Shamorie Ponds: The King of New York's Basketball Court
Shamorie Ponds: The King of New York's Basketball Court
By Justin Rubin December 13, 2023 16:54
Early Years: The Making of a Star
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Shamorie Ponds' love affair with basketball began at a tender age. He was seven years old when he first declared his dream to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Although it seemed like an ambitious goal for such a young child, Ponds' passion for the sport was undeniable.
High School Basketball: The Rise of a Prodigy
Ponds attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, where he quickly made a name for himself in the school's basketball team. He led the team to its first New York City title since 1954, an achievement that marked the beginning of his rise to stardom. Ponds' exceptional performance during his high school years caught the attention of St. John's University, leading to a scholarship offer to play for the Red Storm.
College Basketball: Setting the Court on Fire
Ponds accepted the offer from St. John's, thus stepping into the limelight of college basketball. Over the next three years, he became one of the top players in the Big East Conference, earning numerous accolades for his stellar performances. His sophomore year was particularly noteworthy as he led the Red Storm team to upset victories over fourth-ranked Duke and top-ranked Villanova. Ponds' performance against Marquette, where he scored a record 44 points, firmly established him as a force to be reckoned with.
Ponds and the NBA: A Dream Waiting to Unfold
Despite his impressive college career, Ponds went undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft. However, this setback did not deter him from pursuing his dream of playing in the NBA. He signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors, splitting his time between the Raptors and their NBA G League affiliate, the Raptors 905. Ponds' tenacity and dedication to improving his game were evident during his stint with the Raptors 905, where he averaged 16.2 points on 43.5 percent shooting, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.
Ponds and Astros de Jalisco: A New Chapter Begins
The journey of Shamorie Ponds took a turn in 2023 when he signed with Astros de Jalisco, a professional basketball team based in Mexico. Demonstrating his prodigious talent, Ponds led the team to a CIBACOPA league title in the same year and was even named the Finals MVP. His performance with Astros de Jalisco further validated his place in the professional basketball arena, proving that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Ponds Deserves a Spot in the NBA
Given his impressive track record and undeniable talent, Shamorie Ponds is more than deserving of a spot in the NBA. His ability to score, his exceptional ball-handling skills, and his defensive prowess make him a valuable asset on any team. His performance in the G-League has shown that he can compete against seasoned players and still excel.
The Journey Continues
Shamorie Ponds' journey from being a viral star in his youth to a professional basketball player is a testament to his talent, determination, and passion for the game. His signing with Astros de Jalisco has added another feather to his cap, and it won't be surprising if we see him gracing the NBA courts soon. But no matter where his journey takes him, one thing is certain - Shamorie Ponds has made his mark on the world of basketball, and he's here to stay.