Ray Spalding is a professional American basketball player who holds the position of power forward for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. He was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers as the 56th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft and was later named alongside Kostas Antetokunmpo for the rights to the 54th Spalding completed his college career with the University of Louisville’s Louisville Cardinals. Below you will learn more about his biography, background, measurements, and other interesting facts.
Ray Spalding Bio
Raymond Spalding was born on March 11, 1997, in Louisville, Kentucky; Ray was born the son of African-American parents Raymond Brooks (father) and his wife Gerri Spalding. He grew up with his three siblings, an older sister Maya Spalding and two younger brothers James and Jayden Spalding. As an adult Spalding developed an interest in sports; he was taught kickball, soccer, and basketball. He completed his basic education at Trinity High School in Louisville, Kentucky.
During his high school career, Spalding played basketball under coach Mike Szabo. As a junior, he averaged 10.3 rebounds, 3.3 blocks, and 13.4 points per game while leading the Trinity Basketball team to the Kentucky State Championship semi-finals. In his senior year, Spalding averaged 8.7 rebounds, 3.1 blocks, and 13.0 points per game. Throughout his high school career, he was twice named to the All-State Team and the Kentucky All-Star Team. In his senior year, Spalding also won the KABC Regional Co-Players of the Year Award and was ranked by 247Sports.com with 26 college prospects in the nation. He was ranked 55th on ESPN 100 and 5th on the Power Forward list by Scout.com.
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After completing his high school career, Spalding enrolled at the University of Louisville where he continued his college career. When he played for the Louisville Cardinals, he averaged 4.3 rebounds and 5.6 points per game in his first year of study. In 2016 he was inducted into the All-ACC academic basketball team. The following year he played five games for the Cardinals, scoring 8.6 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 1.5 steal, and 12.3 points per game. He also led the Cardinals as a sophomore to the quarter-finals of the NIT. At the end of the 2017 season, Spalding announced that he would give up his senior year to enter the 2018 NBA Draft.
Professional Career
During the 2018 NBA draft combine exercises, Ray Spalding was invited to participate in the exercises. After showing great performance, he was listed among the top prospects of the NBA Draft. He was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the 56th overall selection during the 2018 NBA Draft. He was then traded by the 76ers to the Dallas Mavericks along with Kostas Antetokounmpo for the 54th Draft Pick Shake Milton. Spalding later signed with the Mavericks on July 20, 2018.
After joining the Mavericks in the NBA Summer League, the powerful striker was so impressive; he brings a big change to the team every time he plays. His wonderful performance in the summer league will undoubtedly earn him the starting jersey for the Mavericks in the regular 2018/19 season.
His Height, Weight, And Body Measurements
Ray Spalding is a very talented player; his length, size, and skills are his selling points. He stands at a height of 2.08 m (6 feet 8 inches) with a remarkable wingspan of 7-6 wings. In the last season of his college career, he made great strides, giving up his last year of play to enter the NBA in 2018. He has a bodyweight of 98 kg – 215 pounds.
Interestingly, the young man has proven to be a great Rebounder, length defender, and blocker. If he plays alongside Dirk Nowitzki, Luka Doncic, Jalen Bruns, and others, he will surely rise to a greater height in no time.
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Other Interesting Facts About Ray Spalding
1. Ray Spalding was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky in the United States.
2. He completed his basketball career at Trinity High School in Louisville and his college career at the University of Louisville
3. He played on the same team as Donovan Mitchell
4. Spalding is 6 feet 8 inches tall, weighs 98 kg, and has a wingspan of 7-6 wings.
5. He was appointed to the All-ACC academic team twice in a row in 2016 and 2017.
6. He left his senior year in Louisville to enter the 2018 NBA Draft 2018.
7. Ray Spalding was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers and switched to the Dallas Mavericks.
