The NBA has seen talented players emerge from all across the United States, but Hawaii‘s representation in the league has been relatively small.
Still, a select few Hawaiian basketball stars have made their mark at the highest level of the sport.
Hawaiian NBA Players
Kurt Thomas
Kurt Thomas was born in Miami but grew up in Hawaii from age 3.
He played college basketball at TCU before being drafted by the Miami Heat with the 10th overall pick in 1995. Thomas played 18 seasons in the NBA, becoming known for his toughness, rebounding, and defense.
His most productive years came with the New York Knicks in the early 2000s when he averaged double-digit scoring three seasons in a row.
Thomas finished his NBA career averaging 8.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
Tim Young
Tim Young was a Honolulu native who played college basketball at Stanford in the late 1970s. He was drafted in the 3rd round by the San Antonio Spurs in 1980 and played two NBA seasons as a role player.
Young’s NBA career averages were modest at 3.5 points and 2.6 rebounds per game, but he was one of the first Hawaiian-born players to reach the league.
Micheal Ray Richardson
Micheal Ray Richardson is an exceptional case as he was born in Lubbock, Texas but grew up playing high school basketball in Hawaii at Farrington High School in Honolulu. He went on to play at Montana before being drafted 4th overall by the New York Knicks in 1978.
Richardson made four All-Star teams with career averages of 14.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game.
However, bans for substance abuse cut short a career that seemed destined for the Hall of Fame.
The Local Basketball Culture
While Hawaii is geographically isolated in the Pacific Ocean, basketball is hugely popular locally. High school basketball games can draw big crowds and intense local rivalries.
That passion trickles up, with the University of Hawaii‘s basketball team also enjoying faithful support. The islands have produced good talent, but the location still poses challenges in getting exposure compared to prospects from the mainland.
Up and Coming Hawaiian Prospects
Isaiah Cabebe
A 6’3 (1.90m) point guard, 2021 Hawaii Gatorade Player of the Year Isaiah Cabebe is currently doing a post-graduate year at Middlebrooks Academy prep school in Los Angeles.
He has signed to play college basketball at Grand Canyon University.
Milo Giampapa
Freshman guard Milo Giampapa from Kamehameha High School in Hawaii has already committed to Loyola Marymount.
Continuing his development in college could make him an NBA prospect down the line.
Sources:
hoopshabit.com/2018/11/28/nba-history-best-player-born-each-state/
