A diminutive point guard who defied his 5'3" frame to play 13 seasons in the NBA, known for his speed, agility, and clutch performances.
At just 5 feet 5 inches, Earl Boykins is the second-shortest player in NBA history, but his impact on the game was anything but diminutive. Known for his lightning-quick speed, razor-sharp assists, and unwavering determination, Boykins has left an indelible mark on the world of basketball.
Born on June 2, 1976, in Cleveland, Ohio, Boykins' love affair with basketball began at an early age. His father, Willie Williams, would sneak him into gyms in his gym bag, and Boykins would play with grown men in recreational leagues. This unconventional start laid the foundation for his later success.
At Cleveland Central Catholic High School, Boykins averaged an impressive 24.6 points per game and led the school to a 23-2 record as a senior. In 2015, The Plain Dealer ranked him the best Cleveland-area high school basketball player of the 1990s. Despite his impressive stats, Boykins received only two Division I athletic scholarship offers, from Eastern Michigan and Iowa, with Iowa later withdrawing their offer.
Boykins played college basketball at Eastern Michigan University from 1994 to 1998. During his time there, the Eagles won the MAC tournament in 1996 and 1998. He earned All-Mid-American Conference first-team honors in his junior and senior years. In his senior season, Boykins was second in the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship in scoring, with an average of 26.8 points per game.
He holds the career record for total assists (624) at Eastern Michigan University. In his final game, Boykins scored 18 points in a losing effort to Michigan State. On February 27, 2011, Boykins' No. 11 jersey was retired and raised to the rafters in a ceremony at Eastern Michigan University's Convocation Center.
Despite going undrafted, Boykins was signed to short-term contracts by five different NBA teams before signing a five-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2000. He played for several teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, and Washington Wizards, among others.
Throughout his NBA career, Boykins proved himself to be a reliable point guard, known for his exceptional ball-handling skills and ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He played a total of 13 seasons in the NBA, averaging 8.9 points and 3.2 assists per game.
After retiring from playing, Boykins transitioned to coaching. He served as the head coach for the Douglas County High School boys' varsity basketball team before becoming an assistant coach for the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Miners.
Earl Boykins' remarkable journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication and perseverance. Despite facing numerous obstacles due to his height, he defied expectations and carved out a successful NBA career. Today, he continues to inspire young players and coaches alike, leaving a lasting impact on the world of basketball.
As a coach, Boykins is passing on his wisdom and expertise to the next generation of players. His legacy extends beyond his playing career, as he continues to make a difference in the lives of those around him.
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