Frederick Edmund VanVleet Sr., born on February 25, 1994, is a prominent American professional basketball player playing for the Houston Rockets in the National Basketball Association (NBA). VanVleet made a significant impact during his college basketball career at Wichita State University before embarking on his NBA journey.

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Quick Facts

Full Name	Fredderick Edmund VanVleet Sr.
Date of Birth	February 25, 1994
Age	29
Birth Place	Rockford, Illinois
Nickname	Freddy All-Star
Religion	N/A
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Biracial
Education	Auburn High School, Wichita State University
Father’s Name	Fred Manning
Mother’s Name	Susan VanVleet
Siblings	2 (Damell VanVleet, and JD Danforth)
Zodiac Sign	Pisces
Height	6 feet 1 inch (185 cm)
Weight	195 lbs (88 kg)
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Black
Build	Athlete
Marital Status	Unmarried
Girlfriend	Shontai Nell
Children	2 (Sanaa Marie VanVleet and Fred VanVleet Jr)
Sexual Orientation	Straight
Profession	Basketball player
Team	Toronto Raptors
Position	Point Guard
NBA Draft	2016 / Undrafted
League	NBA
Playing Career	2016 – present
Net Worth	$20 million
Salary	$9,000,000
Merch	The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball’s Underdogs (Paperback)
Social Media	Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Fred VanVleet  Early Life, Family, and Education

Fred VanVleet’s journey from a childhood in Rockford, Illinois, to becoming a prominent NBA player is shaped by a story of resilience and determination. Born to Fred Manning and Susan, his life took an unexpected turn with the untimely passing of his father in 1999 due to a gunshot. This tragedy led Susan to remarry, and Fred was raised by his mother and stepfather, Joe Danforth, alongside his siblings Darnell VanVleet and J.D. Danforth.

Growing up, VanVleet faced adversity, but his mother’s strength and the support of his stepfather played a crucial role in shaping his character. Joe Danforth, a former army officer, police officer, and AAU tournament coach, provided a stable foundation for Fred’s development on and off the basketball court.

Fred VanVleet’s commitment to family is evident in his decision to carry his mother’s surname after his father’s passing. His family, including his mother, Susan, stepfather, Joe Danforth, and siblings, remains a source of inspiration for the NBA star.

Fred VanVleet  Physical Attributes

At 29 years old, Fred VanVleet stands at an impressive 6 feet 1 inch, weighing 88 kg. While his Body Mass Index (BMI) may categorize him as slightly overweight, his fitness and performance on the basketball court dispel any concerns. Van Vleet’s tall and lean physique contributes to his agility and ability to compete at the highest level in the NBA.

High School Career

VanVleet showcased his talent at Auburn High School in Rockford, Illinois, earning All-State first-team honors and leading the team to a 22-game winning streak in 2012. Despite rejecting offers from high-profile teams, he remained loyal to his local Rockford Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) club team.

College Career

VanVleet’s journey continued at Wichita State University, where he played college basketball and became a standout figure for the Shockers. His first year saw him contribute significantly to the team’s success in the 2013 NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament, reaching the final four.

As a sophomore, VanVleet’s talent blossomed, earning him spots on prestigious watchlists and awards. The 2013–14 season it marked a historic moment with Wichita State achieving the first 31–0 regular season in NCAA Division I men’s basketball history. VanVleet’s prowess was recognized with accolades such as Missouri Valley Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Year.

The junior and senior years solidified VanVleet’s status as a key player, with achievements like breaking the all-time Wichita State career assist record. His senior season, in particular, showcased his leadership, earning him the MVC Larry Bird Trophy Player of the Year for the second time.

Toronto Raptors (2016–2023)

Despite going undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft, VanVleet’s journey continued with the Toronto Raptors. His early years were marked by determination as he navigated assignments with the Raptors’ G League affiliate, Raptors 905, contributing to their championship in 2017.

VanVleet’s impact heightened during the 2018–2019 season, where he played a crucial role in the Raptors’ journey to their first NBA championship. His standout performances in the Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals, including a playoff career-high 22 points in Game 6, solidified his place in Raptors’ history.

VanVleet’s tenure with the Raptors extended into the 2019–2020 season, where he continued to shine, notably achieving a career-high 36 points in a game against the Miami Heat. His remarkable contributions secured him a four-year, $85-million deal, emphasizing his value to the team.

Continued Excellence and All-Star Recognition

In the subsequent seasons, he witnessed VanVleet’s consistent excellence, marked by high-scoring games, franchise records, and an impressive consecutive games streak with a made 3-point shot. His career-high 54 points against the Orlando Magic in 2021 underscored his offensive prowess.

In 2022, VanVleet achieved a significant milestone by being named an NBA All-Star for the first time. This recognition solidified his status as one of the league’s elite players, joining the ranks of other undrafted players who made an All-Star team.

Houston Rockets Era (2023–Present)

VanVleet’s journey took a new turn in 2023 when he explored free agency, declining his player option with the Raptors. Subsequently, he joined the Houston Rockets, bringing his skills and leadership to a new team. His debut game with the Rockets showcased his scoring ability, contributing 14 points in a match against the Orlando Magic.

Wife and Children

Fred VanVleet, the NBA sensation, not only commands attention on the basketball court but also in his personal life. His heart belongs to his high school sweetheart, Shontai Neal. Their love story began during Fred’s days at Auburn High School, where Shontai fervently cheered for him. The couple’s bond only strengthened as Fred pursued his basketball dreams at Wichita State University, with Shontai reportedly following him to Wichita to offer unwavering support.

Shontai, a woman of substance, spent four years at Wichita, earning a Bachelor’s in Health/Health Care Administration/Management. Her academic prowess is underscored by her appearances on the Dean’s List in both 2013 and 2016, showcasing not just her support for Fred but also her commitment to her educational journey.

While Fred and Shontai are not officially married, their love has blossomed into a beautiful family. The couple is proud parents to two adorable children. The VanVleet family welcomed their firstborn on January 28, 2018, followed by another bundle of joy on May 20, 2019. The NBA star’s commitment to family values is evident in the joy he shares with Shontai and their children, a testament to his balance between the demanding NBA schedule and his personal life.

Net Worth and Career Highlights

Fred VanVleet’s success extends beyond the basketball court and into financial achievement. At just 29 years old, the NBA champion boasts an estimated net worth of $20 million as of 2022. This economic success is propelled by his lucrative NBA career, marked by a notable 4-year contract worth $85 million with the Raptors in 2020. With an annual salary of $9,000,000, VanVleet has secured his position not only as a talented player but also as a financial powerhouse in the sports industry.

Podcast 

Fred VanVleet recently launched the “Bet on Yourself” podcast in collaboration with Acast, premiering on November 3. The podcast shares the stories of up-and-coming Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs in Canada, exploring themes of perseverance, struggles, and success. With a commitment to diversity and representation, the podcast aims to inspire a broad audience while leveraging Acast’s platform for wide-reaching impact. “Bet On Yourself” aligns with VanVleet’s mantra and provides a valuable space for meaningful conversations about self-belief and overcoming challenges.

Social Media Presence

Beyond the hardwood, Fred VanVleet is an active presence on social media, connecting with fans and sharing glimpses of his life. With over 732k followers on Instagram, 186.6k on Twitter, and 264k on Facebook, he engages a substantial online audience. Fred’s social media accounts offer a blend of basketball highlights and personal moments with his girlfriend and family, providing fans with an intimate look into the life of the NBA star off the court.

FAQs

Is Fred VanVleet an All-Star?

Yes, Fred VanVleet achieved All-Star status following his remarkable championship-winning performance for the Raptors in 2020. Affectionately nicknamed “Freddy All-Star,” he remains a standout player in the league.

Is Fred VanVleet a good fantasy pick?

While Fred’s performance may have ups and downs, his consistent contributions in assists, rebounds, and steals make him a valuable asset in fantasy basketball. His dynamic playing style makes him a reliable choice for fantasy team managers seeking well-rounded players.

Who is Shontai Neal?

Behind every successful man is a strong and supportive woman, and in the case of NBA star Fred VanVleet, that woman is Shontai Neal. While Fred’s on-court achievements have captured the spotlight, Shontai’s role as his steadfast partner, confidante, and mother of their two children is equally noteworthy.

Relationship 

The journey of Fred and Shontai’s love story began in their high school days at Auburn High School in Rockford, Illinois. Shontai witnessed Fred’s early basketball prowess and became his biggest cheerleader. As Fred began his college basketball career at Wichita State University, Shontai stood by his side, showcasing unwavering support.

Education

Shontai’s commitment to education is as impressive as Fred’s achievements on the court. Spending four years at Wichita State, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health/Health Care Administration/Management. Notably, Shontai’s academic excellence landed her on the Dean’s List in 2013 and 2016, highlighting her dedication to her studies and her relationship with Fred.

Marriage

The couple’s decision not to rush into marriage but instead focus on building a family speaks to their shared values and priorities. Fred and Shontai welcomed their first child on January 28, 2018, and their second on May 20, 2019, marking significant milestones in their personal lives.

As a partner to an NBA player, Shontai navigates the challenges of fame and public scrutiny with grace and resilience. Despite the pressures of being in the spotlight, she remains a pillar of strength for Fred and their family.

Shontai’s story is one of resilience, commitment, and the quiet strength that often exists behind the scenes. While Fred VanVleet dazzles on the basketball court, Shontai Neal’s steadfast support and accomplishments are a testament to the power of love and partnership. As Fred’s success continues to soar, Shontai remains the unsung heroine, contributing to the narrative of triumph both on and off the court.