Desmond Michael Bane, born on June 25 1998 has made a name for himself in the basketball world and is currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. His journey started in Richmond, Indiana, where he was raised by his great-grandparents after moving around with his mother and sister in his early years.
Bane’s high school career at Seton Catholic High School in Indiana was impressive. He led the state in scoring as a senior, averaging 30 points per game along with 11.5 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 3.2 blocks. He once scored a record 62 points in a single game. He did not receive any major NCAA Division I programs until his senior year but he eventually committed to TCU.
Physically, Bane is 6 feet 5 inches tall, but it’s his wingspan that’s most interesting. Measuring slightly shorter than his height, Bane’s arm length isn’t quite common in the NBA. However, with an impressive 40-inch vertical leap, he effectively uses his reach for rebounds, steals, and blocks.
Desmond Bane was selected by the Boston Celtics in the 2020 NBA draft
Desmond Bane’s NBA journey started in 2020 when the Boston Celtics selected him with the 30th overall pick in the NBA draft, making him the first TCU player picked in the first round since 1995. Bane was subsequently traded to the Memphis Grizzlies for a future pick.
In his rookie year, Bane was selected on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. He achieved the highest three-point field goal percentage among rookies since Stephen Curry. His career with the Grizzlies continued to improve in the following seasons. Bane’s record-breaking achievements included setting a franchise record for the most three-pointers in a season in March 2022 which was previously held by Mike Miller since 2007.
In the 2022 NBA playoffs, while facing the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round, Bane led the Grizzlies in scoring with 34 points during Game 4. He continued his outstanding performance throughout the series, setting a team record for the most three-pointers in a single postseason.
After the 2022–23 season ended, Bane signed the largest contract in Grizzlies franchise history, a five-year deal worth $207 million. His career-high score came on December 6, 2023, when he scored 49 points in a game against the Detroit Pistons. With this performance, he joined Mike Miller as the only player in Grizzlies history to record at least 45 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a single game.
BREAKING: Desmond Bane signs 5-year/$207 Million max contract with Memphis, via @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/X3dxxITKM9
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 1, 2023
As of January 15 2024, Desmond Bane has played in 239 regular-season NBA games, averaging 17.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. His journey from being an unnoticed high school player to becoming a star in the NBA is an inspiring story.