June 19, 2015

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - Former Runnin' Rebel Shawn Marion has announced his retirement from his outstanding NBA career.

Marion, who played for the UNLV men's basketball program during the 1998-99 season, was named First Team All-Western Athletic Conference and was also selected to the league's all-newcomer team and all-defensive team as a Runnin' Rebel. He transferred to UNLV after playing for two seasons at Vincennes University.

He led the Runnin' Rebels in scoring, rebounding, steals and blocked shots during his only year in a UNLV uniform with 18.7 points per game, 9.3 rebounds per game, and a total of 73 steals and 54 blocks. His 73 steals rank tied for 10th on the Runnin' Rebel all-time seasonal steals list and he is tied for fifth for most rebounds in a game in Thomas & Mack Center history with 21 against TCU on Feb. 22, 1999.

In 1999, Marion, who became nicknamed "The Matrix," was taken in the first round of the NBA Draft with the No. 9 overall selection by the Phoenix Suns. He went on to play in the league for 16 seasons on a total of five teams (Miami, Toronto, Dallas and Cleveland were the others).

Widely regarded as one of the most versatile players in the league because of his athleticism and ability to play and defend many positions, he was also known for his unorthodox shooting form.

A four-time NBA All-Star, Marion started at forward for the 2011 NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks making him the first former Runnin' Rebel to win a NBA title since 1972.

He also was a two-time All-NBA Third Team selection and was selected to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2000. In addition, he played for Team USA in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

For his entire NBA career, he appeared in 1,163 games, made 1,062 starts and averaged 15.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, while shooting 48.4 percent from the field.

Thanks for the memories, Shawn, and congratulations on your outstanding professional basketball career!