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Tyronn Lue: Heart, Soul and Speed

Josh Sekine- washingtonwizards.com- Friday, January 18, 2002

This article is a background/bio of Tyronn's career.

When Tyronn Lue was signed by the Washington Wizards in the off-season he was looked at as a quick guard who could help the team defend players like Allen Iverson and Jason Kidd. But Lue brought more than just speed to the court.

Lue was born and grew up in Mexico, Missouri, a small town in the center of the state. His mother, Kim Miller, raised Lue along with his brother and sister, Gregory Miller and Shakea Lue, by herself, but it was the town itself that Lue felt most at home in.

After finishing his remaining three years of high school at Rayton High School and playing basketball under Coach Mark Scanlon, Lue went to the University of Nebraska where he said that although the team was successful, they took a backseat to the popularity of the football team in the midst of their back-to-back National Championship seasons.

While at Nebraska, Husker fans called Lue the heart and soul of the basketball team. As a freshman he was named to the Big Eight All-Freshman Team, but it was his sophomore year that caught many people's attention.

After three successful years at Nebraska, Lue decided to enter the NBA draft after his junior season, a decision that, he said, was based on the right opportunity at the right time.He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets with the 23rd pick in the 1998 draft, but was traded 15 minutes later to the Los Angeles Lakers in a deal that sent Nick Van Exel to Denver in exchange for Lue and Tony Battie.

During the 2001 off-season, Lue tested the free agent waters and landed himself in Washington. He said that there were other factors that attracted him to the Wizards besides having Michael Jordan in the front office and Doug Collins as the new head coach. "I knew Larry Drew," Lue said. "He was one of the assistant coaches my first year in L.A., so that played a big role in my decision. Also being a young team, I knew I would have a chance to come in and grow with a young team and hopefully be able to play some consistent minutes. In L.A. I played, but I didn't have the chance to play consistent minutes like I wanted to, so this was a great opportunity for me."

While his presence on the court that makes a difference, Lue also enjoys making a difference in the community. So far this season he has participated by helping serve a Thanksgiving meal to the less fortunate and assisted in the joint effort between the Wizards and D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams' holiday party for less fortunate kids.

Lue said he feels very fortunate to be in the position he is in. He has worked very hard to fulfill his dreams to make it at the NBA level. He is a player that loves the game of basketball, but does not take his position for granted.

True Lue- Indiana 108, Washington 81

Washingtonwizards.com- Thursday, December 27,2001

Tyronn Lue was true blue on Thursday night, stepping up in the absence of Richard Hamilton to score a team-high 23 points in a 108-81 loss to the streaking Indiana Pacers.
Tyronn Lue picked up the slack with a season-high 23 points but was the only player in double figures for Washington, which shot 37 percent (31-of-83) and made just 13-of-22 free throws.
"We just had one of those games," Collins added. "The Pacers jumped all over us. We have to regroup, we have to ride the crest. Tyronn Lue played his heart out."
Lue nailed a jumper and two 3-pointers as Washington opened the second quarter with a 10-3 run to pull within 34-31.The Wizards were held to 12 points and made just two baskets in the third quarter. Lue sank a 3-pointer with 7:10 left.

Pacers Turn Off Jordan, Wizards

John N. Mitchell, The Washington Times Friday, December 28, 2001

Tyronn Lue led the Wizards with a career-high 23 points.Lue was the only Wizards player who scored in double figures. Trailing by 30-31 at the start of the second, Lue shot the Wizards back into the game. Scoreless in the first quarter, Lue scored 10 of the Wizards' first 12 points at the start of the second quarter.

Boo Lue

WIZARDS REPORT- John N. Mitchell, The Washington Times- Wednesday December 05, 2001

One of the most emotional responses of the night was generated by the appearance on the court of Washington's Tyronn Lue with 4:38 left in the first quarter.
Last year during the NBA Finals as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, Lue became somewhat of a villain here when he stuck to Allen Iverson (some would say grabbed) like glue in the Lakers' 4-1 rout of the Sixers.
From the moment Lue checked into the game, he and Iverson exchanged words and tugged at the other's jersey when playing defense. At one point, Hue Hollins, one of the longest tenured refs in the league, had to pull the two apart to cool them down.

Lethargy After Wins Still Troubles Wizards

John N. Mitchell, The Washington Times- Thursday, December 06,2001

Collins hopes the win over Philadelphia will inspire the team to come out and get its fifth win of the season rather than roll over for another bad team. One player the Wizards hope will continue to contribute tonight is reserve point guard Tyronn Lue.
Lue, activated for the Philadelphia game, showed his value to the Wizards for the first time this season, finishing with nine points and seven assists in 24 minutes. Lue also demonstrated he would not back down from Philadelphia's Allen Iverson. The two exchanged words for most of Lue's 24 minutes.Against Philadelphia Lue played the way the Wizards hoped when they signed him to a two-year, $2.57-million deal, not the player who is shooting 36.8 percent from the floor.

Jordan Sparks Wizards

Steve Wyche, Washington Post- Thursday, December 06, 2001

-backup point guard Tyronn Lue (nine points, five assists) made big play after big play in the second half.
-"The biggest thing was Michael really trusted some guys late in the game,he found [Lue] for an open jump shot." Collins said.

Lue More comfortable

Steve Wyche, Washington Post- Thursday, December 06, 2001

Since coming off the injured list backup point guard Tyronn Lue has been almost a completely different player than early in the season.He has averaged 6.5 points, 3.3 assists and 25 minutes.

"I feel much more comfortable because I'm playing consistent minutes in a rotation with the second unit, with a group of guys who can get out and run and that plays to my strengths," Lue said. "We can play up-tempo ball. The shot? It's something we've been working on."

Wizards Players and Coaches Dish a Holiday Meal

Josh Sekine, washingtonwizards.com- Monday, November 19, 2001

The Washington Wizards players and coaches helped feed area homeless. Along with Calvary Baptist Church, US food service,Madell's Sporting Goods, and Washington Sports and Entertainment as part of Abe's table. The holiday meal was a complete success, the served more than 400 underpriveledged washington residents.

"This means a lot to me," Lue said. "I did it when I was at Nebraska, I did it when I was in Los Angeles and I have a good time and enjoy these people because they are very appreciative and very fun loving."

Wizards put Lue on IL

The Associated Press- Friday, November 16, 2001

The Wizards placed guard Tyronn Lue on the injured list with strained ligaments in his right hand.

Lue:Work in Progress

Alan Goldenback- Washington Post- Sunday, October 21, 2001

Even though he has started in two pre-season games some say that it is obvious that he is lacking confidence.
"Lue said he doesn't feel as if he is underachieving. He said the chemistry that is building in practice is not carrying over to games."
He seemed to gain confidence in the 4th quarter. He hit a 12-foot jumpshot past Nets' Derrick Dial and with 1:19 left he had his best play of the night, driving the lane for a left handed layup that cut Jersey's lead down to two.

Stargazing Team ... Pistons 114, Wizards 88

Washington Post Staff Writer- Friday, October, 19 2001

Tyronn Lue whom started in his first pre-season game had four assists, scored four points, and had one steal in 26 minutes.

MCI Scrimmage

Washington Post Staff Writer- Wednesday October 17, 2001

Lue had nine points, and six assists for the white team which lost 60-55 in the two 20 minute halves.

NBA Urged Jordan to Change His Plans... Lue Sits Out

Washington Wizards Staff Writer- Friday, October 12, 2001

-Tyronn Lue could not play in tonights game because of a bruised right thigh a result of having being kneed in the thigh four times during training camp.
-He is questionable for Saturday's game at Miami.

Wizards Sign Lue, Re-sign Jones

Eric Hernandez- washingtonwizards.com- July 18, 2001

-Wizards have signed free-agent point guard Tyronn Lue.
-Lue said he looks forward to playing for the Wizards next season.
-Lue generated national attention after he constantly hounded Allen Iverson all the court during the NBA finals.
-"I just want to come in, work hard, and earn my minutes," said Lue.
-Lue is scheduled to fly to Boston tomorrow to meet some of his new teammates as well as coach Collins and the rest of the coaching staff.

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