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 on April 18, 1986, is an American professional basketball player. He is currently a free agent, meaning he is not signed with any team. Gaines played college basketball for the Georgia Bulldogs before starting his professional career.

High School Basketball Journey

Sundiata Gaines went to Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens, New York. In his final year, he was an amazing scorer, averaging 28.2 points per game. He finished his high school career as the third-highest scorer in his school's history.

College Basketball Highlights

Sundiata Gaines played college basketball for the University of Georgia. He was a key player for the Bulldogs throughout his four years.

Freshman Year Success

In his first year, Gaines was a very busy player. He led his team in minutes played, assists, and steals. He was also second in rebounds. In 27 games, he averaged 12.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.4 steals per game.

Sophomore Year Achievements

During his second year, Gaines continued to shine. He was third among all players in the SEC (Southeastern Conference) for steals, with 2.0 per game. He averaged 10.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 30 games. His coaches even named him the team's Most Valuable Player!

Junior Year Leadership

In his third year, Gaines led the Georgia team in many important areas. These included minutes played, starts, rebounds, assists, and steals. He was also chosen for the 2007 All-SEC second team. He played 32 games, averaging 10.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.3 steals.

Senior Year Recognition

For his final college season, Gaines was again recognized for his skills. He was named to the 2008 All-SEC second team and the All-Defensive team. In 34 games, he averaged 14.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 steals.

Professional Basketball Career

After college, Sundiata Gaines began his professional basketball journey. He played for many teams both in the NBA and internationally.

Starting in Italy: NGC Cantù (2008–2009)

Sundiata Gaines was not chosen in the 2008 NBA draft. However, in July 2008, he signed with NGC Cantù, a team in Italy, for the 2008–09 season.

Playing in the NBA D-League: Idaho Stampede (2009–2010)

On November 5, 2009, Gaines was picked by the Idaho Stampede in the NBA D-League draft. The D-League is now known as the G-League, a development league for the NBA.

NBA Debut with the Utah Jazz (2010)

Sundiata Gaines got his big break on January 5, 2010, when he signed a short contract with the Utah Jazz. Just five games later, on January 14, 2010, he made a memorable shot! He hit a three-pointer right as the buzzer sounded, giving the Jazz a thrilling 97–96 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. This was his very first three-pointer in the NBA.

He signed more contracts with the Jazz and stayed with them for the rest of that season. He also played for them in the 2010 NBA Summer League.

Short Stints in the NBA (2010–2011)

After leaving the Jazz, Gaines played for a few other NBA teams.

• On November 12, 2010, he signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
• On January 13, 2011, he signed with the Toronto Raptors.
• On February 28, 2011, he joined the New Jersey Nets. He signed a longer deal with the Nets, but unfortunately, he got a hip injury in March 2011 that ended his season.

Playing Overseas and Return to the Nets (2011–2012)

During an NBA lockout in 2011, Gaines played for BC Armia in Georgia. When the lockout ended, he rejoined the New Jersey Nets in December 2011.

Adventures in China and Turkey (2012–2014)

In November 2012, Gaines signed with the Fujian Xunxing team in the Chinese Basketball Association. Later, in November 2013, he signed a two-month deal with Beşiktaş in Turkey.

Back to the D-League and Venezuela (2014)

Gaines returned to the NBA D-League in 2014, playing for the Reno Bighorns. He also played for Guaiqueríes de Margarita in Venezuela for a short time.

Playing in Italy Again (2014–2015)

On August 28, 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.

More D-League and Israeli League (2015–2016)

In November 2015, Gaines returned to the Reno Bighorns for a second time. In January 2016, he moved to play for Ironi Nes Ziona in the Israeli Basketball Premier League.

Salt Lake City Stars and The Basketball Tournament (2016–2017)

On November 12, 2016, Gaines signed with the Salt Lake City Stars in the NBA Development League. In 2017, he also played in The Basketball Tournament for The Washington Generals team. He was their top scorer with 22 points in the one game they played.

Career Statistics

Here are some of Sundiata Gaines's statistics from his time in the NBA. These numbers show how well he played in different categories.

NBA Regular Season Stats

These stats are from the regular season games he played.

NBA Playoff Stats

These are his statistics from the NBA playoff games.

See also

In Spanish: Sundiata Gaines para niños