Amar’e Stoudemire became the first player drafted directly from high school to win NBA Rookie of the Year in 2003.
The Phoenix Suns selected Stoudemire ninth overall in the 2002 NBA draft. During his first professional season, he averaged 13.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game and quickly established himself as one of the league’s most promising young big men. He won the award ahead of fellow finalists Yao Ming and Caron Butler.
Stoudemire’s achievement was notable because the NBA had only recently become a destination for elite players entering directly from high school. His award placed him in a short list of prep-to-pro players who made an immediate impact, alongside later stars such as Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.
He later made six NBA All-Star teams and earned five All-NBA selections. His 2003 award is separate from his later honors, including his 2004 Olympic bronze medal and his successful professional career in Europe and Israel.