Tayshaun Prince

Guide Note

Tayshaun Prince is a small forward for the Detroit Pistons. He is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the NBA, as well as one of the most under-rated all around players in the game today. He has won a NBA Championship with the 2004 Detroit Pistons. Many experts cite his defense against Kobe Bryant in the Finals as a major factor in the team's victory over the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers.

Fast Facts

1. Born: February 28, 1980
2. Birth Place: Compton, California
3. Height: 6'9"
4. Weight: 215 lbs
5. Number: 22
6. College: University of Kentucky
7. 2002 NBA Draft: Selected 23rd Overall by the Detroit Pistons
8. NBA Championships: 2004

Tayshaun Durell Prince was born in Compton, California on February 28, 1980. He attended Dominguez High School and then later the University of Kentucky. In 2001, he was named the SEC Player of th Year and the Most Valuable Player in the 2001 SEC Tournament where he led the Wildcats to the Tournament Championship.

Prince was selected with the 23rd overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, by the Detroit Pistons. Insulted by his draft position, he selected to wear the number 22 as a reminder to opposing teams that he dropped past them in the draft. In his first season he struggled to crack the rotation, but flourished in the playoffs with his excellent defense and surprising play. The following season he was made a starter, with Richard Hamilton, Chauncey Billups, Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace, they would upset the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers. His defense against Kobe Bryant in the finals secured his place as one of the elite defenders in the NBA game.

• February 28, 1980: Born
• 1998-2002: University of Kentucky Wildcats
• 2001: Wins SEC Player of the Year
• 2002: 23rd pick in NBA Draft
• 2004: Made The Block] during the Eastern Conference Finals Game
• 2004: Pistons win NBA Championship
• 2004-2005: NBA's All-Defensive Second Team
• 2005: Signs 5-year contract extension worth $49 million
• 2005-2006: Selected to NBA's All-Defensive Second Team
• 2007: Pistons lose in Eastern Conference Semi-Finals