Washington Wizards Gilbert Arenas

Gilbert Arenas entered the 2001 NBA Draft out of the University of Arizona. He was passed in the first round pick, and Gilbert was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the second pick of the second round. In Arenas' second year playing in the NBA he received the Most Improved Player Award and was also named Most Valuable Player during a NBA All Star Weekend as a Rookie Sophomore. In 2003 he signed with the Washington Wizards.

Arenas played in only 8 games last season due to knee injuries and operations, but is expected to be ready for training camp for the 2008 – 2009 season. Gilbert will be back with the Wizards and signed a contract worth $111 million for the next six years on July 13, 2008.

Gilbert is actively involved in Scores for Schools, along with Abe Pollin. In this program he donates a $100 for every point he makes in a game to the schools he is playing for that night. A raffle is held each year to choose the schools. At this year’s raffle, not wanting to disappoint any kids, the schools that were not picked in the raffle received $1,000 in donations. Gilbert Arenas also has a foundation called Zero To Hero. The purpose is to promote safety of children and raises funds for organizations the are active in the preservation of family, such as Foster Care, Child Welfare Serves and adoption, and a partner of The Arial Home Initiative with their goal to build one million homes in ten years.