Gradey Dick, an American professional basketball player for the Toronto Raptors, is in the spotlight for his impressive performance against the Charlotte Hornets.
His parents always supported his athletic career and helped him shape his path as they were both athletes.
Highlights
- Gradey Dick grew up in a close-knit Christian household with his three siblings, Kelsey, Brody, and Riley.
- His parent’s guidance and inspiration helped him to fulfill his dream of becoming a professional basketball player.
- His father played baseball and football for Kansas University, and his mother played basketball for the Iowa State Cyclones.
Gradey Reed Dick began playing basketball at Wichita Collegiate School but transferred to Sunrise Christian Academy, where he emerged as a five-star recruit.
On March 22, 2022, he was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year. The small forward was also named to the McDonald’s All-American Game and Nike Hoop Summit rosters.
He played college basketball for Kansas over scholarship offers from Illinois and Florida. He was named to the Second-Team All-Big 12, All-Freshman, and All-Newcomer teams.
Gradey represented the United States in winning the 2021 FIBA 3×3 Under-18 World Cup gold medal.
Later, he performed well during the 2023 NCAA tournament against Howard University, recording 19 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
Afterward, he declared for the 2023 NBA draft on March 31, and the Toronto Raptors selected him with the thirteenth overall pick.
Gradey Dick’s Parents Instilled A Love For Sports In Him
Gradey Dick, the son of Bart Dick and Carmen Jasper, was born on November 20, 2003, in Witchita, Kansas. He grew up in a close-knit Christian household with his three siblings, Kelsey, Brody, and Riley.
He fulfilled his dream of becoming a professional basketball player with his parents’ guidance and inspiration.
Officially official🖊📃 #rockchalk❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/bMT4dcTaER
— Gradey Dick (@gradey_dick) November 11, 2021
Gradey considers his parents a success factor on and off the court. They raised him to work hard, pursue dreams, and remain disciplined.
Their values made him who he is today, and he feels proud of them for sharing those values with others.
His parents were there for him when he committed to play for Kansas University. He credits his father with words of wisdom during his first year there.
Any season I go through, it’s, Focus on the task at hand.
Bart Dick taught his son, Gradey.
Once you start something, finish it.
Carmen praised his son after the NBA draft and expressed how hard he worked daily to get to this point.
Furthermore, Gradey is the face of Meritrust Credit Union, where his parents have opened up their financial story.
Bart Dick and Carmen Jasper Were Into Sports In Their University
Gradey Dick grew up in an athletic family where his father played football and his mother played basketball. Their support and athletic background played significant roles in his sportsmanship.
Bart played baseball and football for Kansas University but didn’t pursue a sports career due to his severe injury during his senior year.
On the other hand, Carmen played basketball for the Iowa State Cyclones and had a chance to play overseas after graduation in the mid-1980s.
She averaged 40 points per game as a senior and made it to the list as a second all-time on Iowa State’s career field goal. She is still in the record books at the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union.
Her shot as a sophomore in 1984 is the 10th best in Iowa State’s history, and her career points of 3,321 are among the most ever.
Moreover, she was a member of the ISU 1,000-point club and the 1989 Iowa State Female Athlete of the Year.
I know a ton. Obviously through this year it’s been a lot more with her being on TV (during Kansas games) and everything like that.
Gradey on his mother’s athletic career.
It’s more about hearing about her stats and playing 6-on-6 basketball and the crazy points she put up.
Carmen is a personal trainer in Wichita and showcases her basketball skills in H-O-R-S-E games with Gradey and other family members.
Her experience and dedication have influenced the rising star basketball journey.
Additional Information
- Gradey Dick grew up with an Undrafted poster of Fred Vanvleet on the wall, whom he met at the school’s summer camp.
- He ran a youth basketball camp where all players will receive an individual photo with him and Adidas Gradey Dick Camp T-Shirt.
- As of 2024, he doesn’t have a girlfriend and is more focused on his career goals than being in a committed relationship.
- He is the ambassador of Addidas and Guru Energy Drink.
