Duop Reath
Duop Reath is a professional Australian basketball player who currently plays for the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA. Born on June 26, 1996, in Waat, South Sudan, Reath and his family immigrated to Australia when he was a child. He grew up in Perth, Western Australia, where he began his basketball journey.
Collegiate Career:
Reath began his collegiate career at Lee College, a junior college in Baytown, Texas, where he played for two seasons from 2014 to 2016. After a successful stint there, he transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU) in 2016. At LSU, Reath played for two seasons under coach Will Wade. During his senior year (2017-2018), he averaged 11.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, showcasing his potential as a versatile center. He was a significant contributor to the Tigers’ frontcourt, known for his athleticism, rim protection, and developing offensive game.
Professional Career and Drafts:
After going undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft, Reath began his professional career overseas. He signed with FMP, a Serbian basketball club, for the 2018-2019 season. He then moved to Crvena zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) in 2019, one of the most prominent clubs in the Adriatic League and EuroLeague. His time in Europe allowed him to gain valuable experience against high-level competition, refining his skills and adapting to different styles of play.
In 2020, Reath signed with the Illawarra Hawks of Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), returning to his home country. He quickly became a key player for the Hawks, demonstrating his growth as a professional. His strong performances in the NBL, particularly his ability to shoot from three-point range and protect the paint, caught the attention of NBA scouts.
Reath’s NBA dream came true when he signed a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers in October 2023. This contract allowed him to split his time between the Blazers and their G-League affiliate, the Rip City Remix. His debut with the Trail Blazers marked a significant milestone in his career, as he became one of the few South Sudanese-born Australians to reach the NBA.
Recent News and Developments:
Since joining the Trail Blazers, Reath has shown flashes of his potential, providing valuable minutes off the bench. He has demonstrated his versatility as a “stretch-five,” capable of spacing the floor with his three-point shooting and contributing on defense with his blocks and rebounds. News regarding Reath often highlights his journey from an undrafted player to an NBA contributor, a testament to his perseverance and hard work. He has been praised for his professional attitude and willingness to learn and adapt to the NBA game. His performances have earned him increasing playing time and consideration in the Blazers’ rotation.
Personal Data:
Duop Reath is known for his quiet demeanor off the court and his strong work ethic on it. He takes pride in representing both South Sudan and Australia, recognizing his dual heritage. He is often described as a humble and dedicated athlete who prioritizes team success. Beyond basketball, he maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his career and family. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes from similar backgrounds, showing that with dedication and resilience, dreams can be achieved.
