Chris Boucher
Chris Boucher’s journey to the NBA is a remarkable story of perseverance and dedication, marked by a less-traveled path through the collegiate basketball landscape. Born on January 19, 1993, in Castries, St. Lucia, Boucher moved to Montreal, Quebec, Canada, at a young age. His introduction to organized basketball came relatively late, at age 17, but his raw talent and incredible athleticism quickly became apparent.
Boucher’s collegiate career was unconventional, starting at New Mexico Junior College before transferring to Northwest College, and finally landing at the University of Oregon. At New Mexico Junior College, he averaged 12.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game in the 2013-2014 season. His sophomore year at Northwest College saw his numbers improve significantly, with averages of 22.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 4.7 blocks per game, earning him the NJCAA Player of the Year award. These impressive performances caught the attention of Division I programs.
His time at the University of Oregon was particularly impactful. As a junior in the 2015-2016 season, Boucher quickly became a key player for the Ducks, known for his shot-blocking ability and expanding offensive game. He averaged 12.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, helping Oregon win the regular season and Pac-12 tournament championships and reach the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. His senior year, the 2016-2017 season, was unfortunately cut short by an anterior cruciate ligament tear suffered in the Pac-12 Tournament semifinals. Prior to the injury, he was having a dominant season, averaging 11.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. Despite the injury, his potential remained evident.
Following his college career, Chris Boucher went undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft, largely due to the ACL injury. However, his talent did not go unnoticed. He signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Golden State Warriors shortly after the draft, and then a two-way contract, allowing him to play for both the Warriors and their G-League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors. His performance in the G-League was excellent; he was named the G-League Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 while playing for the Raptors 905, demonstrating his readiness for the NBA level.
His career truly began to flourish after signing with the Toronto Raptors in 2018. He initially spent time with their G-League affiliate, the Raptors 905, where he continued to dominate, earning G-League MVP honors in 2019, becoming the first player to win both G-League MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season. This exceptional performance led to a full NBA contract with the Raptors. Boucher became a crucial player off the Raptors’ bench, known for his energy, shot-blocking, and improved three-point shooting. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the court made him a fan favorite and a valuable asset to the team. He played a significant role in the Raptors’ rotation, particularly during the 2020-2021 season, where he had a breakout year, showcasing his expanded offensive game and continued defensive prowess. His contract with the Raptors was extended, cementing his place on the team.
Off the court, Chris Boucher is known for his quiet demeanor and strong work ethic. His personal journey from humble beginnings to becoming an NBA player is a testament to his resilience and determination. He often speaks about the challenges he faced growing up and how basketball provided him with a path to a better life. His story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of seizing opportunities and never giving up on one’s dreams, regardless of the obstacles encountered. He continues to be a positive influence, both as an athlete and a role model.
