Ricky Grace American and Australian professional basketball player Date of Birth: 20.08.1966 Country: Australia

1. Biography of Ricky Grace
2. Success with the Perth Wildcats
3. Retirement and Post-Basketball Career
4. Current Endeavors

Biography of Ricky Grace

Ricky Ray Grace was born on August 20, 1966, in Dallas, Texas. He started playing basketball in college clubs - first at Midland College and then at the University of Oklahoma. In his last year at the university, Grace helped the 'Oklahoma Sooners' club qualify for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. However, they lost to the 'Kansas Jayhawks' in the tournament.

On the 1988 NBA Draft, Grace was selected by the 'Utah Jazz' in the third round, as the 67th overall pick. Soon after, he received an invitation from Cal Bruton, the head coach of the 'Perth Wildcats', to play for the Australian club. Ricky remained with the 'Perth Wildcats' for his entire professional career, becoming one of their most successful players.

Success with the Perth Wildcats

Ricky Grace played a significant role in the success of the 'Perth Wildcats,' winning championships and being named the Most Valuable Player twice. In 1990, his team defeated the 'Brisbane Bullets,' and in 1993, they lost to the 'Melbourne Tigers.' In 1991, Grace and his team achieved multiple victories and he was selected to the NBA All-Star team. In 1993, he briefly played for the 'Atlanta Hawks,' reuniting with his former college teammate, Mookie Blaylock.

In 1995, the 'Perth Wildcats' became champions once again, defeating the 'North Melbourne Giants.' This victory earned them a spot in the McDonald's Championship in London, where they defeated 'Real Madrid' but lost to the 'Houston Rockets.' In 1996, Grace signed a six-year contract with the 'Perth Wildcats' and was granted Australian citizenship, allowing him to officially represent Australia in international competitions.

Ricky Grace also appeared in the Sydney Olympics in 2000 as part of the Australian national team, known as the 'Boomers.' He celebrated another championship with the 'Perth Wildcats,' winning his fourth title. In the latter part of his career, Grace adapted his game strategy, becoming more aggressive in offense. He was once again selected to the NBA All-Star team in 2001, 2002, and 2003.

Retirement and Post-Basketball Career

After the 'Perth Wildcats' experienced a decline in their performance, only making it to the finals once in the 2002-2003 season (where they lost to the 'Sydney Kings'), Ricky Grace retired. In 2003, he was included in the NBA All-Star team assembled in honor of the 25th anniversary of the National Basketball Association.

Grace played for two more seasons before ultimately ending his career. In his final game at the qualifying tournament, he played against the 'Melbourne Tigers' on February 25, 2005, but his team, the 'Perth Wildcats,' lost. On August 4, 2010, it was announced that Ricky Grace would be inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame (ABHF).

Current Endeavors

Currently, Ricky Grace is the Director of the organization 'Role Models WA,' which offers various sports and community development programs in Western Australia. Many football players from the 'Fremantle Dockers' and 'West Coast Eagles' clubs, including Chris Lewis, Des Headland, and Daniel Kerr, support the organization's activities.