Nearly 13 years ago, Iman Shumpert was drafted by the New York Knicks. He met the 10x NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony around this time, and he went on to impress fans with his talent before winning the NBA title while playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers. But was he equally good and skilled while he was playing in college? He had valuable advice for those who are chasing the same dreams Shumpert dreamt of in the ’90s.

Born to a father working as an insurance broker and a mother, an adjunct professor of art and design, Shumpert had an entirely different passion: basketball. He loved the sport and knew that he was destined for the NBA. That gave him the strength to stay calm when he was booed by fans on draft day.

Iman Shumpert was a stellar star at Georgia Tech

During his three-year collegiate career, he had a great run. During his freshman year in the 2008–09 season, the New York Knicks legend was the team’s fourth-leading scorer. He averaged 10.5 points per game and made 34.5 percent of his three-point attempts. Following this, he had to undergo arthroscopic surgery for a damaged meniscus in his right knee. For this reason, he had to miss six games in the 2009–10 season. He ended the season as the third-leading scorer, averaging 10.0 points per game.

Averaging 17.3 points in the 2010–11 season and leading the team in scoring, rebounding, and assists, he became only the seventh player in ACC history to do so. Even in free throw and field goal percentages, he managed to maintain the top spot. “Iman has been great during this entire process. He has participated in our team’s spring workouts and has continued to do well in his classes while also gathering the important information needed to make this decision. He’s had a tremendous career here, and I support the decision he and his family have made,” head coach Brian Gregory once said about Shumpert’s career.

He further added, “After working with him the last month or so, I’m confident that his workouts will be very good and he has a successful NBA career in front of him. Iman and I have already begun discussions on completing his degree here. It is important to him and to his family that he is a graduate of Georgia Tech.”

His quick game and skills also began to get attention. He was ranked fourth in scoring and first in steals in the ACC. The former Knicks player had also made it to the All-ACC Second Team. He also set a Georgia Tech record for steals per game. 

Across the 92 career games that he played, Shumpert scored double figures 55 times. He was the fourth player to record a triple-double against Virginia Tech in Tech’s history. He scored 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. With 1,166 points, he ended his college career ranked No. 32 on Georgia Tech’s all-time scoring list. Opting to forgo his final year of college eligibility, Shumpert entered the NBA draft in March 2011.

Iman Shumpert talks about moving into the NBA 

Shumpert’s NBA career is one hell of an inspiring story. It tells players not to stop and to continue dreaming about what they love and chasing it. He had several people and teachers tell him that he might not be able to get into the NBA. However, he didn’t lose hope. “I’ve decided to forego my senior year at Georgia Tech, keep my name in the NBA draft for this year and hire an agent. I appreciate everything that Georgia Tech has done for me over my time here,” Shumpert said.

He added, “I’ve tried to take advantage of everything we have available, from our academic support system to our coaching staff and strength and conditioning, to help make me a better person and player. I want to thank the Georgia Tech fans for their support of our program even though we haven’t always met their expectations.”

In fact, Shumpert didn’t even attend the draft night in 2011 when he was picked by the Knicks. Instead, he chose to watch it from the comfort of his home with his family. And once the Knicks had made its pick, the crowd booed him. But he mistook it for cheers because his family was really happy when he made it. It was only the next day when he found out about the boos. 

He remarked, “New York booed me when they picked me. It’s cool now, but it was not cool then. Because my family and friends were so loud… I didn’t even know I got booed. I thought New York went crazy how my family went crazy. When I found out the next day that they booed, it hurt, but it drove me. It was fuel.” 

He might not have been the most touted prospect. However, he had the skills to make it and confidence. And he did. Shumpert played for an impressive 10 years in the league and won a championship. Throughout his career, he played for 5 teams. “I also want to extend my support to Coach Gregory and the new staff here going forward. I know the program is in good hands, and I look forward to following their progress. I’ll always remember everything that Georgia Tech has done for me,” he added.

He also made it to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2012. Following his retirement, he has tried his hands in entertainment as well. Shumpert also had several deals, including Adidas. He won a celebrity dance competition and made appearances in several TV shows and films. Now, that is quite some career Shumpert has built for himself!