Joel Anthony
Team: Miami Heat
Local tie: UNLV
Remember when: The 6-foot-9 center was a key reserve for the Runnin’ Rebels squad that reached the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 in 2008. Anthony led the team with 109 blocks in 37 games.
Now: The 28-year-old Anthony started Miami’s Game 4 victory over Boston on Monday—alongside LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Through nine playoff games, Anthony was averaging 32 minutes, 5.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks.
C.J. Watson
Chicago Bulls guard C.J. Watson played on the Bishop Gorman Gaels' 2000 and 2002 championship teams.
Team: Chicago Bulls
Local tie: Bishop Gorman
Remember when: The Las Vegas native went 85-14 during his three-year varsity career, helping the Gaels to the 2000 and 2002 state championships and earning the Las Vegas Sun’s 2002 State Player of the Year award. The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 26 points and six steals as a senior.
Now: The 27-year-old Watson played in all 82 games during the Bulls’ regular season, shooting 39 percent from the 3-point line and averaging 2.3 assists. The backup to league MVP Derrick Rose scored eight points in last Friday’s Game 3 win over Atlanta.
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