Born on September 18, 2000, under the Virgo sun sign, James David Bouknight is the youngest of three children to Patty Leo and John Bouknight. While details about his early life and family background remain private, Bouknight grew up in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. As an American by nationality, his ethnicity is undisclosed.

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Quick Facts

Full Name	James David Bouknight
Date of Birth	September 18, 2000
Birth Place	Brooklyn, New York
Nick Name	None
Religion	Christianity
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Unknown
Zodiac Sign	Virgo
Age	23 Years Old
Height	6 feet 5 inches (1.96m)
Weight	190 lb (86 kg)
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Black
Build	Athletic
Father’s Name	John Bouknight
Mother’s Name	Patty Leo
Siblings	An older brother & one older sister
Education	La Salle Academy (Manhattan, New York) MacDuffie School (Granby, Massachusetts) UConn (2019–present)
Marital Status	Unmarried
Girlfriend	None
Profession	College basketball player
Position	Shooting guard
League	Big East Conference
Active Years	(2019–present)
Net Worth	Unknown
Social Media	Instagram, Twitter
UConn Huskies’ Merch	Sweatshirt, Shirt, Rookie Card

James Bouknight Early Life and High School Career

James David Bouknight was born in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, on September 18, 2000. Initially drawn to baseball, he transitioned to basketball during middle school. His high school journey began at La Salle Academy, where he emerged as a standout player, leading his team to victory in the New York Federation Class B state championship as a junior. He was recognized as the tournament MVP and received several prestigious awards, including the NY State Sportswriters Association C-B Player of the Year and the Catholic High School Athletic Association B-Division MVP.

Bouknight was reclassified and transferred to MacDuffie School in Granby, Massachusetts, to pursue greater exposure. Despite facing a season-ending torn meniscus in his left knee during his reclassified junior season, he showcased his talent playing for the PSA Cardinals together with Cole Anthony on the Amateur Athletic Union circuit. His senior year at MacDuffie earned him All-New England Preparatory School Athletic Council AA honors.

Recruiting

Bouknight’s talent didn’t go unnoticed, earning him a consensus four-star recruit status. In 2018, he committed to play college basketball for the UConn Huskies, choosing them over offers from Indiana and VCU.

College Career

Bouknight’s college journey at UConn faced a hiccup when he was suspended for three games in November 2019 for allegedly fleeing a car crash. Despite the setback, he showcased his skills, scoring a freshman season-high 23 points in a crucial win over Cincinnati. As a freshman, he averaged 13 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, earning him recognition on the Third Team All-AAC and All-Freshman Team.

His sophomore season saw Bouknight named to the preseason John R. Wooden Award watch list. Despite a career-high 40 points against Creighton, he faced an elbow injury that sidelined him for eight games. He rebounded, finishing the season with 18.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, earning First Team All-Big East honors. In March 2021, Bouknight declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.

Professional Career

Charlotte Hornets

Selected as the 11th pick in the NBA draft 2021 by the Charlotte Hornets, Bouknight officially signed with the team on August 3, 2021. He made his NBA debut in October 2021, contributing to a victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Throughout his rookie season, he displayed his scoring prowess with a notable career-high 24 points against the Sacramento Kings.

Bouknight made a symbolic change before the 2022–23 season, switching his jersey number from 5 to 2.

Achievements and Awards

Regarded as one of the standout shooting guards in college basketball, Bouknight’s on-court prowess is nothing short of impressive. Undeniable athleticism, exceptional ball-handling skills, and a creative offensive approach mark his gameplay. A closer look at his achievements reveals a player who has left an indelible mark on the college basketball landscape:

• Catholic High School Athletic Association – B Division MVP

• New York State Sportswriters Association – Class B Player of the Year

• All-New England Preparatory School Athletic Council AA

• American Athletic Conference (AAC) – Player of the Week

• Third-team All-AAC (2020)

• AAC All-Freshman Team (2020)

• Ranked as the 53rd-best player in the 2019 class

• Part of the highest-scoring duo in the AAC

Injury

In the unpredictable world of sports, injuries can disrupt even the most promising careers. Bouknight faced such a setback in January 2021 during a game against Marquette. A collision with Koby McEwen injured his left arm, forcing him to brace it during practices. While specific details about the surgery are undisclosed, Bouknight is expected to be out of games for 4 to 6 weeks. Fortunately, it is not a season-ending surgery, providing hope for his return to the court.

News and Rumors

The life of an emerging basketball prospect like Bouknight is often intertwined with news and rumors. One notable instance involves speculation about his entry into the NBA Draft after just a year with the UConn Huskies. However, Bouknight clarified the situation, emphasizing his commitment to UConn and stating it was too early for such a move.

Car Crash

In November 2019, Bouknight faced a challenging period when he was involved in a car crash near campus. Driving without a license and colliding with another vehicle, he chose to flee the scene, leading to legal consequences. The incident resulted in a three-game suspension, during which Bouknight reflected on his actions, apologized, and returned to the court with a renewed sense of responsibility.

Personal Life

As an up-and-coming athlete yet to enter the professional arena, Bouknight’s personal life remains relatively low-key. Absent from scandals and dating rumors, he is focused on honing his skills and making a mark in basketball. His commitment to self-improvement was evident during the pandemic, as he dedicated himself to solo practices at UConn and maintained a disciplined workout routine, showcasing his dedication to personal and professional growth.

Physical Attributes

James Bouknight’s physical attributes contribute to his prowess on the basketball court. Standing tall at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 190 pounds, he possesses an athletic build. His impressive 6’8.5 wingspan adds to his agility and effectiveness on the court. Embracing tattoos on both hands, extending from his shoulder to his wrist, Bouknight’s physical presence aligns with the demands of his sport.

Social Media

In the era of digital connectivity, Bouknight engages with fans through social media platforms. With 128k followers on Instagram and 13.3k followers on Twitter, he shares glimpses of his journey, bridging his athletic pursuits and the enthusiastic audience.