Tracy McGrady, simply known as "T-Mac", was born on May 24, 1979 in Bartow, Fl. He quickly became a two-sport star. His first love was baseball with aspirations of playing Major League Baseball. Coaches were sure he would be playing in the MLB not the NBA.
The coach of Durham, North Carolina, received a call about Tracy from a basketball coach at Kathleen High, a neighboring High School to Auburndale High. Hopkins offered Tracy a scholarship to Mount Zion on the ride back to Durham with Tracy.
After his junior year at Auburndale High School in Florida, he was invited to play in the ABCD Camp. During the senior all-star game he sent the whole gym in frenzy. After not being included in the top 500 prospects list before the summer, Tracy was then named the USA Today Player of the year.
His senior season he transferred to play one year at Mount Zion Christian Academy in North Carolina. Tracy's one year stint at Mount Zion Christian academy was a successful one. He led the Mighty Warriors to a 20-1 record.
Tracy McGrady had decided to pursue his dream early. McGrady basketball standout who played all five positions at Durham's Mount Zion Christian Academy, announced his decision to make himself available for the June 25 NBA draft.
On draft day, with question marks concerning when and if Tracy would get drafted, the Toronto Raptors were ready to make their pick at #9. David Stern announced it, and Isaiah Thomas and the Raptors had taken Tracy McGrady with the 9th pick.
McGrady made his NBA debut against the Miami Heat. The 18-year-old rookie was used sparingly during his 1st season as a pro. Although disappointing at times, he used this mild setback to learn what it takes to compete at the NBA level.
Things were looking well for Tracy going into the next season. The Raptors drafted his cousin. They were set to move into the new Air Canada Centre. The Raptors had an amazing season. The arrival of Vince Carter seemed to lift Tracy to new heights.
In his second season T-Mac was used as a valuable sixth man. He solidified his status as one of the NBA's most valuable stars of the future. While teams focused efforts against Carter he stood patiently observing and learning the game.
Following the 2000 season, T-Mac became a free agent. After a frenzied free agent battle for his rights, he was acquired by the Orlando Magic in a sign and trade deal with the Raptors in exchange for a future conditional draft pick.
He then went on to have his most successful season. As the Magic's go-to-man he achieved career highs. He made his first All-Star arrival and won the Most Improved Player Award. He led the Magic in all categories and led them to the playoffs.
