Charles Bassey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Charles Bassey

Bassey in 2024
No. 28 – San Antonio Spurs
Center / power forward
Personal information
Born	(2000-10-28) October 28, 2000 (age 24) Lagos, Nigeria
High school	St. Anthony (San Antonio, Texas) DeSales (Louisville, Kentucky)
Listed height	6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Listed weight	230 lb (104 kg)
Career information
College	Western Kentucky (2018–2021)
NBA Draft	2021 / Round: 2 / Pick: 53rd overall
Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
Pro career	2021–present
League	NBA
Career history
2021–2022	Philadelphia 76ers
2021–2022	→Delaware Blue Coats
2022–present	San Antonio Spurs
2022–2023	→Austin Spurs
Career highlights and awards
NBA G League Next Up Game (2023) All-NBA G League Second Team (2022) NBA G League All-Defensive Team (2022) NBA G League All-Rookie Team (2022) Third-team All-American – USBWA (2021) Conference USA Player of the Year (2021) 2× First-team All-Conference USA (2019, 2021) 2× Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year (2019, 2021) Conference USA Freshman of the Year (2019)

Charles A. Bassey (born October 28, 2000) is a talented Nigerian basketball player. He currently plays for the San Antonio Spurs in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Before joining the NBA, Charles played college basketball for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. He was chosen by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2021 NBA draft.

Early Life and Basketball Start

Charles Bassey was born in Lagos, Nigeria. He loved playing soccer until he was 12 years old. At that age, he was already very tall, standing about 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters).

One day, a youth basketball coach discovered him. Charles was selling fried chicken by the road and wearing flip-flops that were too small. After this meeting, he stopped playing soccer. He decided to focus on improving his basketball skills instead. When he was 14, Charles was named the most valuable player (MVP) at the Giants of Africa basketball camp. This program was started by Toronto Raptors executive Masai Ujiri.

High School Basketball Journey

By age 14, Charles Bassey had grown to 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 meters) tall. He moved to the United States to continue his basketball journey. He attended St. Anthony Catholic High School in San Antonio, Texas. Experts already thought he was one of the best young players.

As a freshman, Charles played amazingly well. He averaged 20.2 points, 17.1 rebounds, and 5.9 blocks per game. He helped his team reach the championship game of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS). Charles also played in the Jordan Brand Classic International Game, where he was named MVP.

Later, Charles faced some challenges. He transferred to DeSales High School in Louisville, Kentucky. He then played for Aspire Basketball Academy in Louisville. As a junior, he continued to play strongly, averaging 19.4 points and 12.8 rebounds per game.

College Career Highlights

Charles Bassey chose to play college basketball for Western Kentucky. He was considered a top player in his class.

In his first year (freshman season), Charles scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in one game. He also had 22 points and 18 rebounds in another game. As a freshman, he averaged 14.6 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. He earned several awards, including First Team All-Conference USA. He was also named Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. He set new records for freshmen at Western Kentucky for rebounds, blocks, and double-doubles.

His second season was cut short because of a leg injury that needed surgery. He was averaging 15.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game before his injury.

In his third college season (2020–21), Charles came back strong. He scored 21 points, had 14 rebounds, and a career-high seven blocks in a game against Memphis. He also scored a career-high 29 points and 14 rebounds in another victory. At the end of the season, he was named the Conference USA Men's Basketball Player of the Year. He also won Defensive Player of the Year again. He averaged 17.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game. After this great season, he decided to enter the 2021 NBA draft.

Playing in the NBA

The Philadelphia 76ers picked Charles Bassey in the second round of the 2021 NBA draft. He joined them for the 2021 NBA Summer League and signed with the team in September 2021.

In October 2022, Charles joined the San Antonio Spurs. He signed a two-way contract, which meant he would split his time between the Spurs and their NBA G League team, the Austin Spurs. He was chosen to play in the G League's first-ever Next Up Game. In February 2023, the Spurs gave Charles a standard four-year contract.

Unfortunately, Charles has faced more injuries in the NBA. In March 2023, he injured his left knee, which ended his season. In December 2023, he tore his left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which also ended that season early. Despite these setbacks, the Spurs re-signed him in July 2024.

Career Stats

These tables show Charles Bassey's basketball statistics. They include how many games he played, his points, rebounds, and blocks per game.

NBA

Regular season

Playoffs

College

Personal Life

When Charles Bassey first arrived in the United States at age 14, he faced a very difficult time. His father encouraged him to stay in the U.S. and continue playing basketball. Charles has shown great determination throughout his journey.

See also

In Spanish: Charles Bassey para niños