Corey Kispert Bio
Corey James Kispert is an American professional basketball player for the Washington Wizards of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Gonzaga Bulldogs, where he was a consensus first-team All-American as a senior. Known for his exceptional shooting ability, Kispert has made a significant impact in the NBA since being drafted in 2021.
Early Life and Background
Corey Kispert was born on March 3, 1999, in Edmonds, Washington. He grew up in a supportive environment that fostered his passion for basketball. Kispert attended King’s High School in Shoreline, Washington, where he excelled on the basketball team. As a junior, he averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.3 steals per game, leading his team to a state championship title and earning the MVP award of the tournament. Rated as a four-star recruit, Kispert committed to play college basketball at Gonzaga University over other offers, including one from Notre Dame.
Path to Basketball
Kispert’s journey in basketball began at a young age, and he honed his skills throughout high school. His performance at King’s High School caught the attention of college scouts, leading to his recruitment by Gonzaga. At Gonzaga, he played all 35 games as a true freshman, averaging 6.7 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. As he progressed to his sophomore season, Kispert became a starter and improved his averages to eight points and 4.1 rebounds per game. His junior year saw him named to the Julius Erving Award watchlist, and he had a breakout game against Southern Mississippi, scoring 28 points and making seven of eight three-point attempts.
Corey Kispert Career
Early Career (2021)
Kispert was drafted by the Washington Wizards with the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He signed his rookie scale contract with the Wizards shortly after. In his debut on October 22, 2021, he scored two points in a thrilling overtime victory against the Indiana Pacers. During his rookie season, Kispert averaged 8.2 points per game, showcasing his potential as a valuable player for the team.
Breakthrough (2022-2023)
Kispert’s second season in the NBA marked a significant improvement in his performance. He averaged 11.1 points per game and became known as an excellent three-point shooter, achieving a 42.4% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, ranking him among the top shooters in the league. His third season saw further growth, as he averaged 13.4 points per game. A standout moment came on March 31, 2023, when he scored 27 points against the Orlando Magic, making nine three-pointers, which tied him for the second-most in a game in franchise history.
Notable Works and Milestones
Corey Kispert’s signature work includes his remarkable shooting ability, particularly from three-point range. He has received several accolades, including the Consensus first-team All-American title and the Julius Erving Award in 2021. His performance has been pivotal in the Wizards’ offensive strategy, contributing to their competitive edge in games.
Corey Kispert Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Corey Kispert has received notable nominations, including the Julius Erving Award, which he won in 2021, recognizing him as the top small forward in college basketball.
Corey Kispert Awards Won
Corey Kispert has achieved significant recognition during his basketball career, including being named the WCC Player of the Year in 2021 and earning the title of Academic All-American of the Year in the same year. His accolades reflect his talent and dedication to the sport.
Corey Kispert Family
Corey Kispert is married to Jenn Wirth, a fellow basketball player whom he met during their time at Gonzaga. The couple tied the knot on July 7, 2023, in a ceremony held at the Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano in California. Kispert is also the grandson of Dainard Paulson, a former American Football League player.
Personal Life
Kispert is known to be a practicing Catholic. His relationship with Jenn Wirth has been a significant part of his life, and they both share a passion for basketball. Kispert’s family background includes a legacy in sports, as his grandfather holds a notable record in American football.
