Amare Stoudemire covers NBA 06

Sony Computer Entertainment America today announced that NBA star Amare Stoudemire will be featured on the cover of its upcoming NBA 06 game. Currently in development by Sony's 989 Sports brand, NBA 06 will be in stores this fall.

In addition to the previously announced PlayStation 2 version, SCEA will dribble out a portable version for the PlayStation Portable. Sony and 989 have already published an NBA game for the PSP, simply named NBA.

Stoudemire is in his third season in the NBA, after successfully hushing critics who said kids straight out of high school can't make the jump to the pros. Though Stoudemire may not have a college diploma, he does have the 2002 Rookie of the Year Award and the distinction of being the most dominant force on the NBA's best team. While most high schoolers who enter the NBA need time to "develop an NBA body," it was the meaty Stoudemire who made the seasoned pros look like boys.

The 22-year-old known as STAT (Standing Tall and Talented) followed an injury-shortened 2003-2004 season with a break-out All-Star season as the league's fifth-leading scorer (26 points per game) while grabbing nearly nine boards in each contest. With the help of MVP point guard Steve Nash, one of Stoudemire's season highlights came when he dropped half a century on the Portland Trailblazers.

"Amare Stoudemire is one of the most talented young players in the league. His story, along with his dynamic and exciting style of play, embody the all-new gameplay features within NBA 06," said Scott Rohde, director of sports product development at SCEA.

When Rohde references "his story" and NBA 06's gameplay features, he's talking about the NBA Life: Volume 1 mode. Gamers will play as a relatively unknown rookie who must deal with the trials and tribulations of joining the pros. The cinematic mode will see the youngster dealing with trade speculation, injuries, and moolah-making endorsement deals.

For more information on NBA 06, check out GameSpot's hands-on with the game from 989's event in San Diego last month.

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