Steve Nash, the NBA's 2005 & 2006 MVP

How did this 6'3" Canadian, who grew up playing soccer, become the winner of back-to-back NBA Most Valuable Player Awards? Through hard work, dedication and perseverance. He is happy to share with young players his passion for basketball with his new instructional basketball series, Steve Nash MVP Basketball.

Steve Nash, born February 7, 1974, grew up in Victoria, British Columbia. He played college basketball at Santa Clara University, where he was twice named the West Coast Conference Player of the Year. He played basketball for Team Canada and was their team captain at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

Steve Nash was drafted in the 1st round (15th overall) by the Phoenix Suns in 1996. In June 1998, Steve was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where his up-tempo play turned the Mavericks into one of the NBA's most exciting teams. His play earned him All-Star honors in both 2002 and 2003. In 2004, he returned home when he signed as a free agent with the Suns.

Since joining the Suns in 2005, the versatile Nash has emerged as the league's premier point guard averaging 18 points and 11 assists per game over the past two seasons. Steve Nash's outstanding performances have garnered him two consecutive 1st Team All-NBA honors as well as back-to-back honors as the NBA's Most Valuable Player.

Steve Nash's career accolades include:

• NBA MVP Award (2005-06)
• NBA MVP Award (2004-05)
• 3-time NBA All-Star (2001-02, 2002-03, 2004-05)
• All-NBA First Team (2004-05, 2005-06)
• All-NBA Third Team (2001-02, 2002-03)
• Canadian Olympic Team (2000)

Off the basketball court, Steve founded The Steve Nash Foundation in 2001 to aid underpriviledged children in their health, personal development, education and enjoyment of life. His foundation's annual Charity Classic "builds hope through hoops" in this worthwhile endeavor.