Sundiata Gaines facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Sundiata Gaines

Gaines with the Washington Wizards during the 2013 NBA Summer League
Free agent
Point guard
Personal information
Born	(1986-04-18) April 18, 1986 (age 39) Queens, New York
Nationality	American
High school	Archbishop Molloy (Queens, New York)
Listed height	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Listed weight	195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
College	Georgia (2004–2008)
NBA Draft	2008 / Undrafted
Pro career	2008–2017; 2021–present
Career history
2008–2009	NGC Cantù
2009–2010	Idaho Stampede
2010	Utah Jazz
2010–2011	Minnesota Timberwolves
2011	Toronto Raptors
2011–2012	New Jersey Nets
2011	Armia
2012–2013	Fujian Sturgeons
2013–2014	Beşiktaş
2014	Reno Bighorns
2014	Guaiqueríes de Margarita
2014–2015	Sidigas Avellino
2015	Reno Bighorns
2016	Ironi Nes Ziona
2016–2017	Salt Lake City Stars
2021	Peñarol
Career highlights and awards
Israeli League All-Star (2016) NBA D-League All-Star (2010) 2× Second-team All-SEC (2007, 2008) SEC All-Defensive Team (2008)

Sundiata Kofi Gaines (born April 18, 1986) is an American professional basketball player. He plays as a point guard, which means he helps lead the team's offense and brings the ball up the court. Sundiata Gaines played college basketball at the University of Georgia.

Sundiata Gaines' High School Years

Sundiata Gaines went to Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens, New York. In his final year, he scored an average of 28.2 points per game. He became the third-highest scorer in his school's history.

Sundiata Gaines' College Basketball Career

Sundiata Gaines played college basketball for the Georgia Bulldogs. He was a very important player for his team.

Freshman Year (First Year)

In his first year, Gaines led his team in many ways. He played the most minutes, made the most assists (passes that lead to scores), and had the most steals. He also ranked second in rebounds (getting the ball after a missed shot). He averaged 12.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.4 steals per game.

Sophomore Year (Second Year)

In his second year, Gaines continued to be a strong player. He was third among all players in his conference for steals, with 2.0 per game. He averaged 10.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. His coaches named him the team's Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the end of the season.

Junior Year (Third Year)

During his third year, Gaines again led his team in minutes played, starts, rebounds, assists, and steals. He was also chosen for the 2007 All-SEC second team. This means he was recognized as one of the best players in the Southeastern Conference. He averaged 10.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.3 steals per game.

Senior Year (Fourth Year)

In his final college year, Gaines was once again named to the 2008 All-SEC second team. He also made the All-Defensive team, showing how good he was at stopping opponents. He averaged 14.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.

Sundiata Gaines' Professional Basketball Journey

Playing in Italy (2008–2009)

After college, Sundiata Gaines was not chosen in the 2008 NBA draft. However, he still became a professional player. In July 2008, he signed with a team called NGC Cantù in Italy for one season.

Idaho Stampede (2009–2010)

In November 2009, Gaines was picked by the Idaho Stampede in the NBA D-League draft. The D-League (now G-League) is a league where players can develop their skills and try to get into the NBA.

Utah Jazz (2010)

On January 5, 2010, Gaines got a chance to play in the NBA. He signed a short contract with the Utah Jazz. Just five games later, on January 14, 2010, he made a famous shot. He hit a three-pointer right at the buzzer to win the game 97–96 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was his very first three-pointer in the NBA!

After this exciting moment, he signed another short contract, and then a contract for the rest of the season with the Jazz. He also played for the Jazz in the 2010 NBA Summer League.

Minnesota Timberwolves (2010–2011)

In November 2010, Gaines signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He played for them for a few months before being waived in January 2011.

Toronto Raptors (2011)

Soon after, in January 2011, Gaines signed a short contract with the Toronto Raptors. He signed a second short contract but was waived a few days later.

New Jersey Nets (2011)

In February 2011, Gaines signed with the New Jersey Nets. He signed a few short contracts before signing a longer deal. However, he got a hip injury in March 2011, which ended his season early.

Playing in Georgia (Country) (2011)

In September 2011, Gaines played for BC Armia in the country of Georgia. This was during a time when the NBA had a temporary break in games.

Return to the New Jersey Nets (2011–2012)

When the NBA started playing again in December 2011, Gaines rejoined the New Jersey Nets.

Playing in China (2012–2013)

In November 2012, Gaines signed with the Fujian Xunxing team in the Chinese Basketball Association. He played for them during the 2012–13 season.

Playing in Turkey (2013–2014)

Gaines also played for the Washington Wizards in the 2013 NBA Summer League. In November 2013, he signed a two-month contract with Beşiktaş in Turkey.

Reno Bighorns (2014)

In early 2014, Gaines was traded between a few D-League teams. He ended up playing for the Reno Bighorns.

Playing in Venezuela (2014)

In April 2014, Gaines signed with Guaiqueríes de Margarita in Venezuela for the rest of their season.

Playing in Italy Again (2014–2015)

In August 2014, Gaines signed with Sidigas Avellino in Italy for the 2014–15 season. He played 29 games, averaging 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.

Return to the Bighorns (2015)

In July 2015, Gaines played for the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Summer League. In November 2015, he returned to the Reno Bighorns for a second time. He played in four games before being waived in December.

Playing in Israel (2016)

In January 2016, Gaines signed with Ironi Nes Ziona in the Israeli Basketball Premier League. He played there for the rest of the season.

Salt Lake City Stars (2016–2017)

In November 2016, Gaines signed with the Salt Lake City Stars in the NBA Development League.

In 2017, Gaines played in The Basketball Tournament for a team called The Washington Generals. He was their top scorer in the one game they played.

Sundiata Gaines' Career Statistics

NBA Regular Season Stats

NBA Playoff Stats

See also

In Spanish: Sundiata Gaines para niños