Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham played just two years at Arlington Bowie, but it was more than enough time to create a lasting impact.
The school honored Cunningham by retiring his No. 2 jersey Wednesday night, the day before his game at American Airlines Center against the Dallas Mavericks.
Cunningham attended the ceremony with several family members, friends and Pistons teammates and coaches, along with former teachers from Bowie.
“I just had a dream. I just wanted to be great,” Cunningham said during a brief speech. “It means a lot to me. Being from Arlington is something I’m very proud of.”
High School Sports
Cade Cunningham had his jersey retired by James Bowie HS in Arlington, TX. His teachers described him as a kind and joyful student – “a grounded human being who became a superstar, and never forgot where he came from.” His Pistons teammates came in support. #DetroitBasketball pic.twitter.com/l4c6wo3HQg
— Johnny Kane (@Johnny__Kane) December 18, 2025
Long before he became an NBA All-Star and legitimate MVP candidate, Cunningham spent two seasons as a starter on the varsity basketball team at Bowie. He averaged 15.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game as a freshman, helping the Volunteers reach the District 6A Region I final. Cunningham earned the District 4-16A Newcomer of the Year award.
As a sophomore, Cunningham took his game to another level and totaled 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists. He was named District 4-6A co-most valuable player and earned Texas Association of Basketball Coaches All-Region honors.
Cunningham transferred to Montverde Academy for his junior and senior seasons and became the National High School Player of the Year in 2020.
The Arlington native’s ascension to star status in the NBA was gradual, but his breakout year in 2024-25 led to his first All-Star appearance, an All-NBA honor and the Pistons’ first playoff appearance since 2018.
This season, he’s led the Pistons to a 21-5 record, first in the Eastern Conference, and is averaging a career-high 27.1 points with 6.0 rebounds and 9.2 assists.
No matter where life has taken him or how much he’s achieved, Cunningham has kept his Arlington roots with him.
This month, he stood on the sidelines of Ford Field in Detroit and on national television, predicted his Dallas Cowboys would reach the Super Bowl. Hours after that statement, those chances dwindled when Dallas suffered a 44-30 loss to the Lions on Dec. 4.
Cunningham was asked about his prediction two days later and gave an elaborate answer about his loyalty to the Cowboys and newfound fandom for the Lions.
“I’m a diehard Cowboys fan. I have been my whole life,” Cunningham said. “I think my bit was a little too short on TV. … It’s insane that I say that I support the Lions from where I’m from and who I’ve always rooted for.
“It was cool to see [Detroit] win the game, but I hate to see my team lose. I still got my ‘Boys in the Super Bowl. I think we’ll be all right. But every year I think it’s Super Bowl or bust. It is what it is. You can love it. You can hate it. That’s my team. I’m sticking beside them.”
Cunningham, who was drafted with the No. 1 overall pick by the Pistons in 2021, remains loyal to his favorite football team, his former high school and the city of Arlington.
And now his No. 2 jersey will hang in the rafters of the very gymnasium where his basketball career started.
On Twitter/X: @MikeACurtis2
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