Behdad Sami facts for kids
Behdad Sami
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| No. 20 – Free Agent | |
|---|---|
| Point guard | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | June 20, 1986 Iran |
| Nationality | Iranian - American |
| High school | Southridge High School |
| Listed height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Listed weight | 200 lb (91 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Linn-Benton Community College |
| Pro career | 2007–2014 |
| Career history | |
| 2007 | Georgia Gwizzlies |
| 2008 | Kaveh Tehran |
| 2009 | Al Wakrah |
| 2010 | San Diego Surf |
| 2011 | Guifoes Sports Club |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Behdad Sami (born June 20, 1986) is an Iranian American professional basketball player. He made history as the first Iranian basketball player to play professionally in the United States. This happened in 2007, when he joined the American Basketball Association. Later, in 2010, Behdad also became the first Iranian to play professional basketball in Portugal.
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Behdad Sami's Early Life & School Basketball
Behdad Sami finished Southridge High School in 2005. Before that, he went to Lake Oswego High School for two years. He decided to transfer schools because of some difficulties with his coach.
After high school, Behdad received a full scholarship for sports to Linn-Benton Community College in Albany, Oregon. He played one season there in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) before he became a professional player.
Behdad Sami's Professional Basketball Career
Behdad began his professional basketball journey as a point guard for the Georgia Gwizzlies. This team is part of the American Basketball Association (ABA). He also played professionally in other countries.
Even though he is six feet tall, Behdad has an amazing vertical leap. He can jump high enough to touch a mark 10 feet 9 inches off the ground! He also has a very fast 40-yard dash time of 4.469 seconds. Behdad has played for teams in many countries, including major professional teams in Iran and Qatar.
In 2010, Behdad started the season with the San Diego Surf (ABA). But within a month, he was signed to play for the Guifoes Sport Club in Portugal's ProLiga. After his season in Portugal, doctors found out Behdad had played with a broken shin bone. Because of this injury, he had to take a break from playing basketball from 2011 to 2013. He spent this time getting physical therapy to recover.
Gatorade's "Quest for G" Series
In the spring of 2009, Behdad was chosen for a special project by Gatorade. It was called "Quest for G; The Series". This was a reality show that focused on training top athletes. The goal was to help them become ready for the Olympics in their specific sports.
Behdad was picked because of his skills in basketball. However, the show focused on individual sports. With Gatorade's approval, Behdad decided to try out for tennis instead. This was because he also had a strong background in tennis.
Behdad Sami: Off The Court Activities
Behdad Sami is not just a basketball player. He has also been involved in acting and creating entertainment.
Acting and Supporting Causes
Behdad acted in a movie called The Winner, which came out in 2012. In 2011, he took part in the NOH8 photo campaign. This campaign supports people who have been silenced or treated unfairly around the world.
Behdad was also a co-owner of KTJB Presents, a production company. In 2012, KTJB released a stop-motion music video for rapper David Banner, featuring singer Chris Brown. In 2019, Behdad starred in another film called Trunkful. This movie was shown at the Miami Urban Film Festival.
Creating Games and Entertainment
In 2014, Behdad started his own company called Legendary Rejects. This company focuses on video games, apps, and other entertainment.
- Get 'Em Video Game: The first video game he created was called Get 'Em. It was released in 2016 for Apple iOS and Android phones. Behdad did a lot for this game: he wrote the story, produced it, directed it, created the music, and even did some voice acting!
- Get 'Em Graphic Novel: In 2017, Behdad wrote, designed, and published a children's graphic novel based on Get 'Em. You could read it on iBooks.
- Get 'Em Stickers: In 2018, Behdad Sami Interactive released an iMessage stickers app for Get 'Em. The stickers use artwork from the video game and graphic novel.
- Movie Streaming App: Besides the Get 'Em games and stories, Legendary Rejects also launched a movie streaming app in 2023.
Sponsorships and Healthy Living
Behdad received his first sponsorship deal in 2011 from Kallusive Clothing. He was also sponsored by O.N.E Coconut Water starting in 2011. He became an ambassador for their "Liquid Revolution" program. This program encourages people to live a healthy lifestyle.
