Trevor Ariza is one of my favorite players in the National Basketball Association (NBA), I wanted to start with that. I truly believe that at a mere 20 years of age, Trevor Ariza has endured an interesting and complex basketball career. At this point and time, many Orlando Magic fans do not know the details in regards to Trevor Ariza. This article will take you through his time with the UCLA Bruins and the New York Knicks, as well as provide you with some of my personal thoughts and analysis on this young, emerging star, and why you should like him.

Trevor Ariza only stayed at UCLA for his freshman season. Putting things in a quick perspective will show that Trevor could, and should have been the starting small forward for this year's Sweet 16 Bruins. Not only would he be starting there, but he would be flourishing! Either way, Trevor Ariza's freshman year statistics were a nice preview of what we could expect from Trevor in the NBA.

Immediately you can see that Trevor was the type of player who liked to do a little bit everything. Evidence of his well-rounded game is the scoring 11 points, grabbing 6.5 rebounds, and dishing 2 assists a game his freshman year. At 6'8", Trevor Ariza is able to utilize his athletic ability and his hard working nature in order to make plays happen; the type of plays that are seen on the stat sheet, and the ones not seen on the stat sheet. Taking a deeper look into his stats, one can see the alarmingly low percentages Trevor shot from the three point line, as well as the charity stripe. At 24% from three, and 50% from the free throw line, it was clear that Trevor had to develop a consistent, and realistic jump shot in the pros.

On draft night in 2004, the New York Knicks drafted Trevor Ariza, and so began my love affair with the youngster from California. As a New York Knick, Trevor Ariza was the typical spark plug off the bench. I don't think anyone in the world can question Trevor's energy when it came to the courts. He would dive after every ball, and in general, give everything he had every night. More often than not, Trevor Ariza would truly provide some sort of spark with electrifying dunks. Trevor was fearless attacking the rim, and that — mixed with his hard work and leaping ability — provided the Garden with some highlight reels. Now while everything sounds all gravy, Trevor still possessed the dreaded jump shot. He would consistently air ball one jump shot, and then make the next.