Corey Jae Crowder Bio
Corey Jae Crowder is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was born on July 6, 1990, in Villa Rica, Georgia, and began making a name for himself in college basketball during his time with Marquette, where he was the Big East Player of the Year. Drafted as the 34th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Crowder has experienced a diverse professional career, playing for multiple teams including the Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat. He has achieved significant recognition, including being named to various All-American teams during his college years, and has seen success in the NBA Finals.
Early Life and Background
Corey Jae Crowder was born on July 6, 1990, in Villa Rica, Georgia, to Helen Thompson and Corey Crowder, a former professional basketball player. He attended Villa Rica High School, where he excelled in both football and basketball. Crowder’s early life was marked by a struggle with weight, as he weighed nearly 200 pounds during his junior year. With the help of his father, he worked to improve his physical conditioning, ultimately growing to 6 feet 4 inches tall by the end of his junior year. Crowder’s dedication to training and improvement laid the foundation for his future success in basketball. After high school, Crowder committed to South Georgia Technical College, where he began his collegiate basketball career.
Path to Basketball
At South Georgia Technical College, Crowder had a standout freshman season, leading the Jets to their first-ever NJCAA national tournament appearance and earning the Georgia Junior College Athletic Association Player of the Year title. He then transferred to Howard College for his sophomore year, where he not only won the NABC NJCAA Player of the Year award but also helped lead his team to their first NJCAA Division I championship. Crowder’s impressive performances caught the attention of major programs, leading him to transfer to Marquette University. At Marquette, he continued to excel, averaging 17.5 points and 8.4 rebounds per game in his senior season, and was named the Big East Player of the Year. His success in college basketball set the stage for his entry into the NBA.
Corey Jae Crowder Career
Early Career (2012–2014)
Corey Jae Crowder entered the 2012 NBA Draft after completing his college career and was selected as the 34th overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks on draft night. Crowder quickly made an impact during the NBA Summer League and preseason, earning praise as a potential steal of the draft. He debuted in the 2012-2013 season and became a key contributor for the Mavericks, particularly after injuries to other players on the team. Crowder averaged 5 points and 2.4 rebounds per game during his rookie season, showcasing his potential as a versatile player.
Breakthrough (2014–2017)
Crowder’s career took a significant turn when he was traded to the Boston Celtics in December 2014. He became an essential part of the Celtics’ rotation, significantly increasing his scoring average and playing time. In his first season with Boston, he averaged 9.5 points per game and became known for his defensive skills and versatility. Crowder’s performance continued to improve, and he signed a five-year, $35 million contract with the Celtics in July 2015. He reached new career highs in scoring, including a standout performance where he scored 25 points against the Indiana Pacers. His contributions helped the Celtics reach the playoffs multiple times during his tenure.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Crowder has been recognized for his contributions on the court, including being named to various All-American teams during his college years. He reached the NBA Finals with the Miami Heat in 2020 and again with the Phoenix Suns in 2021, solidifying his reputation as a player capable of performing in high-stakes situations.
Corey Jae Crowder Award Nominations
Corey Jae Crowder has received numerous nominations and accolades throughout his basketball career, particularly during his time in college. His achievements include being named Second-team All-American by the Associated Press and Third-team All-American by the National Association of Basketball Coaches in 2012.
Corey Jae Crowder Awards Won
Crowder has achieved significant recognition during his basketball career, particularly in college. He was named Big East Player of the Year in 2012 and received multiple honors for his performance at the junior college level, including NJCAA champion and NABC Junior College Player of the Year in 2010.
Corey Jae Crowder Family
Corey Jae Crowder is the son of Helen Thompson and Corey Crowder. His father had a professional basketball career, which influenced Crowder’s own path in the sport. He has seven siblings, contributing to a large family dynamic.
Personal Life
Crowder’s mother, Helen Thompson, passed away from cancer in August 2017, shortly after he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This personal loss had a profound impact on him, and he has spoken about the importance of family and support throughout his career. Crowder majored in communication studies at Marquette, reflecting his commitment to both his athletic and academic pursuits.
