Gilbert Arenas was born on January 6, 1982 in Tampa, Florida. His father played college football at the University of Miami. In 1984, the pair moved to Los Angeles, California where Gilbert's father was an actor in commercials and soap operas.
When Gilbert was about 11, he started playing basketball. By the time Gilbert was 14, he was already the best player on Ulysses S. Grant High School in Van Nuys, California. He decided to wear the number '0' because people told him he would get 'zero playing time'. After his sophomore year, Gilbert decided to enter the NBA draft. Many coaches thought that Gilbert was not ready. As a result, he was drafted a disappointing 31st overall by the Golden State Warriors. Gilbert worked hard at Golden State, despite the fact his coach kept him on the bench for much of the season. When he finally got his chance, Gilbert averaged 14 points and 5 assists per game as the Warriors point guard.
After a successful individual year for Gilbert, it was time to test the NBA's free-agent market. Much to the disappointment of Warriors fans, Gilbert signed a 6-year, 65 million dollar deal with the Washington Wizards in 2003. Not surprisingly, he became an instant star with the Wizards. Fans loved to watch him race up the court, dish-off passes, and make difficult shots and lay ups. Although the Wizards only won 27 games his first year in Washington, Gilbert led them with 19.6 points per game. Gilbert, along with teammates Larry Hughes and Antawn Jamison, led the Wizards to the NBA playoffs during his second year. The highlight of the decade for the Wizards was their post-season victory against the Chicago Bulls in the NBA playoffs.
16. What did Gilbert's father do for a living in California?.
A. He was an artist.
B. He was a basketball player.
C. He was an actor.
D. He was a football player.
17. When did Gilbert become the best player on Ulysses S. Grant High School?
A. When he was 11.
B. In 1984.
C. When he was 14.
D. As a junior in high school.
18. Why was Gilbert drafted a disappointing 31st overall by the Golden State Warriors?
A. Because many coaches thought that he was not ready.
B. Because the Golden State Warriors liked him very much.
C. Because his family has moved to the Golden State.
D. Because his performance is disappointing in the season.
19. Which of the following players did NOT help the Wizards make the playoffs in Gilbert's second year?
A. Gilbert Arenas.
B. Gold State Warriors.
C. Antawn Jamison.
D. Larry Hughes.
20. Which of the following words best describes Gilbert Arenas as described by the passage?
A. Overrated.
B. Hard-working.
C. Talented.
D. Both B and C.