40 Facts About Brandon Ingram

Early Life and Background

Brandon Ingram's journey to NBA stardom began long before he donned a professional jersey. Here are some intriguing facts about his early years.

1. Born on September 2, 1997, in Kinston, North Carolina, Ingram grew up in a small town known for producing basketball talent.
2. His father, Donald Ingram, was a police officer and a gym manager, while his mother, Joann, worked at a local school.
3. Ingram's older brother, Donovan, played college basketball, inspiring Brandon to pursue the sport seriously.
4. He attended Kinston High School, where he led his team to four consecutive state championships.

High School Achievements

In high school, Ingram's skills on the court began to shine, earning him national attention.

5. Ingram was named North Carolina's Mr. Basketball in 2015.
6. He was a McDonald's All-American, a prestigious honor for high school basketball players.
7. Rivals.com ranked him as the No. 3 player in the class of 2015.
8. Ingram averaged 24.3 points and 10.4 rebounds per game during his senior year.

College Career at Duke

Ingram's talent earned him a spot at one of the most storied college basketball programs in the country: Duke University.

9. He played one season for the Duke Blue Devils, during the 2015-2016 season.
10. Ingram averaged 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game at Duke.
11. He was named the ACC Rookie of the Year.
12. Ingram earned second-team All-ACC honors for his impressive performance.

NBA Draft and Early Career

Ingram's transition to the NBA marked the beginning of a new chapter in his basketball journey.

13. The Los Angeles Lakers selected Ingram with the second overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.
14. He signed his rookie contract with the Lakers on August 23, 2016.
15. Ingram made his NBA debut on October 26, 2016, against the Houston Rockets.
16. He scored his first NBA points on October 28, 2016, in a game against the Utah Jazz.

Development and Growth

Ingram's early years in the NBA were marked by growth and development as he adjusted to the professional level.

17. Ingram was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2017.
18. He recorded his first career double-double on November 29, 2017, with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
19. Ingram scored a career-high 32 points on November 29, 2017, against the Golden State Warriors.
20. He improved his scoring average from 9.4 points per game in his rookie season to 16.1 points per game in his second season.

Trade to the New Orleans Pelicans

A significant moment in Ingram's career came when he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.

21. Ingram was part of a blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Lakers in exchange for Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and draft picks.
22. He made his debut for the Pelicans on October 22, 2019, scoring 22 points against the Toronto Raptors.
23. Ingram quickly became a key player for the Pelicans, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility.
24. He scored a career-high 49 points on January 16, 2020, in a game against the Utah Jazz.

All-Star Recognition

Ingram's hard work and dedication paid off when he received his first All-Star selection.

25. Ingram was named an NBA All-Star for the first time in 2020.
26. He averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game during the 2019-2020 season.
27. Ingram won the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 2020.
28. He became the first player in Pelicans history to win the Most Improved Player Award.

Personal Life and Interests

Off the court, Ingram has a variety of interests and a close-knit family.

29. Ingram is known for his love of music, particularly hip-hop and R&B.
30. He has several tattoos, each with personal significance, including one dedicated to his hometown of Kinston.
31. Ingram enjoys playing video games, especially NBA 2K and Call of Duty.
32. He is involved in various charitable activities, including hosting basketball camps for kids in his hometown.

Future Prospects

Ingram's career is still on the rise, with many expecting even greater achievements in the future.

33. Ingram signed a five-year, $158 million contract extension with the Pelicans in November 2020.
34. He continues to improve his game, focusing on becoming a more complete player.
35. Ingram has expressed a desire to lead the Pelicans to the playoffs and compete for an NBA championship.
36. He is often compared to NBA stars like Kevin Durant due to his similar playing style and physique.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Brandon Ingram.

37. Ingram's nickname is "Tiny Dog," a nod to his slender frame and tenacity on the court.
38. He is a fan of the TV show "Dragon Ball Z" and has referenced it in interviews.
39. Ingram has a pet dog named "Kobe," named after his former Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant.
40. He once played a game of one-on-one against rapper J. Cole, who is also from North Carolina.

Brandon Ingram: A Rising Star

Brandon Ingram's journey to NBA stardom is nothing short of inspiring. From his early days in Kinston, North Carolina, to becoming a key player for the New Orleans Pelicans, Ingram's dedication and talent have shone brightly. His impressive stats, including being named the NBA's Most Improved Player in 2020, highlight his growth and potential. Off the court, Ingram's charitable efforts and community involvement show he's more than just a basketball player; he's a role model. As he continues to develop his game, fans can expect even greater things from this young athlete. Whether you're a die-hard basketball fan or just learning about Ingram, there's no denying his impact on the sport and his community. Keep an eye on Brandon Ingram—his story is far from over, and the best is yet to come.