Wayne Anthony Simien, Jr. (born March 9, 1983, in Leavenworth, Kansas) is an American professional basketball player, currently with Spain's Cáceres Ciudad de Baloncesto, as a power forward.

He was a member of the 2005-06 NBA champions Miami Heat.

High school career

Growing up, Simien was a KU fan due to his proximity to Lawrence. He committed to play for Roy Williams and the University of Kansas as early as the 8th or 9th grade, and was later named to the 2001 McDonald's All-American Team. He played for the Leavenworth Pioneers in high school and led the Pioneers to a 6A-State Championship his junior year in high school.

College career

At Kansas, Simien received All American honors his junior and senior years. He was a Wooden Award finalist both years, and was the Big 12 Player of the Year his senior year. However, his college career ended when Kansas was defeated by 14th-seeded Bucknell in the first round of the 2005 NCAA Tournament, thanks in large part to the stellar defensive work of Bucknell players like John Clark--who held Simien scoreless during both minutes he played. Simien finished his college career with 110 wins and a 12-4 NCAA Tournament record.

Professional career

Simien was selected with the 29th overall selection of the 2005 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat, with whom he won a championship in 2006. During the regular season, he appeared in 43 contests (about 10 minutes per game), averaging 3 points and 2 rebounds, but only managed two postseason appearances.

Simien could not participate in the Heat's 2006 Summer League program because of a salmonella infection.His contribution during the season consisted of 8 matches.

He was traded from the Heat along with Antoine Walker and Michael Doleac to the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 24 2007 for Ricky Davis and Mark Blount. However, on October 29, Simien was waived by the Wolves in order for them to keep their roster to the 15-player limit.

After being given a Summer League invitation by the Cleveland Cavaliers, although he did not play due to a hamstring injury, and later receiving a training camp invitation from the Atlanta Hawks, subsequently withdrawn, Simien joined, in October 2008, Spain's Cáceres Ciudad de Baloncesto, in the country's second level.

Personal

Simien married his wife, Katie, on July 8 2006. They had a daughter, Selah Renae, on October 5, 2007.

References

External links

• College stats and info