Cory Hightower
Encyclopedia
Cory Hightower is a professional basketball player who was selected by the San Antonio Spurs
in the 2nd round (54th pick) in the 2000 NBA Draft
.
He played two years as a guard/forward with Indian Hills Community College
, and had committed to play at Texas Christian University
, but decided to leave early to declare for the draft. While at Indian Hills, Hightower was named NJCAA Tournament MVP his freshman year, and was named a First Team NJCAA All-American his sophomore year.
His draft rights were traded by the Spurs to the Los Angeles Lakers
on the day of the draft. Hightower averaged 17 points per game for the Lakers in NBA Summer League and pre-season, but was eventually cut from the NBA Championship team to make room for a point guard. Rumors surrounded the ultra talented Hightower, that his NBA dreams were shattered as he refused to carry Kobe Bryants bags. Hightower denies the rumors. Flint natives Morris Peterson
, Mateen Cleaves
, and other Flint NBA Legends, confirm that Cory Hightower is the greatest player ever to come out of the basketball hotbed.
He split the 2000-01 season in the CBA
with the Gary Steelheads
before joining the Harlem Globetrotters
. Participated in training camp with the Charlotte Hornets in 2001 before being released. He returned to the CBA in 2002 and played once again with the Gary Steelheads and later, the Rockford Lightning
. Hightower would continue to leap around the CBA for the next few years, playing for the Great Lakes Storm
, Yakima Sun Kings, and Michigan Mayhem
. In 2004, Hightower began playing overseas for teams such as Marinos de Anzoategui in Venezuela
. Hightower also played for the Albany Patroons
of the United States Basketball League
.
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
in the 2nd round (54th pick) in the 2000 NBA Draft
2000 NBA Draft
The 2000 NBA Draft was held on June 28, 2000 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Until 2011, it was the last draft held at the home arena of an NBA team; the following and subsequent drafts have all taken place at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York. This draft is...
.
He played two years as a guard/forward with Indian Hills Community College
Indian Hills Community College
Indian Hills Community College is a two-year public community college, with campuses located in Ottumwa, Iowa and Centerville, Iowa. I.H.C.C. serves both traditional residential students and commuter students.-History:...
, and had committed to play at Texas Christian University
Texas Christian University
Texas Christian University is a private, coeducational university located in Fort Worth, Texas, United States and founded in 1873. TCU is affiliated with, but not governed by, the Disciples of Christ...
, but decided to leave early to declare for the draft. While at Indian Hills, Hightower was named NJCAA Tournament MVP his freshman year, and was named a First Team NJCAA All-American his sophomore year.
His draft rights were traded by the Spurs to the Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
on the day of the draft. Hightower averaged 17 points per game for the Lakers in NBA Summer League and pre-season, but was eventually cut from the NBA Championship team to make room for a point guard. Rumors surrounded the ultra talented Hightower, that his NBA dreams were shattered as he refused to carry Kobe Bryants bags. Hightower denies the rumors. Flint natives Morris Peterson
Morris Peterson
Morris Peterson, Jr. is an American professional basketball player who is currently a free agent.- College career :...
, Mateen Cleaves
Mateen Cleaves
Mateen Ahmad Cleaves is an American former professional basketball player who played in six NBA seasons. He is currently a music talent manager....
, and other Flint NBA Legends, confirm that Cory Hightower is the greatest player ever to come out of the basketball hotbed.
He split the 2000-01 season in the CBA
Continental Basketball Association
The Continental Basketball Association was a professional men's basketball league in the United States, which has been on hiatus since the 2009 season.- History :...
with the Gary Steelheads
Gary Steelheads
The Gary Steelheads were a professional basketball team that played in the International Basketball League. In the past they played in the International Basketball League, Continental Basketball Association, and the United States Basketball League. They were based in Gary, Indiana and played their...
before joining the Harlem Globetrotters
Harlem Globetrotters
The Harlem Globetrotters are an exhibition basketball team that combines athleticism, theater and comedy. The executive offices for the team are currently in downtown Phoenix, Arizona; the team is owned by Shamrock Holdings, which oversees the various investments of the Roy E. Disney family.Over...
. Participated in training camp with the Charlotte Hornets in 2001 before being released. He returned to the CBA in 2002 and played once again with the Gary Steelheads and later, the Rockford Lightning
Rockford Lightning
The Rockford Lightning were a basketball team that played in the Continental Basketball Association. They were based in Rockford, Illinois. The Lightning were the oldest team in the CBA, originally existing as the Lancaster Red Roses from Lancaster, Pennsylvania...
. Hightower would continue to leap around the CBA for the next few years, playing for the Great Lakes Storm
Great Lakes Storm
The Great Lakes Storm was a basketball team that played in the Continental Basketball Association for three seasons, beginning in 2002 and ending in 2005. They were based in Birch Run, Michigan, a small town between Flint and Saginaw. The Storm played at the Birch Run Expo Center. The original...
, Yakima Sun Kings, and Michigan Mayhem
Michigan Mayhem
The Michigan Mayhem was a minor league professional basketball team based in Muskegon, Michigan that competed in the Continental Basketball Association. In the CBA's 2004-05 season the Mayhem finished third in the league's Eastern Conference. The team played its home games at the L.C...
. In 2004, Hightower began playing overseas for teams such as Marinos de Anzoategui in Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
. Hightower also played for the Albany Patroons
Albany Patroons
The Albany Patroons were a professional basketball team that played in the Continental Basketball Association ....
of the United States Basketball League
United States Basketball League
The United States Basketball League , often abbreviated to the USBL, was a professional men's spring basketball league. The league was formed in 1985. The final champions are the Kansas Cagerz, who won the title game on July 1, 2007.-History:...
.