James H
arden has one of the most incredible, bushiest beards you’ll ever see in your life. I guess that’s what happens when you don’t shave for years at a time.
But, there was a time when he didn’t have his famous calling card growing on his face. He was actually still a teenager and was enrolled at Arizona State University, which was pretty much the last time anyone saw from below his ears to his chin.
Harden was back at his old stomping grounds on Wednesday night when ASU proudly retired his jersey. Here’s a photo he posted to his Instagram just after the ceremony honoring his two years with the Sun Devils.
“GOD had this planned all along. I just followed the footsteps. Thanks ASU for the retirement of my jersey. Blessed!!!!!!! #13 #YoungSwagChamp”, Harden captioned under the photo.
His jersey was lifted into the rafters at halftime during the ASU-UCLA game Wednesday night. The Sun Devils came from behind to win the game 68-66, pushing their record to 14-12.
Harden spent two years at ASU from 2007-2009, and was voted a Consensus All-American in 2009 when averaged 20.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. He finished his career with a record of 46-23 in those two years, and posted per game averages of 19.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
This year in the NBA, Harden’s Houston Rockets are emerging as a serious title contender in the Western Conference, putting him at the top of the MVP ladder this season.
Stats via Sports-Reference.com.
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