At 6’10”, Wendell Carter Jr. is a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. His towering height, coupled with his impressive skills, make him stand out among his peers. But what truly sets him apart is his high basketball IQ, poise under pressure, and strong leadership abilities.
Carter Jr. is currently making waves as a key player for the Orlando Magic, contributing to their success in the NBA. He has quickly become a fan favorite and a crucial piece of the team’s puzzle. But as they say, “Rome wasn’t built in a day” – and neither was Carter Jr.
The 22-year-old power forward/center was born on April 16, 1999, in Atlanta, Georgia. He comes from a family of athletes, with his mother, Kylia, being a former college basketball player and his father, Wendell Sr., a former football player. It’s safe to say that sports runs in his blood.
Carter Jr.’s ethnicity is a mix of African American and Filipino. His maternal grandmother is from the Philippines, making him half-Filipino. He proudly embraces his heritage and often shares his love for Filipino food and culture on social media.
When it comes to religion, Carter Jr. is a devout Christian. He credits his faith for keeping him grounded and helping him through the ups and downs of his basketball career. He often shares Bible verses and spiritual quotes on his social media accounts, spreading positivity and inspiration to his fans.
Growing up, Carter Jr. was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in basketball, football, and baseball. However, it was basketball that captured his heart. He quickly became a standout player in high school, leading his team to multiple state championships and earning recognition as one of the top high school players in the country.
After a stellar high school career, Carter Jr. chose to attend Duke University, one of the most prestigious college basketball programs in the country. He continued to impress on the court, helping Duke reach the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament in 2018.
In his freshman year, Carter Jr. averaged 13.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, earning him a spot on the All-ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) second team and the ACC All-Freshman team. He also broke the Duke freshman record for most double-doubles in a season with 16.
Carter Jr. decided to forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2018 NBA Draft. He was selected seventh overall by the Chicago Bulls, making him the highest-drafted Filipino player in NBA history. He signed a rookie contract worth $22 million and quickly became a key player for the Bulls.
In his first season, Carter Jr. averaged 10.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie second team. However, his time with the Bulls was short-lived as he was traded to the Orlando Magic in March 2021.
Since joining the Magic, Carter Jr. has continued to shine on the court, displaying his versatile skills and strong basketball IQ. He has solidified himself as a vital piece of the team’s future, earning praises from his coaches and teammates.
Off the court, Carter Jr. is also making an impact. He is involved in various charitable initiatives, including helping underprivileged children and promoting mental health awareness. He also uses his platform to speak out against social injustices and advocate for change.
In conclusion, Wendell Carter Jr. is more than just a talented basketball player. He is a role model for young athletes, a leader on and off the court, and a proud representative of his ethnicity and faith. As he continues to grow and evolve in his career, there is no doubt that he will continue to make his mark in the NBA and inspire others along the way.
