Allen Iverson Wouldn’t Have Tasted Stardom Had He Joined This University, Claims Stephen A. Smith

Allen Iverson has truly left a mark on everybody through his NBA career. Even though the size of the statue doesn’t justify his greatness, fans greatly remember his contribution. But what if before arriving at The Philadelphia 76ers The Answer would have chosen a different university? His career trajectory wouldn’t have been the same career according to Stephen A. Smith.

On the latest episode of KG Certified, Kevin Garnett and Smith discussed how his upbringing in NYC molded him. They also deep-dived about the career path of AI if he had chosen HBCU over Georgetown.

Smith, who attended an HBCU himself, revealed how Georgetown was playing well in the Big East and Iverson just performed exceptionally. Overcoming any and every obstacle his display was just phenomenal. But the impact wouldn’t have been the same if had gone to an HBCU. “ If he had gone to an HBCU, HBCU were not getting the level of notoriety that it gets today and even today it ain’t enough right. And so because of that even though he would have been a star talent I think he would have been better off…”

According to Smith, it was all about the exposure and people who had the power to develop a star wouldn’t necessarily consider HBCU as a first option. ” The folks that had the power to make him into who he ultimately became. I’m not sure they would have went there to get him you see what I’m saying whereas in Georgetown they came to get him.”

Allen Iverson was the Rookie of the Year in the Big East in 1995. In the years that came after, AI led his team to Elite Eight, ended his college career as the Hoyas’ all-time leader in scoring average, and was even named Big East Defensive Player of the Year. From that moment he created his own legacy which resulted in love and respect from the 76ers fans. His #3 is also retired by the organization. But then why do fans dislike the Bronze Statute?

Allen Iverson’s statue gets trolled

Philly honored the legend with his statue, which was installed at Penn Medicine Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex on Friday, April 12. However, as soon as fans and veterans caught a glimpse of the statue, many erupted in rage, opining that the statue was too small for someone with the stature of Allen Iverson. The big names of the league have also expressed their disappointment on social media. 3x NBA Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford also took to his X handle and wrote, “The Sixers should be ashamed of themselves with the size of that statue!”

Another veteran who was upset about it was Matt Barnes. In a clip shared on his X handle, the champ said “I know I might be late to the party, but what the f*ck did the Philadelphia 76ers just try to do for Allen Iverson? I know the whole city of Philadelphia’s gotta be embarrassed of that sh*t.” 

However, the franchise later revealed that the size of the statue was so because the rest of their iconic players’ statues were of the standard size too. With his installment, AI joined  Charles Barkley, Wilt Chamberlain, and Julius Erving in 76ers Legends Walk outside their training complex in Camden.

In the past, Iverson did what he had to do. He showed up and showed out and his future is looking even brighter. Shaquille O’Neal Has Big Plans to Dethrone Nike With Allen Iverson & Reebok.