Terry Rozier

Terry William Rozier III: A Journey Through Basketball

Imagine a young man named Terry William Rozier III, born on March 17, 1994, in the bustling city of Youngstown, Ohio. Known affectionately as ‘Scary Terry,’ his journey through basketball is nothing short of fascinating and filled with twists and turns.

From Shaker Heights to Louisville

How did a young man from Youngstown find himself playing college basketball for the University of Louisville? Terry’s path was not straightforward. He graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 2012, but his journey didn’t end there. He played briefly at Hargrave Military Academy before joining Louisville, where he would make a name for himself.

Early Success and the NBA

In his freshman year at Louisville (2013-14), Terry averaged 7.0 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, earning him a spot on the ACC All-Rookie Team. Fast forward to his sophomore year (2014-15), where he led the Cardinals in scoring with an impressive 17.1 points per game. His performance was so remarkable that he was named second-team All-ACC.

The NBA Debut

On June 25, 2015, Terry was selected by the Boston Celtics with the 16th overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft. His rookie season saw him receive multiple assignments to the Maine Red Claws and appear in 39 regular-season games for the Celtics.

Breaking Records

Terry’s career took off when he scored a career-high 23 points against the Orlando Magic on November 24, 2017. He also achieved his first career triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. His performances continued to impress, especially in 2018, when he scored high points against several teams including Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets.

Charlotte Hornets and Beyond

In 2019, Terry was traded to the Charlotte Hornets as part of a sign-and-trade deal involving Kemba Walker. He received a new three-year, $56.7 million contract. His performance for the Hornets was nothing short of spectacular. On December 18, 2019, he scored 35 points in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He surpassed this mark on March 8, 2020, with 40 points in a double-overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

High-Scoring Seasons

Terry’s high-scoring seasons continued into 2021. On December 29, he scored a season-high 35 points against the Indiana Pacers. The Hornets finished the season with a 43-39 record and qualified for the play-in tournament. His performance was criticized after his poor playoffs but proved doubters wrong later in the season.

Trade to Miami Heat

On January 23, 2024, Terry was traded to the Miami Heat in exchange for Kyle Lowry. He made his debut with the Heat on the next day, scoring nine points with five assists and four rebounds.

Terry William Rozier III’s journey through basketball is a testament to hard work, determination, and resilience. From his early days in Youngstown to his current role with the Miami Heat, Terry has shown that he is more than just ‘Scary Terry.’ He is a player who continues to inspire and amaze fans with his performances on the court.