Tyson Etienne Bio
Tyson Etienne is an American professional basketball player for the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association (NBA), on a two-way contract with the Long Island Nets of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Wichita State Shockers. After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, he signed with the College Park Skyhawks before joining the Brooklyn Nets. Etienne has garnered accolades for his performance, including being named AAC co-Player of the Year in 2021.
Early Life and Background
Tyson Etienne was born on September 17, 1999, in Englewood, New Jersey, USA. He grew up in a family that valued sports, with his father, Max Etienne, having played college basketball for the University of Maryland. His mother, Anita Gibson, is an Emmy-nominated make-up artist, which highlights the artistic background of his family. Tyson attended several high schools, including Dwight-Englewood School, Long Island Lutheran, and Putnam Science Academy, where he honed his basketball skills and developed a passion for the game.
Path to Basketball
Etienne began his high school basketball career at Dwight-Englewood School, where he first showcased his talent. He later transferred to Long Island Lutheran, where he averaged 16.5 points and 3.4 assists per game during his junior year. After a postgraduate year at Putnam Science Academy, he helped his team reach the National Prep Championship semifinals. As a four-star recruit, he chose to play college basketball at Wichita State, turning down offers from several other programs.
Tyson Etienne Career
Early Career (2022)
After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, Tyson Etienne signed with the College Park Skyhawks on October 22, 2022. His time with the Skyhawks allowed him to gain valuable experience and showcase his skills in the NBA G League. He quickly became known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills.
Breakthrough (2024)
On September 10, 2024, Etienne signed with the Brooklyn Nets, but was waived the next day. He then joined the Long Island Nets, where he continued to impress with his performances. On March 4, 2025, he signed a two-way contract with the Brooklyn Nets after consistently strong performances in the G League. He made his NBA debut on March 28, 2025, recording eight points and one assist in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers. In his first seven appearances for the Nets, he averaged 7.9 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists.
Notable Works and Milestones
Tyson Etienne’s signature achievement includes being named the AAC co-Player of the Year in 2021 while playing for Wichita State. He also earned first-team All-AAC honors in the same year and was selected to the third team All-AAC in 2022.
Tyson Etienne Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Tyson Etienne has received several nominations and accolades for his performance on the court, particularly during his time at Wichita State.
Tyson Etienne Awards Won
Tyson Etienne has won notable awards, including the AAC co-Player of the Year in 2021 and first-team All-AAC honors in the same year. He was also recognized as a third-team All-AAC player in 2022.
Tyson Etienne Family
Tyson Etienne comes from a family with a strong sports background. His father, Max Etienne, played college basketball, while his mother, Anita Gibson, is a respected make-up artist. He is also related to former NBA player Marcus Camby and actor Omari Hardwick, and is a cousin of NBA player DeAndre Jordan.
Personal Life
Tyson Etienne has faced personal challenges, including the tragic loss of his childhood friend, Armoni Sexton, who was shot and killed in 2015. This loss has motivated him to excel in basketball as a way to honor his friend’s memory.
