Rafer Jamel "Skip to My Lou" Alston

born July 24, 1976 in Jamaica, Queens, New York City, New Yorkis an American professional basketball player currently with the NBA's Orlando Magic. Alston grew up in Jamaica Queens, New York and is widely regarded as one of the best streetball basketball players of all time. He is often referred to by his streetball nickname "Skip to My Lou", a name he received for skipping while he dribbled the ball.

He has been associated with shoe manufacturer And 1's "Mix Tape Tour" promotional streetball team.
Alston first played college basketball for Ventura College, a junior college, before finishing at Fresno State.

Alston struggled early in his NBA career, but was able to very successfully transition from streetball to the professional game. After sitting on the bench for most of the time he was with the Milwaukee Bucks, he emerged as a starter for the Miami Heat in 2004. He did not disappoint, averaging 12 points and 4 assists on a young Miami team that made it to the first round of the playoffs. During that season, in a March 26 game against the Dallas Mavericks, he hit a game-winning shot in overtime with 0.5 seconds left over the outstretched arms of Shawn Bradley to catapult Miami to a 119-118 victory. He signed with the Toronto Raptors during the summer of 2004.
Following a tumultuous tenure with the Toronto Raptors, Alston was traded to the Houston Rockets for guard Mike James on October 4, 2005. Although Alston frequently was criticized for his attitude while in Toronto, it is believed that Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy conferred with his brother, Miami Heat coach Stan Van Gundy, who coached Alston during the 2003-2004 NBA season, about Alston's work ethic and attitude. Jeff Van Gundy's reputation for toughness and his ability to get the most out of players previously considered "trouble-makers" or "temperamental" led to optimism on the part of the Rockets' staff In the 2006-2007 season, as the Rockets starting point guard, Alston averaged 13.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game. He finished the season ninth in steals among all NBA players, fourth in three pointers made, and 20th in assists.

On November 12, 2008, Alston was suspended for two games without pay for his role in a fight after a non-call foul with Matt Barnes and Steve Nash.Alston was traded to the Orlando Magic for Brian Cook on February 19, 2009. On April 30, 2009, Alston helped the Orlando Magic defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 4-2 in a best of 7 series in the NBA Playoffs first round. Alston had 21 points to go along with 10 assists.