Eric T. Gaines Bio
Eric T. Gaines is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Windy City Bulls of the NBA G League. Born on January 19, 2001, in New Jersey, Gaines transitioned from football to basketball during his childhood. He played college basketball for the Louisiana State University Tigers and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers, where he gained recognition for his skills and athleticism. After going undrafted in 2024, he began his professional career in the NBA G League.
Early Life and Background
Eric T. Gaines was born in New Jersey and moved to Lithonia, Georgia, as a child. Initially, he played football but later transitioned to basketball. His height advantage over his peers allowed him to play primarily as a center, utilizing his speed to grab defensive rebounds and push the ball up the court. Gaines attended Lithonia High School, where he did not receive much scouting attention during his first two seasons. However, he developed a reputation for his dunking abilities during his senior year, drawing comparisons to NBA star Ja Morant, which helped increase his recruitment offers. During his senior season, Gaines averaged 18.6 points, 4 assists, and 2.7 steals per game, earning him the title of Atlanta Journal-Constitution All-Metro DeKalb County Player of the Year. He was a four-star recruit and committed to playing college basketball for Louisiana State University.
Path to Basketball
Gaines began his college basketball career at Louisiana State University, where he averaged 2.5 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game during his freshman season. His performance improved significantly in his sophomore year, where he averaged nine points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, leading the Southeastern Conference with 2.1 steals per game. Known for his role as a distributor and defender, Gaines decided to transfer from LSU after the 2021–22 season when head coach Will Wade was dismissed. On April 12, 2022, he committed to play for the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he averaged 11.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game during the 2022–23 season. Gaines declared for the 2023 NBA draft but withdrew on May 30, 2023.
Eric T. Gaines Career
Early Career (2024)
In 2024, Gaines declared for the NBA draft but went undrafted. On October 26, 2024, he was selected by the Maine Celtics in the NBA G League draft, marking the beginning of his professional career. His time with the Maine Celtics was short-lived, as he was traded to the Windy City Bulls on January 24, 2025, where he continues to develop his skills and make an impact in the league.
Breakthrough (2025)
Gaines’s transition to the Windy City Bulls represents a significant step in his professional career. As he continues to adapt to the competitive environment of the NBA G League, he aims to showcase his talents and secure a more prominent role within the team.
Notable Works and Milestones
Eric T. Gaines is recognized for his athleticism and defensive skills, with a promising future ahead as he navigates his early career in professional basketball.
Eric T. Gaines Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Eric T. Gaines has not yet received any major award nominations, as he is still in the early stages of his professional journey.
Eric T. Gaines Awards Won
As of now, Eric T. Gaines has not won any notable awards, focusing instead on developing his skills and contributing to his teams.
Eric T. Gaines Family
Information regarding Eric T. Gaines’s family is not publicly available, as he maintains a private personal life.
Personal Life
Eric T. Gaines is currently focused on his basketball career and has not publicly disclosed details about his personal life, including relationships or children.