Tim Duncan

Lore & Background

Duncan was born and raised on Saint Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He initially aspired to be a competitive swimmer, but took up basketball at 14 after Hurricane Hugo destroyed the island's only Olympic-sized pool. In high school, he played basketball for St. Dunstan's Episcopal. In college, Duncan played for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, and in his senior year, he received the John Wooden Award and was named the Naismith College Player of the Year and the USBWA College Player of the Year. He stayed in college for a full four years and earned his degree in psychology.

In Their Own Story

The Target Center hums with anticipation as the Spurs take the floor for a crucial mid-season matchup. On the other side of the court stands Tim Duncan, a mountain in a black and silver uniform. He doesn't need to shout; his presence commands silence from the Timberwolves' defense. As he receives a pass in the post, the crowd holds its breath, knowing that against 'The Big Fundamental,' there is no easy answer. With a simple drop step and a soft hook shot, he scores again, reminding Minnesota of the standard set by the Spurs dynasty.

Reader's Guide

After graduating from college, Duncan was the NBA Rookie of the Year after being selected by San Antonio with the first overall pick in the 1997 NBA draft. In his second season, he became the third player (alongside Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) to win NBA Finals MVP in his first two seasons after being drafted, guiding the Spurs to the 1999 NBA title. A strong post defender, Duncan was named to one of the two All-Defensive teams in each of his first 13 seasons, an NBA record. As part of the Spurs' Big Three with guards Tony Parker and Manu Ginóbili, Duncan won four more NBA championships and collected three Finals MVP trophies. He primarily played the power forward position, but also played center throughout his career. He is a five-time NBA champion, a two-time NBA MVP, a three-time NBA Finals MVP, a 15-time NBA All-Star, and the only player to be chosen for the All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams for 13 consecutive seasons.

Did You Know?

• Duncan's mother died of breast cancer on April 24, 1990, the day before his 14th birthday.
• He wore No. 21 at Wake Forest in honor of his brother-in-law, Ricky Lowery, who taught him to play basketball.
• Duncan was a teenage standout in swimming before Hurricane Hugo destroyed the island's only Olympic-sized pool.