Buddy Hield
Hield was born on December 17, 1992, in Freeport, Bahamas. He is the oldest of seven children. Hield was discovered by a scout during a trip to the Bahamas and was offered a scholarship to Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas. He attended the school for two years before committing to play college basketball at the University of Oklahoma. Hield played four seasons for the Oklahoma Sooners from 2012 to 2016. He had an outstanding senior season, averaging 25 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, leading the Sooners to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament. Hield was recognized as the consensus National Player of the Year, winning the Wooden Award, the Naismith Award, and the Oscar Robertson Trophy. He also became the first player in Big 12 Conference history to win the Player of the Year award in consecutive seasons. Hield was selected as the sixth overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft by the New Orleans Pelicans. He played half a season with the Pelicans before being traded to the Sacramento Kings in February 2017 as part of a package for DeMarcus Cousins. In Sacramento, Hield quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier three-point shooters. He set an NBA record at the time for the most three-pointers made in his first three seasons as a player. Hield was traded to the Indiana Pacers in February 2022 and then to the Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors. He continues to be a prolific scorer and a consistent threat from beyond the arc. Throughout his career, Hield has been known for his dedication to improving his game and his strong work ethic. He often speaks about his humble beginnings in the Bahamas and his desire to inspire young people from similar backgrounds. He has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including establishing a foundation to support youth development in the Bahamas. Hield is a proud representative of his home country and has participated in international competitions with the Bahamian national team. Off the court, he maintains a relatively private life but is known for his calm demeanor and focus on basketball.
