Born in Tempe, Arizona, in 1999, Marvin Bagley III grew up in a family of basketball players. His father, Marvin Bagley Jr., played college basketball for the University of North Carolina, and his mother, Tracy Bagley, played for the University of San Diego. Marvin III’s older sister, Briana, also played basketball in college for the University of San Francisco.
With this kind of background, it’s no surprise that Marvin III was a natural on the court. He started playing organized basketball at just four years old and continued to excel throughout his youth. By the time he reached high school, he was already considered one of the best basketball prospects in the country.
During his freshman year of high school, Marvin III played for Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, Arizona. He averaged 19.9 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, leading his team to a 34-1 record and a state championship. The next year, he transferred to Hillcrest Prep Academy in Phoenix, where he continued to dominate on the court.
In 2017, Marvin III committed to play college basketball for Duke University, one of the top basketball programs in the country. He was the top-ranked high school recruit in the country at the time, and expectations were high for him to make an impact on the college basketball scene.
Marvin III didn’t disappoint. During his freshman year at Duke, he averaged 21 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, earning him ACC Rookie of the Year honors and a spot on the First Team All-ACC. He also led Duke to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, where they ultimately fell to Kansas.
Despite his impressive freshman season, Marvin III decided to forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the NBA Draft. He was selected second overall by the Sacramento Kings, behind only Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns.
Marvin III’s rookie season in the NBA was solid, but not without its challenges. He played in just 62 games due to injury, averaging 14.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. He also missed out on NBA All-Rookie Team honors due to his limited playing time.
In his second season in the NBA, Marvin III was once again plagued by injuries. He played in just 13 games before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the NBA to suspend its season. He didn’t play in the NBA Bubble when the season resumed, opting instead to focus on his recovery and prepare for the next season.
Now in his third NBA season, Marvin III is hoping to stay healthy and make a bigger impact on the court. He’s already shown flashes of greatness, including a 26-point, 10-rebound performance in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans earlier this season.
Off the court, Marvin III is known for his philanthropic work. He’s passionate about using his platform to give back to his community and has partnered with organizations like the Mustard Seed School in Sacramento to help provide resources for young people in need.
All in all, Marvin Bagley III is a promising basketball talent who has already achieved so much in his young career. As he continues to grow and develop, it’s clear that he has the potential to become one of the top players in the NBA.