..... in 1993, Jamal Mashburn was selected fourth overall in the NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. The Bronx, New York native thrived at the University of Kentucky under Coach Rick Pitino. During his three years at Kentucky, Mashburn averaged 18.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assist per game. Mashburn, a.k.a. Monster Mash, finished his career at Kentucky with 1843 total points, 760 rebounds and 218 assist.
In 1991, Mashburn was named to the All-SEC Third team and All-SEC Freshman Team. In 1992, Mashburn was named a Basketball Times Second Team All-American, All-NCAA Regional Team, All-SEC First Team and SEC Tournament MVP. In his final season at Kentucky, Mashburn was named Consensus First Team All-American, All-NCAA Final Four Team, All-NCAA Regional Team, SEC Player of the Year, All-SEC First Team and All-SEC Tournament Team. Jamal Mashburn's retired #24 jersey hangs from the rafters of Rupp Arena with forty other Kentucky basketball legends.
During his NBA pro career, Mashburn played for four different NBA teams. Mashburn played with the Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets, and the Philadelphia 76ers (never actually played any games due to injury).
Mashburn's professional career lasted 13 years, but was cut short due to chronic knee problems. For his professional career, Mashburn averaged 19.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4 assist per game. Mashburn's overall career totals include 11,644 points, 3271 rebounds, 2,414 assist and 632 steals.
Mashburn is currently an ESPN NBA Analyst and the founder of The Mashburn Scholarship Fund at the University of Kentucky. The fund specifically identifies, and targets ninth grade students in the Lexington, Kentucky area. The program also provides mentorship, and tracks them through their high school careers. The scholarship then awards them with a full scholarship to attend the University as a commitment to assist them in achieving their academic and personal goals of a higher education.
