Charles Akemini Bassey Bio
Charles Akemini Bassey is a Nigerian professional basketball player who has competed in the National Basketball Association (NBA) since being drafted in 2021. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 meters), Bassey has developed his career through multiple NBA franchises and the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, where he established himself as one of the most dominant big men in Conference USA history before beginning his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Charles Akemini Bassey was born in Lagos, Nigeria, on October 28, 2000. He began his athletic journey playing soccer and did not start playing basketball until age 12. At that time, he stood just 6 feet 1 inch tall. His introduction to basketball came through an unlikely circumstance. While selling fried chicken on the side of a road wearing flip-flops that were too small for him, Bassey was discovered by a youth basketball coach who recognized his potential.
At age 14, Bassey had grown to 6 feet 10 inches and was named most valuable player (MVP) of the Giants of Africa basketball camp, a program established by Toronto Raptors executive Masai Ujiri. This achievement marked his emergence as a serious basketball prospect. Shortly after arriving in the United States at age 14 to pursue his basketball career, Bassey’s mother passed away. Despite considering returning to Nigeria, his father Akpan Ebong Bassey encouraged him to remain in America to pursue his basketball aspirations.
Path to Professional Basketball
Following his MVP performance at the Giants of Africa camp, Bassey moved to the United States to continue his basketball development. He enrolled at St. Anthony Catholic High School in San Antonio, Texas, where he made an immediate impact. As a freshman, he averaged 20.2 points, 17.1 rebounds, and 5.9 blocks per game, leading his team to the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools title game. He also competed in the Jordan Brand Classic International Game, where he earned MVP honors.
After facing eligibility issues at St. Anthony, Bassey transferred to DeSales High School in Louisville, Kentucky, for his junior season. He averaged 19.4 points and 12.8 rebounds per game during his senior year. Recognized as a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top centers in the 2018 recruiting class, Bassey reclassified to the 2018 class and committed to Western Kentucky University, choosing to play for the Hilltoppers over other major programs.
Charles Akemini Bassey Career
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2018–2021)
Bassey made an immediate impact at Western Kentucky, recording a freshman season-high 25 points and 10 rebounds in his third collegiate game against UCF. On January 31, 2019, he posted 22 points and 18 rebounds, the most rebounds by a Western Kentucky freshman since 1972. For the season, he averaged 14.6 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, earning First Team All-Conference USA, Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year, and Conference USA Freshman of the Year honors. His rookie campaign also produced the most rebounds, blocks, and double-doubles by a freshman in program history.
His sophomore season was derailed by injury when he suffered a tibial plateau fracture against Arkansas that required surgery. Through 10 games, he was averaging 15.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game before the injury occurred. During his junior season, Bassey recorded 21 points, 14 rebounds, and a career-high seven blocks in a win over Memphis. He followed this with a career-high 29 points and 14 rebounds against Gardner-Webb. At the conclusion of the 2020-21 season, he was named Conference USA Player of the Year for the second time while also repeating as the league’s Defensive Player of the Year. He averaged 17.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game before declaring for the 2021 NBA draft.
Philadelphia 76ers and Delaware Blue Coats (2021–2022)
Bassey was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 53rd overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NBA draft. He joined the 76ers for the 2021 NBA Summer League and signed with the team on September 24, 2021. During his rookie season, he also appeared with the Delaware Blue Coats, Philadelphia’s NBA G League affiliate, where he continued developing his game against G League competition.
San Antonio Spurs (2022–2025)
On October 24, 2022, the San Antonio Spurs signed Bassey to a two-way contract, splitting time between the Spurs and their G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs. He was named to the G League’s inaugural Next Up Game for the 2022-23 season. On February 14, 2023, the Spurs converted Bassey’s deal to a four-year, $10.2 million standard contract, reflecting the team’s confidence in his abilities. However, his breakthrough season was cut short when he suffered a left knee injury during a victory over the Orlando Magic on March 14, 2023. He was diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture of his left patella, ending his season prematurely.
Bassey faced another setback in December 2023 when he tore his left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), prematurely ending his 2023-24 season. On July 8, 2024, the Spurs waived Bassey, only to re-sign him nine days later, indicating their continued investment in his recovery and development.
Memphis Grizzlies (2025)
On July 11, 2025, Bassey played for the Boston Celtics in the 2025 NBA Summer League following his exit from the Spurs organization. Later that month, on July 11, 2025, Bassey signed with the Atlanta Hawks but was waived prior to the start of the regular season on October 18, 2025. On October 26, 2025, Bassey signed with the Memphis Grizzlies on a 10-day hardship contract. He made two appearances for Memphis, averaging 3.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assist during his brief stint.
Playing Style and Strengths
Bassey has established himself as a rim-protecting center with exceptional rebounding abilities. His 6-foot-10 frame and instincts around the basket have made him a force on the defensive end throughout his career. Offensively, he has shown capability as a pick-and-roll finisher and has demonstrated improved post moves during his professional tenure. His mobility for his size allows him to switch onto smaller players defensively, making him a versatile option in modern NBA lineups.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Bassey has demonstrated resilience in overcoming significant injuries, including a patellar fracture and an ACL tear. His journey from being discovered selling fried chicken on the streets of Lagos to playing in the NBA represents one of basketball’s more unique origin stories. His transition from college star at Western Kentucky to NBA contributor has included stops with multiple organizations while continuing to develop his game.
Charles Akemini Bassey Career Highlights
Across his collegiate and professional career, Bassey has accumulated numerous accolades that highlight his impact on the basketball court at multiple levels of competition.
College Career Highlights
During his three seasons at Western Kentucky, Bassey earned Conference USA Player of the Year honors twice (2019 and 2021) and was named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year twice. He was a two-time First-team All-Conference USA selection and earned Conference USA Freshman of the Year honors in 2019. His junior season saw him earn Third-team All-American honors from the USBWA. He holds the Western Kentucky program record for most rebounds, blocks, and double-doubles by a freshman.
Professional Career Highlights
In the NBA G League, Bassey earned NBA G League All-Rookie Team honors in 2022. He was named to the All-NBA G League Second Team and the NBA G League All-Defensive Team in 2022. He participated in the NBA G League Next Up Game during the 2022-23 season. His professional journey has included appearances with the Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs, Austin Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies, and Santa Cruz Warriors.
Charles Akemini Bassey Family
Family Background
Bassey’s father is Akpan Ebong Bassey, who encouraged his son to remain in the United States following the death of Bassey’s mother shortly after he arrived in America at age 14. Canadian-born basketball coach Hennssy Auriantal, who runs the Yes II Success organization that helps bring international players to American private schools, played a pivotal role in facilitating Bassey’s move to the United States. On March 31, 2017, Auriantal and his wife were granted conservatorship over Bassey, helping him navigate the challenges of being a young international athlete.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a transitional year for Bassey as he continued his professional basketball career following his injury setbacks with the San Antonio Spurs. After being waived by the Spurs in July 2024 and re-signed shortly after, Bassey sought new opportunities during the 2025 offseason. His participation in the 2025 NBA Summer League with the Boston Celtics demonstrated his continued desire to remain in the NBA ecosystem.
Following his Summer League appearance, Bassey signed with the Atlanta Hawks organization, though he was waived before the regular season began. His signing with the Memphis Grizzlies on a 10-day hardship contract in late October 2025 provided him with another NBA opportunity. While his sample size with Memphis was limited to two games, he showed glimpses of his rebounding ability by averaging 7.5 rebounds per game during his brief tenure.
The season outlook for Bassey remained focused on securing a more permanent role with an NBA franchise. His ability to contribute as a defensive presence and rebounder remained his primary value to teams seeking frontcourt depth. As he continued his professional journey, Bassey worked to demonstrate full recovery from his previous injuries while showcasing the skills that made him a dominant college player at Western Kentucky.