Cade Cunningham’s Lasting Impact on Arlington Bowie
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 Career
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.
Rise to NBA Stardom
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.
Loyalty to Arlington and the Cowboys
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.”
Legacy and Impact
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
Find more Mavericks coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
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
Conclusion
Cade Cunningham’s legacy continues to inspire and influence the community of Arlington, and his commitment to his roots is a testament to the values and principles that have guided him throughout his career. As he continues to excel in the NBA, his impact on the city of Arlington and the world of basketball will only continue to grow.
FAQs
Q: Where did Cade Cunningham attend high school?
A: Cade Cunningham attended Arlington Bowie for two years before transferring to Montverde Academy.
Q: What was Cade Cunningham’s average score in his freshman year at Bowie?
A: Cunningham averaged 15.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game as a freshman.
Q: What team does Cade Cunningham support in the NFL?
A: Cade Cunningham is a diehard fan of the Dallas Cowboys.
Q: What is Cade Cunningham’s current team in the NBA?
A: Cade Cunningham currently plays for the Detroit Pistons.
