Gavrielle Reinert

Written by Gavrielle Reinert

Published: 29 Aug 2024

25-facts-about-torrey-craig
Source: Si.com

Who is Torrey Craig? Torrey Craig is an American professional basketball player known for his defensive prowess and versatility on the court. Born on December 19, 1990, in Columbia, South Carolina, Craig's journey from high school standout to NBA player is nothing short of inspiring. He made a name for himself at USC Upstate, where he earned multiple accolades, including Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year. After college, Craig honed his skills in Australia and New Zealand before making his NBA debut with the Denver Nuggets in 2017. Since then, he has played for several teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, Indiana Pacers, and Chicago Bulls.

Table of Contents

Early Life and High School Career

Torrey Craig's journey to the NBA began in South Carolina, where he honed his skills and showcased his talent.

  1. Torrey Craig was born in Columbia, South Carolina, and grew up in Great Falls, South Carolina. His early years in Great Falls laid the foundation for his basketball career.

  2. He attended Great Falls High School, where he won the 1A state Player of the Year honors in his senior season. This accolade highlighted his potential and set the stage for his future success.

College Basketball at USC Upstate

Craig's college career at USC Upstate was marked by impressive performances and numerous accolades.

  1. After high school, Craig went on to play college basketball for the University of South Carolina Upstate (USC Upstate). He quickly made an impact, entering the starting lineup as a freshman.

  2. He averaged 14.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in his freshman year, earning Atlantic Sun Conference Freshman of the Year honors. This strong start hinted at his future potential.

  3. In his sophomore season, Craig led the Atlantic Sun Conference in scoring with an average of 16.4 points per game. His scoring prowess helped the Spartans win 21 games.

  4. He was named the conference Player of the Year and an honorable mention All-American by the Associated Press. These honors recognized his outstanding contributions on the court.

  5. As a junior, Craig once again led the Atlantic Sun Conference in scoring with an average of 17.2 points per game. His consistency earned him a spot on the first team All-Atlantic Sun.

  6. Before his senior season, Craig was named preseason Player of the Year in the Atlantic Sun Conference. This recognition underscored his status as a top player in the conference.

  7. On February 10, 2014, Craig reached the 2,000 career point milestone with a 22-point game against East Tennessee State. This milestone highlighted his scoring ability and longevity.

Professional Career in Australia and New Zealand

Craig's professional journey took him overseas, where he continued to develop his skills and gain valuable experience.

  1. After graduating from USC Upstate in 2014, Craig spent his first three professional seasons playing in Australia and New Zealand. These stints helped him refine his game.

  2. He was named New Zealand NBL MVP and won a New Zealand NBL championship with the Wellington Saints. These achievements showcased his talent on an international stage.

  3. Craig also earned NBL Best Defensive Player honors with the Brisbane Bullets. His defensive skills were recognized and celebrated.

NBA Debut and Career

Craig's return to the United States marked the beginning of his NBA career, where he played for several teams and made significant contributions.

  1. In 2017, Craig returned to the United States to join the Denver Nuggets for NBA Summer League. This opportunity paved the way for his NBA debut.

  2. He signed a two-way contract with the Nuggets on July 19, 2017. This contract allowed him to split time between the NBA and the G League.

  3. Craig made his NBA debut on November 28, 2017, in the Nuggets' 106–77 loss to the Utah Jazz. This game marked his official entry into the NBA.

  4. During his time with the Denver Nuggets, Craig spent most of the season in the NBA G League with the Sioux Falls Skyforce. His performances in the G League were crucial for his development.

  5. In 2020, Craig joined the Milwaukee Bucks. He played a significant role off the bench, providing defensive prowess and occasional scoring.

  6. In 2021, Craig moved to the Phoenix Suns. He continued to showcase his defensive skills and occasional scoring ability.

  7. In 2022, Craig joined the Indiana Pacers. He played a key role off the bench, focusing on defense and occasional scoring.

  8. In 2023, Craig signed with the Chicago Bulls. He has continued to play a significant role off the bench, providing defensive expertise and occasional scoring.

Skills and Contributions

Craig's skills and contributions on the court have made him a valuable asset to every team he has played for.

  1. Craig's athleticism and perimeter shooting have been noted as among the best in the state during his college days. His ability to knock down triples makes him a valuable asset.

  2. Throughout his career, Craig has achieved numerous double-doubles and maintained impressive scoring averages. His consistent performance is a testament to his skill.

  3. Craig has led the Spartans in scoring in all but 17 games during his time at USC Upstate. This leadership on the court has been a hallmark of his career.

  4. Torrey Craig stands at 6'7" (201 cm) tall and weighs 221 lbs (100 kg). His physical dimensions make him effective at both the small forward and power forward positions.

  5. Craig is known for his defensive skills, often being praised for his ability to guard multiple positions. His defensive prowess has been a key part of his game.

Torrey Craig: A Versatile NBA Asset

Torrey Craig's journey from Great Falls, South Carolina, to the NBA is nothing short of inspiring. His early success at USC Upstate set the stage for a professional career that spans continents and leagues. Craig's stints with the Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, Indiana Pacers, and now the Chicago Bulls highlight his adaptability and defensive prowess. Known for his athleticism, perimeter shooting, and leadership, Craig has consistently been a valuable asset on and off the court. His decision to stay with the Bulls despite their rebuild phase shows his commitment and belief in the team's future. With impressive career stats and a reputation for being a reliable veteran presence, Torrey Craig continues to make significant contributions to his teams. His story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the impact of a versatile player in the NBA.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.