Open Thread: Happy birthday to Charles Bassey
The Nigerian big man has yet to truly unleash his fury
When I looked back two years to Charles’ 22nd birthday, I found this posting:
Fresh off his signing four days ago, Charles Bassey is officially a member of the San Antonio Spurs. Bassey signed a two-way contract on Monday allowing him to play in both San Antonio and Austin.
Bassey had only been on the squad for four days. It’s hard to believe it has been two years since Bassey arrived in San Antonio, considering he split time with Austin in his first year and spent most of the second sidelined with an ACL injury.
Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, young Charles started out playing soccer. After crossing the 6 foot mark, he caught the eye of a youth basketball coach, eventually landing him basketball camp Giants of Africa, a program established by Masai Ujiri, executive of the Toronto Raptors. Bassey was named most valuable player.
At age 14, he immigrated to San Antonio where he played for St. Anthony’s for two seasons before finishing out high school in Kentucky, where he stayed to play collegiate ball.
Bassey was drafted 53rd in 2021 by the Philadelphia 76ers. He spent most of the season in their G-League affiliate Delaware Blue Coats where he was named All-NBA G League Second Team, NBA G League All-Defensive Team, and NBA G League All-Rookie Team.
But now, he’s back and looking powerful and determined. That paired with his playmaking and his basketball IQ could create opportunity for Bassey this year.
In the meantime, he is celebrating his 24th birthday today.
Happy birthday, Charles.
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