Gabe Vincent is one of the many athletes of Nigerian descent making the country proud in the diaspora.
He is a talented point guard who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, alongside the legendary LeBron James, in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Here is all you need to know about the Nigerian-American superstar basketballer.
Who is Gabe Vincent?
Gabe Vincent: Early Life
Gabe Vincent was born in Modesto, California, to Franklyn and Cynthia Vincent. His father, hailing from Nigeria, and his mother, a native of Connecticut, both achieved academic excellence, earning doctorates in psychology. As the youngest of three brothers, Vincent grew up with a strong foundation, attending St. Mary’s High School in Stockton.
Vincent’s passion for basketball led him to the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he played from 2014 to 2018. During his time with the Gauchos, he impressed with an average of 12.8 points across 113 games. His senior season culminated in recognition as part of the 2018 All-Big West Second Team, a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Is Gabe Vincent a Nigerian?
Gabe Vincent’s connection to Nigeria extends far beyond his ancestral roots. His father’s Nigerian heritage has profoundly shaped his cultural identity, worldview, and approach to life.
The rich traditions and values of Nigerian culture have had a lasting impact on Vincent, emphasizing the importance of family, community, and resilience.
Vincent’s pride in his Nigerian heritage is evident in his representation of the national team, D’Tigers. One of his most memorable moments came on August 24, 2019, when he scored 23 points against Poland, including a thrilling game-winning three-pointer with just 0.3 seconds left.
He also had the honor of representing Nigeria at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China, further solidifying his connection to his father’s homeland.
Early Basketball Career
After graduating, Gabe Vincent’s journey to the NBA began with a pre-draft workout with the Sacramento Kings. Although he wasn’t selected in the 2018 NBA draft, he caught the attention of the Kings, who offered him an Exhibit 10 contract in October. However, his stint with the team was short-lived, and he was waived shortly after.
Vincent then joined the Stockton Kings of the NBA G League, where he spent two seasons honing his skills. In his first season, he played 24 games, starting three, and averaged 8.8 points in 18.6 minutes per contest. He showed flashes of brilliance, scoring 35 points in a game not once, but twice, in December 2019.
Vincent’s second season with Stockton was a breakout one. In 20 games, including three starts, he averaged an impressive 23.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.30 steals per game. His shooting percentages were equally impressive, with a 46.9% field goal percentage, 41.2% from three-point range, and 89.7% from the free throw line.
Going undrafted and bouncing back
Despite facing disappointment and uncertainty after going undrafted, Gabe Vincent refused to let that setback define him. Instead, he channeled his energy into intense hard work and determination, driven by a deeper purpose.
Vincent has often spoken about the pivotal role his faith plays in his life and career. “I believe in God, and I give thanks to him daily,” he said. His spiritual foundation is rooted in his family’s heritage, as his grandfather was a pastor in Nigeria. “My faith runs deep in my family,” he explained. “It helps to set the foundation and make you have some reference to accountability. It plays a huge part in my life and success.”
With unwavering conviction, Vincent sees himself on a mission, with God as his guiding force. “I’m on a mission and God is my guide,” he declared, underscoring the profound impact his faith has on his journey.
Gabe Vincent: NBA Journey
Vincent’s NBA journey took a significant leap when he signed a two-way contract with the Miami Heat on January 8, 2020. He made his NBA debut just a few weeks later, taking on the Orlando Magic on January 29.
Vincent continued to split his time between the Heat and their G League affiliate, where he truly began to make a name for himself. In 31 G League games, he averaged an impressive 20.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per contest. His hard work paid off when he was awarded the NBA G League’s Most Improved Player award on June 22, 2020.
The Heat’s 2020 NBA Finals run may have ended in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, but Vincent’s growth continued unabated. He rejoined the Heat for the 2021 NBA Summer League and soon after signed a standard contract with the team.
Fast-forward to the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, where Vincent played a crucial role in the Heat’s series win over the Boston Celtics. In Game 3, he dropped a playoff career-high 29 points in a 128-102 victory.
The Heat eventually advanced to the NBA Finals, where Vincent continued to shine. In Game 2, he led the team with 23 points in a 111-108 win over the Denver Nuggets.
Although they ultimately fell short in the series, Vincent’s emergence as a key contributor was undeniable.
Joining the Los Angeles Lakers
Gabe Vincent’s 2023 move to the Los Angeles Lakers has been a great fit for the team. He’s added depth and defense to the point guard position, and his performance in the overtime win against the New York Knicks was a highlight. Vincent scored double-digit points for the first time since February 10, leading the bench in scoring.
He had an efficient game, sinking four three-pointers – something he’s only done five times in 53 regular-season appearances. Since the All-Star break, Vincent has been playing well, averaging 5.8 points, 1.4 assists, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals across 22.0 minutes per contest over nine outings, including two starts.
Vincent seems to have found a good fit with the Lakers, playing alongside LeBron James.
Gabe Vincent: Networth
Gabe Vincent’s net worth is reportedly $8 million, according to Sportskeeda. Before the 2021-22 season, Vincent had signed a modest two-year contract with the Miami Heat worth $3.48 million.
However, after his breakout season, Vincent became a free agent and was poised to cash in on his improved performance. Seeking a championship, the 28-year-old set his sights on a new challenge and signed a lucrative three-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The contract, worth $33 million, is the largest of Vincent’s basketball career.
Gabe Vincent: Personal Life & Social Media
Gabe Vincent is single and not dating anyone. There are no official reports of him being in a relationship as Gabe hardly opens up about his personal life. He prefers keeping his life private and spending his time with people dear to him – his family and friends.
Gabe Vncent can be found on social media platforms Instagram, X, and Facebook.
Instagram handle – @Iamgabevincent2
Facebook account – Gabe Vincent
