marvin, Athletics Co-Editor

He aims, he shoots, he scores - basketball is one of many activities that Christian Marvin, junior and Athletics Editor, has an affinity for. In fact, a life full of friends, church and sports is one that he leads daily. With his hands full of engaging activities, in and out of school, Marvin looks forward to an exciting year.

This school year, Marvin has a full schedule on his hands. Physics is his favorite class because it is less rigorous than a handful of his other AP and Honors classes. He enjoys being on Amplifier because he “likes to write and there’s always something to do”.

Though he does not know exactly what path to take in the future, he does know that he wants to try his best in high school and start from there.

“I’m really want to get good grades this year, especially because I’m taking some hard classes,” Marvin said. “I also want to be more involved in service projects too.” At home, Marvin prefers to eat, relax and then do homework. He and his sister have two fish: Marvin’s is Flo, and his sister’s is King Triton. Despite his busy schedule, Marvin always finds time to spend for himself and with his family. Marvin enjoys eating chicken alfredo and drinking root beer and Dr. Pepper as well.

Out of school and home, Marvin is an avid participator in his church. Every Sunday, he teaches kindergarten at church, and attends youth group every Wednesday. In addition, Marvin also goes to Night Strike, a program in which he feeds homeless in downtown Portland.

“I like getting to play with the kids and teaching them,” Marvin said. “The kids are really fun and I like getting to know them.”

As for the sports aspect of his life, Marvin plays basketball. He prefers not to play on a school basketball team, but rather plays for enjoyment. Marvin’s specialty is shooting half-court shots and dunking on a ten foot net. He enjoys playing with friends because it is more fun, and there is a friendly competition.

Marvin hopes to complete his junior year and enjoy his last year in high school. He believes that can get through his high school life with the help of his family and friends. In all aspects of his life, he hopes to be successful and take the next step of his life.