25 Facts About Darius Bazley

Early Life and Background

Darius Bazley, a name that has been making waves in the basketball world, has an interesting journey. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about his early life and background.

1. Born in Ohio: Darius Bazley was born on June 12, 2000, in Cincinnati, Ohio. This Midwestern city is known for its rich sports culture, which undoubtedly influenced his passion for basketball.

2. High School Star: He attended Princeton High School in Sharonville, Ohio. During his time there, he quickly became a standout player, earning accolades and recognition for his skills on the court.

3. McDonald's All-American: In 2018, Bazley was selected to play in the prestigious McDonald's All-American Game, an honor reserved for the top high school basketball players in the country.

4. Top Recruit: Coming out of high school, he was ranked as a five-star recruit by major recruiting services like ESPN and Rivals. This ranking placed him among the elite prospects in his class.

Unique Path to the NBA

Unlike many of his peers, Bazley took an unconventional route to the NBA. His journey is a testament to his determination and willingness to take risks.

5. Skipping College: Instead of playing college basketball, Bazley decided to skip college altogether. He initially committed to Syracuse University but later decommitted to explore other opportunities.

6. Internship with New Balance: In a groundbreaking move, Bazley signed a $1 million internship deal with New Balance. This unique arrangement allowed him to train and prepare for the NBA while gaining valuable business experience.

7. Training with Professionals: During his internship, he trained with professional athletes and coaches, honing his skills and preparing for the NBA Draft.

NBA Career

Bazley's NBA career has been marked by growth and potential. Here are some key facts about his time in the league.

8. Drafted by the Thunder: In the 2019 NBA Draft, Darius Bazley was selected 23rd overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. This marked the beginning of his professional career.

9. Rookie Season: During his rookie season, Bazley showed flashes of brilliance. He averaged 5.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, earning praise for his versatility and athleticism.

10. Bubble Breakout: In the 2020 NBA Bubble, Bazley had a breakout performance. He averaged 13.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game during the seeding games, showcasing his potential as a future star.

11. Career-High Game: On April 2, 2021, Bazley scored a career-high 26 points in a game against the Phoenix Suns. This performance highlighted his scoring ability and potential to be a key player for the Thunder.

Off the Court

Darius Bazley is not just a basketball player; he has interests and activities off the court that make him a well-rounded individual.

12. Fashion Enthusiast: Bazley has a keen interest in fashion. He often shares his unique style and fashion choices on social media, making him a trendsetter among his peers.

13. Community Involvement: He is actively involved in community service. Bazley participates in various charitable activities and events, giving back to the community that supported him.

14. Social Media Presence: With a growing following on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, Bazley uses his social media presence to connect with fans and share glimpses of his life.

Personal Life

Understanding the personal side of Darius Bazley gives us a deeper appreciation of who he is beyond the basketball court.

15. Family-Oriented: Bazley is very close to his family. He often credits his parents and siblings for their unwavering support throughout his journey.

16. Role Models: He looks up to NBA legends like LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Their careers have inspired him to work hard and strive for greatness.

17. Hobbies: In his free time, Bazley enjoys playing video games, listening to music, and spending time with friends. These hobbies help him relax and unwind.

Future Aspirations

Bazley's journey is far from over. His aspirations and goals for the future are as ambitious as his journey so far.

18. NBA All-Star: One of his primary goals is to become an NBA All-Star. Bazley is determined to continue improving and reach this milestone in his career.

19. Championship Dreams: Like many athletes, he dreams of winning an NBA Championship. Bazley hopes to lead his team to victory and etch his name in the history books.

20. Business Ventures: Inspired by his internship with New Balance, Bazley has expressed interest in pursuing business ventures in the future. He aims to leverage his experience and knowledge to succeed off the court as well.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Darius Bazley that add to his intriguing persona.

21. Nickname: His teammates and fans often call him "Baze." This nickname has stuck with him since high school.

22. Left-Handed: Bazley is left-handed, which gives him a unique advantage on the basketball court. Left-handed players often have an edge due to their unconventional playing style.

23. Favorite Food: He loves seafood, particularly shrimp and crab legs. Bazley often indulges in these dishes as a treat.

24. Music Taste: His favorite music genres include hip-hop and R&B. Artists like Drake and J. Cole are among his favorites.

25. Tattoo Enthusiast: Bazley has several tattoos, each with its own meaning and significance. His tattoos often reflect his personal experiences and values.

Final Thoughts on Darius Bazley

Darius Bazley is more than just a basketball player. His journey from skipping college to joining the NBA shows his unique path and determination. Bazley’s decision to intern at New Balance instead of playing college ball was a bold move that paid off. His versatility on the court, playing both forward positions, makes him a valuable asset to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Off the court, Bazley’s interests in fashion and music highlight his multifaceted personality. He’s a young player with a bright future, and his story is still unfolding. Keep an eye on Bazley as he continues to grow and make waves in the NBA. His journey is a testament to following one’s own path and making bold choices. Darius Bazley is definitely a name to remember in the world of basketball.