In the realm of basketball, the dates of birth of NBA players hold a certain significance. Each day of the year bears witness to the birth of talented athletes who go on to make their mark in the world of professional basketball. Let us delve into a day-by-day breakdown of the calendar to uncover which NBA players were born on each day.
Today, we shine a spotlight on the notable NBA players born on September 28. Two names stand out among the rest – Jose Calderon and Emeka Okafor.
Jose Calderon, born on September 28, 1981, embarked on his professional basketball journey in Spain before entering the NBA in 2003 with the Toronto Raptors. Known for his sharpshooting skills, Calderon etched his name in the record books by setting the single-season record for the highest free throw percentage, a remarkable 98.1% during his tenure with the Raptors. Over his 14-year NBA career, which included stints with the Pistons, Mavericks, Knicks, Lakers, Hawks, and Cavaliers, Calderon amassed an impressive stat line of 7,921 points, 2,148 rebounds, and 5,148 assists. Not only did he excel in the NBA, but Calderon also found success representing the Spanish National Team, securing various accolades including a FIBA World Cup title and multiple Olympic medals.
Turning our attention to Emeka Okafor, born on the same day in 1982, the former UConn standout made an immediate impact in the NBA after being drafted as the No. 2 pick by the Charlotte Bobcats in 2004. Okafor’s rookie season accolades included winning the prestigious Rookie of the Year award, thanks to his stellar performance averaging a double-double of 15.1 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. Throughout his career with the Bobcats, Hornets (now Pelicans), and Wizards, Okafor showcased his prowess as a dominant force in the paint, tallying impressive figures of 7,370 points, 5,967 rebounds, and 1,003 blocks. Sadly, Okafor’s career was cut short due to a debilitating neck injury, but he made a valiant comeback with the Pelicans before eventually retiring.
The stories of Jose Calderon and Emeka Okafor serve as a testament to the resilience and talent that define NBA players born on September 28. Their contributions to the game will forever be etched in basketball history, inspiring future generations of athletes to reach for greatness on and off the court.
