TJ Ford

Q & A

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Recent Q & A

Question:

According to a recent SI.com poll, you are considered the fastest player in the NBA. Who would you say was the second fastest? (from Ilen)

Answer:

I would go with Allen Iverson. He’s the second fastest if fans feel that I am the fastest.

Question:

What has been your greatest athletic achievement up to this point? (From Crissy)

Answer:

I would have to say that it is having my college jersey retired at UT. I was the first person to have that done, so it was very special for me.

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TJ's Tale

Terrance Jerod “TJ” Ford was born on March 24, 1983 in Houston, Texas. From a young age, TJ dreamed of being a basketball player. “I have vivid childhood memories of playing basketball in my backyard. My father would work with me on the fundamentals and my brother and I would go at it playing one on one.” Some of TJ’s earliest memories of the NBA are of the Houston Rockets and their back-to-back championship seasons. Before long, TJ experienced championship success for himself when he led Willow Creek High School to the 5A Texas State Basketball Championship. His team was so dominant during that period, with teammates Daniel Ewing and Ivan McFarland, that they posted a 62 game winning streak. After high school, TJ decided to stay close to home and play basketball at the University of Texas.

It was at the University of Texas that TJ’s career as a basketball player really began to take off; he was the first freshman to lead the NCAA in assists per game. In 2003, he was named the John Wooden Player of the Year after leading the Longhorns to their first Final Four appearance since 1947. After two impressive years at the University of Texas, TJ decided it was time to become a professional. When asked about his decision to skip his final two years of eligibility, TJ responded, “There were a lot of factors I had to weigh in deciding to turn pro or stay in college, but I felt that at the end of the 2003 season, I had nothing more to prove at the college level. Becoming a professional was in my best interest and also my family’s best interest.”

With the eighth pick in the 2003 draft, the Milwaukee Bucks selected the Texas guard known for his lightning quick speed and playmaking abilities. TJ was immediately inserted into the starting lineup for the Bucks where he averaged 7 points, 6 assists, and a steal per game before suffering a season ending spinal injury. The injury forced him to miss the entire 2004-2005 season as well.

Many believed that his injury would be career ending but TJ spent months rehabbing himself to prove them all wrong. He finally made it back to full strength prior to the 2005 season and was ready to play once the games began. During the 2005-2006 season, TJ set career marks in points (12.2), assists (6.6), and minutes played (35.5), while leading the Milwaukee Bucks to the playoffs.

After seeing what a healthy TJ Ford was capable of, the Toronto Raptors traded for him during the summer of 2006. TJ had another great year with the Raptors, averaging 14.0 ppg and 7.9 apg. He also led the team to the division title and its first playoff birth in five years. He was voted the fastest player in the NBA by his fellow players, a sign that he had a very successful recovery from his injuries.

TJ enjoys spending time with family and friends off the court. Additionally, TJ is an adamant believer in giving back to the community; he created the TJ Ford Foundation in 2004.