Dwyane Wade biography

Synopsis

Early Life

Professional basketball player Dwyane Tryone Wade Jr., known as "D-Wade" or "Flash," was born on January 17, 1982 in Chicago, Illinois. Shortly after his birth, Dwade's parents, Dwyane Sr. and Jolinda Wade, separated. His mother, Jolinda, was given custody of the two younger children, Wade and his 5-year-old sister, Tragil. The family struggled financially and was eventually forced to go on welfare. 

Wade's life took a turn for the better when, at 8 years old, he was tricked by his sister, Tragil; she told him they were going to the movies, but they instead went to a different South Side neighborhood. Tragil then returned to Chicago, and left Wade to stay with his father, who had re-married. The move changed the course of Wade's life, leading him away from the crime-ridden area he had lived with his mother.

A year later, Wade's father moved the family to Robbins, Illinois—a south Chicago suburb. Wade's new environment allowed him to play basketball outside with his stepbrothers, new friends and father, who coached part-time at a local recreational center. It was here that Wade attended Harold L. Richards High School in Oak Lawn, where his older stepbrother Demetrius had already made a name for himself as the star of the basketball team.

Although he initially found more success as a wide receiver on the football team, Wade worked hard to earn regular time on the varsity basketball court during his junior year. After improving his ball-handling skills and outside game, as well as shooting up by nearly four inches—to more than 6 feet tall—Wade emerged as the basketball team's new star. During his junior year, he averaged 20.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, making a name for himself throughout Chicago. His success continued into his senior year—at that time, he was averaging 27 points and 11 rebounds per game. However, due to his poor grades, he was only recruited by three college basketball programs. Wade has stated that his high school coach, Jack Fitzgerald, was one of the most positive influences in his life during this time.

College Basketball Career

Wade chose to attend Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Although he was ineligible to play due to low academic scores, head coach Tom Crean took him on as a partial qualifier. This meant that although he had to sit out the 2000-01 season, he was still allowed to attend school and practice with the team.