Rajon Pierre Rondo was born February 22, 1986 in Kentucky.
His junior year of high school he played basketball in Louisville and averaged 27.9 points, 10.0 rebounds and 7.5 assists which earned him a spot on the All-State honors. He then transferred to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia for his senior year, where he averaged a double-double and set a school record with 303 assists. He had a record 31 in one game, just four shy of the national record.
Rondo would attend the University of Kentucky for two seasons. Despite playing well and being part of a star-studded recruiting class in 2004, Kentucky never reached the Final Four. But he was a great college player, just take a look:
Rondo was drafted 21st overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2006 NBA Draft and was the first point guard selected. Phoenix then traded him to the Boston Celtics along with Brian Grant for the Cleveland Cavaliers' first-round draft pick in the 2007 NBA Draft and cash considerations.
Rondo would be a part of the 2008 Celtics championship team with Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Phil Jackson called Rondo "a star" after his performance in the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. He had 16 assists in Game 2 and 6 steals in the clinching Game 6.
Rondo spent 9 seasons in Boston before heading to the Dallas Mavericks this season. He is a four-time All-Star and has been on the NBA All-Defensive Team four times.
Happy birthday, Rajon Rondo.
