Eric Gaines Bio
Eric T. Gaines is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for Ironi Kiryat Ata of the Israeli Basketball Premier League. Born on January 19, 2001, in New Jersey, Gaines played college basketball for the LSU Tigers and the UAB Blazers before beginning his professional career. Known for his athleticism and defensive instincts, he has competed at multiple levels of professional basketball since going undrafted in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Eric T. Gaines was born in New Jersey and later moved to Lithonia, Georgia, as a child, where he spent most of his formative years. During his childhood, he first played football before transitioning into basketball, a switch that would ultimately define his athletic career. Growing up, Gaines was taller than many of his peers and initially played as a center, but he relied on his speed to push the ball in transition after grabbing defensive rebounds.
Gaines attended Lithonia High School in Stonecrest, Georgia, where he did not attract significant scouting attention during his first two seasons. He developed a strong reputation during his senior year for his dunking ability, and his highlight plays drew comparisons to NBA guard Ja Morant, a link that Gaines has credited with expanding his college recruitment. As a senior, he averaged 18.6 points, 4 assists, and 2.7 steals per game and was selected as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution All-Metro DeKalb County Player of the Year. A four-star recruit, he committed to playing college basketball at LSU.
Path to Basketball
Gaines entered the college ranks as a four-star prospect with a clear identity as an athletic, defensively versatile guard. His senior season at Lithonia High School had showcased his ability to score, facilitate, and disrupt opponents, and his reputation as a high-flier helped him earn a roster spot with the LSU Tigers. The combination of size, quickness, and a strong work ethic positioned him to develop within a major conference program.
At LSU, Gaines steadily built his game and grew into a featured role with the Tigers, developing into a perimeter defender and a reliable ball-handler. His progress at the Southeastern Conference level, along with his standout defensive numbers, helped him earn the respect of scouts and set the stage for his next move. That next step came when he transferred to UAB, where he took on a larger offensive responsibility and refined his playmaking skills.
Eric Gaines Career
Early Career (2020–2024)
Gaines began his college career with the LSU Tigers in 2020 and averaged 2.5 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game during his freshman season. As a sophomore, he raised his production to nine points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while leading the Southeastern Conference with 2.1 steals per game. With the Tigers, he was used primarily as a distributor and perimeter defender, a role that highlighted his length and anticipation on the ball.
Following the dismissal of LSU head coach Will Wade after the 2021–22 season, Gaines decided to transfer. On April 12, 2022, he committed to UAB, where he became a more complete offensive player. In his first season with the Blazers in 2022–23, he averaged 11.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, establishing himself as a steady two-way contributor. He declared for the 2023 NBA draft that spring but withdrew his name on May 30, 2023, choosing to return to college and continue developing.
Professional Breakthrough (2024–Present)
On April 5, 2024, Gaines declared for the 2024 NBA draft but went undrafted. He entered the professional ranks on October 26, 2024, when he was selected by the Maine Celtics in the 2024 NBA G League draft, beginning his pro career in the Boston Celtics’ affiliate system. His time with Maine offered him a first opportunity to play against established professionals on a nightly basis.
On January 24, 2025, Gaines was traded to the Windy City Bulls, the NBA G League affiliate of the Chicago Bulls, where he continued to develop his game. His play for the Bulls helped expand his profile in the professional ranks and opened the door to opportunities abroad. On February 25, 2026, he signed with Ironi Kiryat Ata of the Israeli Basketball Premier League, taking his career international and adding a new chapter to his professional journey.
Driving Style and Strengths
Eric T. Gaines is widely regarded as a defensive-minded guard who uses his length, quickness, and instincts to disrupt opposing offenses. He excels in transition, often using his speed to push the ball up the floor after defensive rebounds, and he has shown steady improvement as a passer and on-ball decision-maker. His combination of athleticism and effort has made him a valuable perimeter defender throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the key moments of Gaines’ career are his senior season at Lithonia High School, when he was named Atlanta Journal-Constitution All-Metro DeKalb County Player of the Year, and his sophomore year at LSU, when he led the Southeastern Conference in steals. He also declared for the NBA draft in both 2023 and 2024, and his transition to international basketball with Ironi Kiryat Ata in 2026 represents another major milestone in his professional journey.
Eric Gaines Career Wins
Eric T. Gaines has continued to build a professional resume since going undrafted in 2024, with stops in the NBA G League and the Israeli Basketball Premier League. While specific individual award totals have not been publicly verified, his career trajectory reflects steady progression through competitive professional systems.
Israeli Premier League Highlights
Gaines signed with Ironi Kiryat Ata of the Israeli Basketball Premier League on February 25, 2026, beginning his career in international basketball. The move gave him an opportunity to compete at a high level overseas and expand his professional experience beyond the NBA G League.
Other Wins & Performances
In addition to his international move, Gaines played for the Maine Celtics during the 2024–25 NBA G League season before being traded to the Windy City Bulls on January 24, 2025. His time in the G League provided a platform to develop against experienced professionals and refine his two-way game.
Eric Gaines Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Eric T. Gaines’ family background is limited, and no verified details about his parents or siblings have been confirmed in available sources.
Personal Life
Eric T. Gaines has kept much of his personal life private, and no verified public information about a spouse, partner, or children is available at this time. He continues to focus on his professional basketball career.
2025 Season Performance
During the early portion of the 2024–25 NBA G League season, Eric T. Gaines played for the Maine Celtics after being selected in the 2024 G League draft. On January 24, 2025, he was traded to the Windy City Bulls, the G League affiliate of the Chicago Bulls, where he took on a larger role and continued to develop his game. His midseason move gave him a fresh opportunity to showcase his defensive skills and playmaking.
With the Windy City Bulls, Gaines worked to refine his perimeter defense and offensive consistency, building on the foundation he had developed in college and during his early professional months. The trade represented a chance to compete within a different organization and expand his professional network. His performances through the remainder of the 2024–25 campaign contributed to his growing reputation as a steady, hard-working guard.
Looking ahead, Gaines’ professional outlook remained positive, with his path leading toward international opportunities in the Israeli Basketball Premier League. His journey from undrafted prospect in 2024 to international signee in 2026 underscored the steady progress of his young career and the value of persistence in professional basketball.