Nigerian Charles A. Bassey, born October 28, 2000, is a basketball star playing for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA. He gained recognition through his impressive college basketball career with the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, reflecting his journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to the NBA through dedication and skill.

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Quick Facts

Full Name	Charles A. Bassey
Known As	Charles Bassey
Date of Birth	28-Oct-00
Birth Place	Lagos, Nigeria
Nick Name	NA
Religion	Christian
Nationality	Nigerian
Ethnicity	African
Age	23 years old
Height	6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Weight	230 lb (104 kg)
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Black
Build	Athletic
Father’s Name	Akpan Ebong Bassey
Mother’s Name	NA
Siblings	NA
Education	Western Kentucky University
Marital Status	Single
Sexual Orientation	Straight
Girlfriend	None
Kids	None
Endorsements	Puma
Profession	Professional basketball player
NBA Draft	2021: 53rd overall pick by Philadelphia 76ers
Position	Center
League	National Basketball Association (NBA)
Active Years	(2021–Present)
Net Worth	$1 million – $2.6 million
Currently Plays For	San Antonio Spurs
Jersey Number	26
Career Highlights and Awards	NBA G League Next Up Game (2023) All-NBA G League Second Team (2022) NBA G League All-Defensive Team (2022) NBA G League All-Rookie Team (2022) Third-team All-American – USBWA (2021) Conference USA Player of the Year (2021) 2× First-team All-Conference USA (2019, 2021) 2× Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year (2019, 2021) Conference USA Freshman of the Year (2019)
Career Information	High school
	DeSales High School (Louisville, Kentucky)
NBA draft	2021: 53rd overall pick by Philadelphia 76ers
Playing career	2021–present
Social Media	Instagram
Merch	NA

 

Charles Bassey Early Life

Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, Bassey pursued soccer until he was 12, when he stood at a remarkable 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters). A pivotal moment came when a youth basketball coach discovered him selling fried chicken roadside, wearing ill-fitting flip-flops. This led him to switch to basketball and focus on honing his skills. At 14, he was named MVP at the ‘Giants of Africa’ basketball camp, organized by Toronto Raptors executive Masai Ujiri.

Charles Bassey High School Career

Moving to the US at 14, Bassey joined St. Anthony Catholic HS in San Antonio, Texas. He quickly gained prominence at 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters). In his first year, he averaged impressive stats of 20.2 points, 17.1 rebounds, and 5.9 blocks per game, leading his team to the TAPPS title game and winning MVP at the Jordan Brand Classic International Game.

Despite challenges, including ineligibility issues, Bassey’s resilience and skill led him to DeSales High School in Kentucky, where he played for Aspire Basketball Academy.

Charles Bassey College Career

Recognized as a five-star recruit, Bassey committed to Western Kentucky. He earned accolades like First Team All-Conference USA, Defensive Player of the Year, and Freshman of the Year. Averaging 14.6 points, ten rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game in his freshman year, he maintained his momentum even after a fracture in his sophomore season.

Charles Bassey Professional Career

In the 2021 NBA draft, Bassey was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the 53rd pick, and his time with the 76ers included participation in the NBA Summer League and a contract signing. However, he later found himself waived by the team.

Bassey’s journey took another positive turn when he signed with the San Antonio Spurs in 2022. He secured a two-way contract, dividing his time between the Spurs and their NBA G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs. This season, he also gained recognition in the G League’s Next Up Game. The Spurs ultimately rewarded his efforts by converting his contract into a standard four-year deal worth $10.2 million. Unfortunately, his journey hit a roadblock due to a left knee injury, causing him to conclude his season early.

Personal Life

Both triumph and adversity mark Bassey’s journey. After he arrived in the United States, his mother’s passing tested his resolve, but he was encouraged to stay by his father, Akpan Ebong Bassey. Notably, the journey was guided by basketball coach Hennssy Auriantal, who played a pivotal role in bringing Bassey to the United States. Legal matters involving custody were also part of Bassey’s narrative, with various individuals vying for guardianship over him.

Relationship Status

Bassey is a private individual and does not often share his personal life on social media. It’s unclear whether he is in a relationship or single. Bassey’s focus is on his basketball career rather than his personal relationships.

Net Worth 

Charles Bassey’s net worth in 2023 is estimated to be $1 million. This is based on his NBA salary, endorsements, and other income. He signed a multi-year contract with the 76ers but was waived just before the 2022-2023 season started. He was then signed to a two-way contract by the San Antonio Spurs. 2022-2023, Bassey is expected to earn $2.6 million from the Spurs.