User:Tonykarasek

Tony John Karasek

Born July 3,1963 in Davenport Iowa, son of (Evalyn and Tony Karasek), is a retired Professional Basketball Player.

Seemingly born with a basketball in his hands, at age seven Karasek was already gaining recognition for his abilities on the basketball court. In the sixth grade, he towered over his classmates and teachers at 6’1”. As early as seventh grade at Sudlow Junior High, it was common to see Karasek dominate games. Karasek gained national exposure while attending highly recognized BC All-Star and Five Star Basketball Camps for high school blue-chip basketball talent. With exceptional showings at both camps, dreams began to become reality after years of sacrifice, hard work, and dedication. Four NBA teams sent letters to Karasek recognizing his performance at these prestigious camps and expressed their possible future interest. Coaches from every major university across America began contacting Karasek. Kentucky, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Arizona State, DePaul, LSU, Iowa, Clemson, Wake Forest, Villanova etc… were found watching his high school games.

High School honors included MVP, All-Tournament Teams, All-City, and All-State and All-American honorable mentions.

In 1982, Karasek accepts scholarship to play for Wake Forest University. In 1983, Karasek helps Wake Forest reach the NIT Final Four. Karasek plays well despite a serious back injury, broken nose, and multiple feet injuries during his freshman season. Karasek transfers to Florida State University during his second year at Wake Forest. The injuries continued to plague Karasek for two more seasons while playing center at FSU.

After a very disappointing injury riddled college career, hope is renewed, as Karasek is a 1987 First Round Draft pick by the Albany Patroons in the Continental Basketball Association, and by the Tampa Bay Stars in United States Basketball League. Following a successful summer league, he receives an invitation to attend the NBA Detroit Pistons Rookie training camp. After a successful NBA tryout camp, Karasek advances to Veterns Training camp with a 50/50chance of making the Pistons roster. Karasek and sports agent decide to accept a guaranteed contract to play in Nantes' France with uncertainty of making the Pistons roster. For the next seven years, Karasek travels the world and battles injuries while playing internationally in France, England, Greece, China, Dominican Republic and Israel. Attending training camps for the Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors. Playing for the following USBL teams: Tampa Bay Stars, Jersey Shore Bucks, and the New Haven Skyhawks. Playing for the following CBA teams: Charleston Gunners, Columbus Horizon, Cedar Rapids Silver Bullets, Albany Patroons, and the Fort Wayne Fury.

Wife: Barbara Emener Karasek (2007) Son: Tony Parkhurst

Height 6 ft 10 in

Weight 260 lbs

Education: McKinley Elementary Sudlow Jr.High Davenport Central United Township (1981-82) Wake Forest (1982-84) Florida State University (1984-87) Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences