Dana Barros

Dana Barros is a former American professional basketball player who enjoyed a 14-year career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Known for his exceptional three-point shooting and quickness, he earned an NBA All-Star selection in 1995 while with the Philadelphia 76ers. Following his playing career, Barros transitioned into coaching and broadcasting roles, primarily within the Boston Celtics organization.

Early life and college career

Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Barros attended Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, Massachusetts. He excelled in both basketball and football, earning all-state honors before committing to play college basketball for the Boston College Eagles. Under coach Jim O'Brien, Barros became a standout guard in the Big East Conference. In his senior season, he was named the Big East Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year and a Consensus first-team All-American after averaging 24.0 points per game, leading the Eagles to the 1989 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.

NBA career

Barros was selected with the 16th overall pick in the 1989 NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics. He served as a backup to All-Star Gary Payton for four seasons before being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in 1993. His breakout season came in 1994–95, when he averaged a career-high 20.6 points and 7.5 assists per game, won the NBA Most Improved Player Award, and was selected to the 1995 NBA All-Star Game. That same year, he also won the NBA Three-Point Contest during NBA All-Star Weekend. In 1995, he signed as a free agent with his hometown Boston Celtics, where he played five seasons and became a fan favorite. He later had stints with the Detroit Pistons before finishing his career with a second tenure on the Celtics in 2004.

Post-playing career

After retiring, Barros remained involved with the Boston Celtics, serving as a community ambassador and a color analyst for the team's television broadcasts on NBC Sports Boston. He also worked as a player development assistant for the Celtics under coach Doc Rivers. Beyond broadcasting, Barros has been active in youth basketball initiatives in the New England area and has participated in various charitable events associated with the NBA Cares program.

Personal life

Barros has maintained strong ties to the Boston community where he was raised. He is involved in several local business ventures and philanthropic efforts. He has also been a regular participant in alumni events for both Xaverian Brothers High School and Boston College.

Awards and honors

Throughout his career, Barros received significant recognition for his achievements. His honors include being named an NBA All-Star in 1995, winning the NBA Most Improved Player Award that same season, and capturing the NBA Three-Point Contest title. In college, he was a Consensus first-team All-American and the Big East Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year in 1989. His legacy at Boston College was cemented when his jersey number 3 was retired by the Boston College Eagles men's basketball program.

Category:American basketball players Category:Boston Celtics players Category:Philadelphia 76ers players Category:Seattle SuperSonics players Category:Detroit Pistons players Category:Boston College Eagles men's basketball players