100% Charlie Ward

by Ryan Sherwin

   For a man who claims to shoot a 100 on the golf links "on a good day," Charlie Ward surely matches that with a 100% effort on the basketball court. Ward is the talented point guard of the New York Knicks who can bring thousands of fans to their feet with his electrifying play. He is entering his 7th season with the Knicks, and this seasoned veteran is not just an amazing player, but he is also an amazing person.

   Teenspeak spoke with Ward recently and discovered he doesn't just play basketball. He gives 100% of himself to helping to raise money to benefit kids that need it. His annual golf outing, held September 25th this year, helped to raise money for the March of Dimes. Ward has held charitable golf outings for many years, and sees it as a great opportunity to give back to the community. "It's been a blessing having friends and companies come and be a part of it. It's something that you take for granted, but once you sit down and think about all of the people that come and support you and the charity, it's really special," he told Teenspeak. And, this year was no different. With celebrities like Harry Carson, John Starks, Eric Strickland, Branford Marsalis, Jeff Van Gundy, LaPhonso Ellis, Monty Williams, (and others) the outcome can only be a guaranteed success.

   While in his golf attire, Teenspeak asked whether there were any basketball "handicaps" he wanted to reveal. Ward indicated that he just wants to improve his overall game. This Heisman Trophy winner in college football believes that there is always room for hard work and improvement. This reporter believes that Charlie Ward is performing at the level that he was always capable of reaching during his hardwood career.

Ward clearly has many talents that he displays on the court nightly during basketball season. Many people, however, miss all the good things that he does off the court. On and off the court, he's 100% Charlie Ward. While we couldn't get any specific predictions about the Knickerbockers 2000 season, look for a high level of play, and 100% commitment from Charlie Ward. What follows is Teenspeak's interview with Charlie Ward.

Charlie Ward with TeenSpeak reporter Ryan Sherwin.