Chris Jackson is now known as Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf when he changed his name in 1993 when he converted to the Nation of Islam. Abdul-Rauf went college at Louisianna State University (LSU).
LSU
At LSU Abdul-Rauf was an outstanding player. In his third game for LSU, he scored 48 points and also set the scoring record for freshman scoring 53 points against Florida. Later in his freshman season, he scored 55 points against Ole Miss and also hit ten three-pointers in that game as well. As a freshman Abdul-Rauf averaged 30.2 points per game, was named SEC Player of the Year and was First-team All-American.
In his sophomore season, he averaged 27.8 points per game. Also, Abdul-Rauf was named SEC Player of the Year and First-team All-American for the second season in a row. After his second year at LSU, Abdul Rauf went into the NBA draft.
Denver Nuggets
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was drafted third in the 1990 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets. As a rookie, he averaged 14.1 points per game and made the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. In 1993 Abdul-Rauf won the NBA Mosy Improved player award. He averaged 18 points per game and led the NBA in free shooting percentage, shooting 95 percent.
In the 1995 season, the former LSU star had his best season as a pro. He averaged 19.2 points per game and shot 39 percent from three. In a game against the Phoenix Suns in 1995, he dished out 20 assists and scored 30 points. About a month later he lit the Utah Jazz up for 51 points. In the same season, the Denver Nuggets were one of ten teams to beat the 72 win Chicago Bulls, Abdul-Rauf led the charge with 32 points in that game. In 1996 Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf protested the National Anthem by refusing to stand.
Sacramento Kings, Vancouver Grizzlies, Overseas
In 1996 Abdul-Rauf, traded to the Sacramento Kings. Also in 1996, He played two seasons with the Sacramento Kings before signing to play in the Turkish Basketball league in 1998. After playing one in the Turkish Basketball league. He did not play in 1999-00 season.
In 2000, the former King came back to the NBA to play for the Vancouver Grizzlies. He averaged just 6.5 points per game in 41 games. After the 2000 NBA season, he was done with the NBA and played overseas from 2003 to 2011.
Big 3
Now Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf is a member of Ice Cube’s basketball league the BIG 3. He has played in the league for three seasons. Abdul-Rauf is one of the leagues clutch shooters and still can handle the ball and shoot from a distance.
In a nine-year NBA Career, Abdul-Rauf averaged 14.6 points, 3.5 assists per game. Also, he shot 44 percent from the field and 35 percent from three. Abdul-Rauf, known for being able to handle the basketball with ease and shooting from deep. It sucks his NBA career short-lived, he was one of my favorite players to watch.
