Andray Blatche is a basketball player who plays as a forward for the Washington Wizards.
One might think that because of Blatche’s basketball skills that he began playing as a young child. In actuality, he did not start playing organized basketball until high school. From there, he was drafted in the second round by the Wizards and has been with that team ever since.
High School Career
Andray spent his high school career at Henninger High School in Syracuse, New York. During his senior year at Henninger, he averaged 25 points, 8 blocks and 18 rebounds per game, which is obviously a phenomenal record for a high schooler. He also led his team to an excellent record of 20 wins and only five losses. After his senior year at Henninger, he transferred to South Kent Prep in Connecticut for a fifth season.
While there, he improved even more with an average of 27.5 points per game, and led the South Kent team to a 32 win 9 loss record. In 2005, we was honored as co-MVP at the Jordan Classic.
Entering the NBA
In 2005, Blatche became the second pick by the Washington Wizards. In his rookie season, he appeared in 29 total games, averaging a dismal 2.2 points per game and only 1.3 rebounds. However, he only played an average of 6 minutes per game. Still, since then he has been able to improve and increase his averages consistently. By the 2008-09 season, he was averaging 10 points per game with 5.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
Finally, in 2009-10, he averaged 14.1 points per game with a .478 field goal percentage. That season, he also scored twenty or more points 24 times, and made 16 double-doubles. Clearly he has been consistently improving since his rookie days.
Personal Life
Like all other professional basketball players, Andray Blatche is a very dynamic individual. He cares deeply for his community, as demonstrated by his participation in various community events.
These include an annual Family to Family Holiday Delivery, “Salute to the Stars” and “Abe’s Table.” For “Abe’s Table” the Wizards partner with Calvary Baptist Church to serve food to less fortunate families.
Blatche has also shown compassion for people at Andrews Air Force Base and Walter Reed Army Medical Center by visiting and spending time with injured persons there. Finally, Andray shows his commitment to community health by participating in the “We Can!” program, which encourages healthy living among young kids.