BJ McKie facts for kids
| Wake Forest Demon Deacons | |
|---|---|
| Assistant coach | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | April 7, 1977 Norfolk, Virginia |
| Nationality | American |
| High school | Irmo (Irmo, South Carolina) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Listed weight | 190 lb (86 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | South Carolina (1995–1999) |
| NBA Draft | 1999 / Undrafted |
| Pro career | 1999–2010 |
| Coaching career | 2011–present |
| League | Atlantic Coast Conference |
| Career history | |
| As player: | |
| 1999 | BCM Gravelines |
| 1999–2001 | Connecticut Pride |
| 2001–2002 | North Charleston Lowgators |
| 2002 | Keravnos |
| 2002–2003 | Gießen 46ers |
| 2003–2005 | TBB Trier |
| 2005–2006 | Andrea Costa Imola |
| 2006–2007 | Juvecaserta Basket |
| 2007–2008 | Nuova Pallacanestro Pavia |
| 2008–2009 | Maccabi Haifa |
| 2009–2010 | Hapoel Afula |
| 2010 | Gimnasia La Plata |
| As coach: | |
| 2011–2017 | Charleston Southern (assistant) |
| 2017–2020 | East Tennessee State (assistant) |
| 2020–present | Wake Forest (assistant) |
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
|
Bjorn "BJ" McKie, born on April 7, 1977, is an American who used to play professional basketball. Today, he is an assistant coach for the Wake Forest basketball team. BJ grew up in Norfolk, Virginia, and went to Irmo High School. He played college basketball for the University of South Carolina's team, the Gamecocks. In 1999, he became their all-time top scorer, scoring more points than anyone else in the team's history. The university honored him by retiring his number 3 jersey in 2005. His son, Justin McKie, also played basketball at Irmo and for the University of South Carolina.
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BJ McKie's Early Professional Career
After finishing college, BJ McKie started his professional basketball journey. He was chosen by the Connecticut Pride team in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA). The CBA was a minor league where players could develop their skills.
Playing in the Minor Leagues
BJ McKie played for the Connecticut Pride from 1999 to 2001. His talent was recognized when he was picked to play in the 2001 CBA All-Star Game. This game features the best players in the league. After that, in the 2001–02 season, McKie played for the North Charleston Lowgators. This team was part of the NBA Development League, which is now called the G League. It's another league where players can improve and try to reach the NBA.
Playing Basketball Around the World
BJ McKie also had a long and successful career playing basketball in other countries. He traveled to many places to play for different teams.
Teams in Europe and Beyond
McKie played for BCM Gravelines in France. He also played for Keravnos in Cyprus. In Germany, he played for two teams: Avitos Giessen and TBB Trier. He spent several years playing in Italy for teams like Zarotti Imola, Pepsi Caserta, and Nuova Pallacanestro Pavia. Later in his career, he played in Israel for Maccabi Haifa Heat and Hapoel Afula. He left Hapoel Afula in 2010.
Achievements Overseas
While playing in Germany, BJ McKie showed how skilled he was. In 2004, he was named a Basketball Bundesliga All-Star. This means he was one of the top players in Germany's main basketball league. He was also recognized as the German League's Best Offensive Player in 2004.
