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Earl BoykinsAmerican professional basketball player
Date of Birth: 02.06.1976
Country: ![]() |
Content:
Early Life and College Career
Earl Boykins, standing at a mere 5'5" (165 cm), is the second-shortest player in NBA history, after only Muggsy Bogues (5'3"). Weighing in at a reported 132 pounds (60 kg), Boykins is known for his exceptional strength, rumored to bench press 314 pounds (142 kg).
He attended and played basketball for Cleveland Central Catholic High School in the Slavic Village neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. In college, Boykins played for the Eastern Michigan University basketball team from 1994 to 1998. During his time there, he earned All-Mid-American Conference honors and finished his senior season averaging 26.8 points per game, second in the nation in men's Division I NCAA. He holds Eastern Michigan University's career assists record with 624.
NBA Career
Undrafted in the NBA draft, Boykins signed numerous short-term contracts with various teams. He spent the most time with the Denver Nuggets, playing from the 2003-04 to mid-way through the 2006-07 season.
On November 11, 2004, Boykins scored a career-high 32 points in a 117-109 victory over the Detroit Pistons. This made him the shortest player in NBA history to score 30 or more points in a game.
Journey to Italy
Following the 2007-08 NBA season, Boykins became a free agent. Instead of continuing his NBA career, he opted to venture to Europe. There, he signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with Virtus Bologna in the Italian National League. The year-long contract made Boykins the highest-paid player in the Italian league. Additionally, the contract allowed Boykins to receive outside income from Bologna sponsors and merchandise sales, something prohibited in the NBA due to player salary restrictions.
Controversy and Return to the NBA
On December 26, 2008, Virtus general manager Claudio Sabatini announced Boykins' expulsion from the club for violating team rules by flying back to the US to visit his sick son. However, days later, it was reported that Boykins would remain with the team. Ultimately, he departed from Virtus in June 2009.
In November 2009, Boykins signed a contract with the NBA's Washington Wizards. He proved to be a valuable asset to the team amidst the suspensions of guards Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton on gun possession charges. On December 2, 2009, Boykins made two clutch free throws to secure a victory for the Wizards against the Milwaukee Bucks. On August 19, 2010, the Bucks signed him for a one-year deal.