Matthew Robert Bonner (born April 5 1980 in Concord, New Hampshire) is a professional basketball player currently with the Toronto Raptors of the NBA.
Standing 6'10" at 237 lb, Bonner was drafted out of the University of Florida by the Chicago Bulls in the 2nd round of the 2003 NBA Draft and then traded to the Raptors. While playing for the Florida Gators, Bonner amassed 1,570 points 778 rebounds and 165 three pointers and finished his career ranked in the top 10 in six categories. Bonner graduated from Florida with a 3.96 GPA and was named the Verizon Academic All-American of the Year for the sport of basketball in both 2002 and 2003 [1][2].
Toronto recognized the future potential in Bonner but did not have a roster position available. Bonner was asked to spend a year in Europe honing his skills with a verbal promise to give him a shot at making the team in 2004.
After siging with Sicilia of the Italian league based in Messina Sicily, 2003 proved to be a harrowing year for Bonner. Bonner survived a 104.5 degree Fahrenheit temperature brought on by a bout of salmonella (treated by the team dentist) most likely caused by a lack of running hot water in his apartment. Sicilia had filed for bankruptcy in the middle of the season and had stopped paying its players. Bonner's heat and electricity were shut off and he was given two eviction notices. Despite half the team leaving, Bonner stuck it out and finished the year averaging 19.2 points and 9.3 rebounds [3].
Bonner signed with the Raptors during the 2004-05 NBA season, averaging 7.2 points per game whilst playing all 82 contests. Matt received the nickname "Red Rocket" during the same season in which he was constantly sighted on the public transit in Toronto, the TTC, whose streetcars are red and slogan is 'Ride the Rocket'.
Matt Bonner's first prominent moment as a Raptor occurred on December of 2004 during an exciting game at the Air Canada Centre. Extending for a rebound, he knocked all-star Kevin Garnett from behind, sending him sprawling to the ground prompting the two players to get into a heated exchange. The crowd chanted "Bonner, Bonner" as he was ejected from the game. This immediately established Matt as a fan favourite, and the website www.mattbonner.org saw Raptors fans rallying behind Bonner.
In the 2005-06 season after 49 games, Bonner is averaging 6.8 points per game, 3.2 rebounds per game and is shooting 44.4% from the field. He is also 36th in the NBA in three-point field goal percentage, and one of the first players the Raptors look to for three-point shots.
Trivia[]
- During the offseason Matt subjects himself to a gruelling conditioning program which includes jogging up a popular ski mountain.[4]
- Among Matt's favourite foods are the following: Mr. Sub Sandwiches, mashed potatoes, Pop Tarts, PineCones & Honey and RootMarm with a hint of saffron. [5]