Larry Hughes, American basketball player

Larry Darnell Hughes Sr., born on January 23, 1979, is a distinguished American sports figure renowned for his extensive career as a professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His remarkable 14-year tenure in the league, spanning from 1998 to 2012, saw him showcase his versatile skills across multiple franchises, establishing himself as a significant two-way player.

The Collegiate Foundation at Saint Louis University

Before embarking on his impactful NBA journey, Hughes honed his exceptional talents at Saint Louis University (SLU). During his freshman year in the 1997-98 season, he quickly emerged as a collegiate sensation for the SLU Billikens. His all-around performance was exemplary, as he notably led the team in scoring, rebounds, assists, and steals, a rare feat for a first-year player. This outstanding display earned him the prestigious Conference USA Freshman of the Year award, solidifying his status as one of the nation's top young prospects and leading to his early declaration for the NBA Draft after just one season.

A Versatile 14-Year NBA Career

Hughes's collegiate success culminated in his selection as the eighth overall pick in the highly anticipated 1998 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. This draft class is famously regarded as one of the deepest and most talented in NBA history, also featuring future Hall of Famers such as Vince Carter, Dirk Nowitzki, and Paul Pierce, which underscores the high regard in which Hughes was held coming out of college. Throughout his 14-year career, Hughes played for eight different NBA teams, demonstrating his adaptability and consistent contribution as a shooting guard and small forward. These teams included:

Hughes was particularly known for his tenacious defensive prowess, often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best perimeter player, coupled with his ability to generate offense through scoring and playmaking. A standout season occurred in 2004-2005 with the Washington Wizards, where he led the entire league in steals, unequivocally highlighting his defensive impact. He also played a crucial role alongside LeBron James in the Cleveland Cavaliers' memorable run to the NBA Finals in 2007.

Founding the Larry Hughes Basketball Academy

Upon his retirement from professional basketball, Larry Hughes seamlessly transitioned his profound passion for the sport into a new endeavor focused on community development and youth mentorship. He is the esteemed founder of the Larry Hughes Basketball Academy (LHBA), headquartered in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. The academy's core mission is to empower young athletes by providing comprehensive training that not only enhances basketball fundamentals and advanced skills but also instills crucial life lessons in character development, discipline, and teamwork. LHBA offers a diverse array of programs, including personalized individual training, dynamic group sessions, intensive camps, and competitive club team opportunities, catering to various age groups and skill levels, thereby helping the next generation of athletes achieve their full potential both on and off the court.

Frequently Asked Questions About Larry Hughes

When was Larry Hughes born?
Larry Darnell Hughes Sr. was born on January 23, 1979.
Which college did Larry Hughes attend?
He attended Saint Louis University (SLU), where he played for the SLU Billikens during the 1997-98 season before declaring for the NBA Draft.
When was Larry Hughes drafted into the NBA?
Larry Hughes was selected as the eighth overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.
How many teams did Larry Hughes play for in the NBA?
During his 14-year NBA career, Larry Hughes played for eight different teams: the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Charlotte Bobcats, and Orlando Magic.
What is the Larry Hughes Basketball Academy?
The Larry Hughes Basketball Academy (LHBA) is an organization founded by Larry Hughes in St. Louis, Missouri. It is dedicated to the development of young basketball players, offering training programs focused on skills, fundamentals, and character building.