50 Facts About Buddy Hield

Early Life and Background

Buddy Hield's journey from a small island to the NBA is a story of determination and family support. His roots shaped his character and drive.

1. Born Chavano Rainer Hield, Buddy entered the world on December 17, 1992, in Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama Island.

2. Nicknamed "Buddy" by his mother, Jackie Swann, to avoid confusion with a local drug dealer, the name stuck and became a part of his identity.

3. Family of Six Siblings: Growing up in a large family, Buddy learned the importance of teamwork and support from an early age.

4. Mother's Influence: Jackie Swann played a crucial role in his life, providing motivation and support despite financial challenges.

5. Makeshift Hoops: Buddy's basketball journey began with makeshift hoops in the streets of Eight Mile Rock, where he honed his skills.

High School and College Career

Buddy's talent shone through during his high school and college years, setting the stage for his professional career.

6. Sunrise Christian Academy: Attending high school in Bel Aire, Kansas, Buddy led his team to a National Association of Christian Athletes (NACA) national championship.

7. Tournament MVP: His performance at the NACA tournament earned him the Most Valuable Player award.

8. Oklahoma Sooners: Buddy played college basketball for the Oklahoma Sooners, where he became a standout player.

9. Big 12 Conference Player of the Year: He earned this title in both 2015 and 2016, showcasing his consistent excellence.

10. National Player of the Year Awards: Buddy received four major awards, including the John R. Wooden Award and the Naismith Award.

NBA Journey

Buddy's transition to the NBA marked the beginning of a new chapter, filled with challenges and triumphs.

11. 2016 NBA Draft: Selected sixth overall by the New Orleans Pelicans, Buddy's professional career took off.

12. Trade to Sacramento Kings: In 2017, he was traded for DeMarcus Cousins, a pivotal moment in his career.

13. Golden State Warriors: Joining the Warriors in 2023, Buddy replaced Klay Thompson and quickly made an impact.

14. Record-Breaking Start: In his first two games with the Warriors, Buddy made 12 of 16 three-pointers, setting a new record.

Off-Court Life and Philanthropy

Beyond basketball, Buddy is dedicated to giving back to his community and supporting those in need.

15. Long-Term Relationship: Buddy is in a relationship with Remi Martinii, a Bahamian model, and they have a daughter named Rainer Cali Hield.

16. Buddy Hield Foundation: Through his foundation, Buddy hosts basketball camps in the Bahamas and provides school supplies to students.

17. Community Involvement: His foundation also donates Kindle tablets to local schools, emphasizing education and technology.

18. Resilience and Perseverance: Buddy's journey to the NBA was filled with challenges, but his determination never wavered.

19. Leadership Skills: Known for his leadership, Buddy inspires his teammates both on and off the court.

Shooting Prowess and Game Impact

Buddy's skills on the court, particularly his shooting ability, have made him a valuable asset to any team.

20. Renowned Shooter: Buddy is famous for his shooting skills, especially from beyond the arc.

21. Improvement Over Time: His shooting form improved significantly, going from 23.8% as a freshman to over 62% as a senior.

22. Ball-Handling Skills: Buddy diversified his game by enhancing his ball-handling abilities.

23. Game-Changer: His ability to take over games has been crucial to his teams' successes.

24. Fan Interaction: Buddy is known for engaging with fans, making him a beloved figure in basketball.

Community Roots and Heritage

Buddy's connection to his Bahamian roots remains strong, influencing his character and philanthropic efforts.

25. Bahamian Heritage: Proud of his heritage, Buddy often speaks about the lessons learned from his mother.

26. Fastest to 1,000 Three-Pointers: Buddy achieved this milestone in just 350 games, setting a new record.

27. College Statistics: As a senior at Oklahoma, he averaged 22.7 points per game.

28. High School Statistics: At Sunrise Christian Academy, he averaged 22.7 points in just 21 minutes per game.

29. Weight Gain and Training: Buddy gained nearly 40 pounds during high school, transforming into a more athletic player.

30. Stepfather's Influence: Richard Bryanen, Buddy's stepfather, played a significant role in his development.

31. Community Reaction: Initially, Buddy's dreams were met with skepticism, but he proved his doubters wrong.

32. High School Coach's Praise: Kyle Lindsted praised Buddy's work ethic and dedication.

33. College Coach's Praise: Oklahoma assistant coach Steve Henson noted Buddy's post-practice workouts as key to his development.

34. Team Impact: Buddy's presence on the court has been a game-changer for the Golden State Warriors.

35. First Two Games Performance: In his first two games with the Warriors, Buddy set a record for three-pointers made by a player with a new team.

36. Game Against Utah Jazz: Buddy scored 27 points, including 24 in the first half, leading the Warriors to victory.

37. Warriors' Dominant Performance: The team's success was marked by their trapping defense and precise passing.

38. Jazz's Struggles: The Utah Jazz struggled against the Warriors' defensive pressure.

39. Key Moment in Game: Buddy's quick impact with a three-pointer and layup shifted the game's momentum.

40. Upcoming Games: The Warriors will face the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Jazz will travel to Dallas.

41. Hield's Impact on Team Culture: Buddy's positive attitude and energy have significantly influenced the team's culture.

42. Postgame Dinners: Buddy was always present at postgame dinners, engaging with everyone in attendance.

43. Elliptical Workouts: After practice, Buddy would often get up shots in the empty gym, showcasing his dedication.

44. Influence on Young Players: Buddy encouraged other players to join his post-practice workouts, fostering camaraderie.

45. Bahamian Roots: Despite his success, Buddy remains deeply connected to his Bahamian roots.

46. Philanthropic Efforts: The Buddy Hield Foundation provides essential items to students and teachers in Grand Bahama.

47. Modeling Career: Remi Martinii, Buddy's girlfriend, started modeling at a young age and has become a prominent figure.

48. Personal Growth: Buddy's journey from a young boy practicing hoops to an NBA star is a story of personal growth.

49. Legacy: Buddy Hield's legacy extends beyond basketball, serving as a role model for young athletes worldwide.

50. Inspiration and Perseverance: Buddy's story is one of inspiration, proving that hard work and determination can lead to greatness.

Buddy Hield: A True Inspiration

Buddy Hield's journey from the streets of Eight Mile Rock to the bright lights of the NBA is nothing short of remarkable. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, family support, and unwavering determination. From his early days shooting hoops on makeshift courts to becoming a key player for the Golden State Warriors, Hield has shown that dreams can come true with grit and perseverance. His impact goes beyond basketball; through the Buddy Hield Foundation, he gives back to his community, providing resources and hope to those in need. Hield's legacy is not just about his impressive stats or shooting records but also about the inspiration he provides to young athletes worldwide. He proves that no matter where you start, with dedication and heart, you can achieve greatness and make a difference in the world.