Xavier Tillman facts for kids
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Tillman with Memphis Grizzlies in 2021
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| No. 26 – Boston Celtics | |
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| Center / power forward | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | January 12, 1999 Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. |
| High school |
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| Listed height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Listed weight | 245 lb (111 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Michigan State (2017–2020) |
| NBA Draft | 2020 / Round: 2 / Pick: 35th overall |
| Selected by the Sacramento Kings | |
| Pro career | 2020–present |
| League | NBA |
| Career history | |
| 2020–2024 | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2022–2023 | →Memphis Hustle |
| 2024–present | Boston Celtics |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Xavier Justis Tillman Sr. (born January 12, 1999) is an American professional basketball player. He plays for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Before joining the NBA, he played college basketball for the Michigan State Spartans.
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Early Life and Sports
When Xavier was a kid, he enjoyed playing many sports. These included baseball, soccer, football, and basketball. He especially loved football and basketball. By the time he was 14, Xavier was already 6 feet 5 inches tall! He played Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball for a team called the Grand Rapids Storm.
High School Basketball Journey
Xavier started his high school basketball career at Grand Rapids Christian High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As a freshman, he was really good, averaging almost 14 points and 8 rebounds per game. He also blocked over 4 shots per game, showing his defensive skills.
In his second year, Xavier continued to improve. He averaged 15.5 points and 9.7 rebounds. He helped his team win 23 games and only lose 1. They made it to the regional semifinals.
Later, Xavier decided to switch high schools. He moved to Grand Rapids Christian High School. This decision was important for him to focus on his studies. Even though he couldn't play in his first semester due to transfer rules, he worked hard.
In his junior year, Xavier averaged 16 points and 10.4 rebounds. He helped his team win conference and district titles. By his senior year, he was a top player. He averaged 13.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 4.2 blocks. He led his school to the Class A state championship game. Xavier was even a finalist for the Mr. Basketball of Michigan award.
Many college teams wanted Xavier to play for them. He was considered a top player in Michigan. In 2016, he decided to play for Michigan State. He liked that it was close to home and they played against the best teams.
College Career Highlights
Xavier Tillman started playing for Michigan State on November 10, 2017. In his first game, he scored 4 points and grabbed 3 rebounds. He quickly showed his talent. In one game, he had 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
During his first year, Xavier worked hard to get in better shape. He lost a lot of weight, which helped him play even better. He earned awards from his team for being the "Most Improved Player" and an "Unsung Player."
As a sophomore, Xavier achieved his first "double-double." This means he had double-digit numbers in two categories, like points and rebounds. He scored 11 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in one game. He also set a career-high with 5 blocks in another game. He continued to improve, scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds against Rutgers. At the end of the season, he was named the Big Ten Conference Sixth Player of the Year. This award goes to the best player who usually comes off the bench.
In the 2019 NCAA tournament, Xavier had a huge game against Duke. He scored 19 points and had 9 rebounds. He also guarded Zion Williamson, who was the top pick in the NBA draft that year. Xavier's strong play helped his team win a close game.
In his junior year (2019-2020), Xavier had some amazing games. He scored a career-high 21 points and 10 rebounds against Charleston Southern. He also had 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 blocks against Michigan. In a thrilling game against Illinois, he scored 17 points and made a game-winning dunk with only 6.6 seconds left!
At the end of his junior season, Xavier was recognized as one of the best players in the Big Ten. He was named to the Second Team All-Big Ten. He also won the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award. He averaged 13.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game. After this great season, Xavier decided to enter the 2020 NBA draft.
Professional Basketball Career
Memphis Grizzlies (2020–2024)
Xavier Tillman was picked by the Sacramento Kings in the 2020 NBA draft. He was the 35th player chosen overall. However, on the same night, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He officially signed with the Grizzlies in November 2020.
In April 2021, Xavier had a fantastic game against the Denver Nuggets. He scored a career-high 18 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.
The Grizzlies made it to the playoffs in 2021 for the first time since 2017. Xavier played well in a play-in tournament game against the Golden State Warriors, helping his team win. He made his playoff debut on May 23, 2021. The Grizzlies eventually lost their playoff series to the Utah Jazz.
In March 2022, Xavier scored a season-high 16 points against the Indiana Pacers. The Grizzlies made the playoffs again and won their first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, they were eliminated in the second round by the Golden State Warriors.
In the 2023 playoffs, Xavier had a career-high 22 points and 13 rebounds in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Boston Celtics (2024–present)
On February 7, 2024, Xavier was traded to the Boston Celtics. He helped the Celtics win the 2024 NBA Finals, becoming an NBA champion! In July 2024, he signed a new contract to stay with the Celtics.
Career Statistics
Here are some of Xavier Tillman's basketball statistics:
NBA Regular Season
- 2020-21 (Memphis): Played 59 games, averaged 6.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists.
- 2021-22 (Memphis): Played 53 games, averaged 4.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists.
- 2022-23 (Memphis): Played 61 games, averaged 7.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists.
- 2023-24 (Memphis/Boston): Played 54 games, averaged 5.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists.
NBA Playoffs
- 2021 (Memphis): Played 3 games, averaged 0.7 points, 1.0 rebounds.
- 2022 (Memphis): Played 9 games, averaged 4.4 points, 3.3 rebounds.
- 2023 (Memphis): Played 6 games, averaged 8.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists.
- 2024 (Boston): Played 8 games, averaged 1.5 points, 1.8 rebounds.
College Career
- 2017-18 (Michigan State): Played 35 games, averaged 2.8 points, 2.6 rebounds.
- 2018-19 (Michigan State): Played 39 games, averaged 10.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists.
- 2019-20 (Michigan State): Played 31 games, averaged 13.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists.
Personal Life
Xavier Tillman's mother, Tanya Powell-May, was also a college basketball player. She played for Michigan and was a great rebounder.
Xavier has three older brothers named R.J., Ben, and Parker. He also has a younger sister named Madisyn. His brother Parker was a two-time state champion in wrestling and rugby in high school.
Xavier is married to Tamia Tillman. They have two daughters, Ayanna and Leilani, and a son, Xavier Jr. His college coach, Tom Izzo, even said that having his daughter Ayanna helped Xavier become a better basketball player!
See also
In Spanish: Xavier Tillman para niños
