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Who is Georges Niang?
Georges Niang, nicknamed “Minivan,” is a professional American-Senegalese basketball player now playing with the NBA’s Utah Jazz (National Basketball Association).
With several honors and career highlights, this outstanding basketball star has demonstrated tremendous talents throughout his career.
He was the first player in NCAA tournament history to reach four consecutive tournaments, the first two-time All-American, and the career leader in games played with the most wins.
He has played with the Indiana Pacers, Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Santa Cruz Warriors, and Salt Lake City Stars, among others.
Furthermore, let us delve deeper into the life of “Minivan,” a world-renowned basketball player.
Before delving into the player’s background and career, here are a few basic facts about him.
Georges Niang | Childhood, Origins, Family, and Education
Georges “Minivan” Niang was born on June 17th, 1993, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, too proud parents Sidy Niang and Alison Niang.
Sidy Niang was born and reared in the Republic of Senegal, a West African country.
Niang prefers to keep his personal life mostly secret.
As a result, there is relatively little knowledge of his family. Georges is also an only kid.
Georges is a Gemini, according to the horoscope.
Geminis are known for being extroverted, clever, and adaptable.
These characteristics can surely be seen in Niang throughout his professional basketball career.
Education
Niang received his education at The Tilton School in Tilton, New Hampshire.
His outstanding talents began in high school, paving the route for his professional career.
In high school, he was a three-year starter and two-year team captain, making him one of The Tilton School’s top players.
Furthermore, he attended Iowa State University for college and began his outstanding career during his freshman year.
Niang’s successful high school and college careers helped shape him into the professional athlete he is today.
Georges Niang’s Age, Height, and Body Dimensions
Furthermore, Georges will be 29 years old in September 2022.
He stands at an impressive 6’8″ (2.03m) and weighs 230 lb (104 kg).
Niang, with his build, is considered a great ball-passer and handler, according to numerous scouting reports.
Georges Niang | Profession and Career
High school education
Niang was a two-year team captain and three-year starter at his high school, setting a school record of 2,372 points.
As a junior, he averaged 24.2 points and 8.2 rebounds, and as a senior, he averaged 25.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and
As a senior, his 2.1 assists per game propelled his team to the 2011 NEPSAC Class AA title, where they defeated St.Mark 72-56.
Niang won the tournament’s Outstanding Player award in the same game, scoring 23 points on 11-of-11 shooting.
His exceptional talent earned him three First-Team All-NEPSAC AA selections and NEPSAC Class AA Player of the Year in 2012.
Furthermore, Niang was a member of the Boston-based BABC AAU club, which also included former NBA player Cyclone Will Blalock.
Georges and his BABC AAU team won the 2011 Nike Peah Jam, one of the country’s most competitive AAU tournaments.
Nerlens Noel and Niang were Tilton and AAU teammates. They won four NEPSAC titles together: National Prep Championship, AAU National Championship, and Nike EYBL crown.
College life
Niang’s exceptional talent established him as one of the best players on the East Coast, and he finished his prep career as a unanimous national top -100 recruit.
Georges was ranked No. 56 by ESPNU,
No. 42 by Lindy’s, No. 69 by Scout.com,
No. 73 by Sporting News,
No. 81 by CBS Sports,
No. 69 by Rivals.com in the 2012 prep national rankings.
He had college recruit offers from Iowa State, Texas A&M, and Seton Hall.
He eventually opted to go to Iowa State University for college.
The First Year
In 2013, Georges began his college career as a freshman.
The NCAA named him to the Big 12 All-Rookie Team for the 2013 season.
Unfortunately, Georges shattered his right foot’s fifth metatarsal in the second round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament, causing him to sit out the rest of the tournament.
Year of Sophomore
Niang averaged 16.7 points and 4.5 rebounds as the thirst for the most dominant offensive player for Iowa State University with Melvin Ejim and DeAndre Kane during his sophomore year.
During the 2014 offseason, Georges reduced his calorie intake and dropped to 230 pounds from 260 pounds.
The Junior Year
Similarly, Niang led his team to third place in the 2015 NCAA Tournament by scoring 15.3 points per game, grabbing 5.4 rebounds, and dishing out 3.4 assists per game.
Georges later considered entering the 2015 NBA Draft, but changed his mind and returned for his senior year.
During his interview, he was asked about his change of heart by “Sports Illustrated,” to which he replied-
“I WAS CONSIDERING IT, BUT I WANT TO BE LOYAL TO THE PROGRAM AND DIDN’T WANT TO LEAVE MY MARK LIKE THAT.”
The Senior Year
Furthermore, Georges eclipsed 2000 points in his senior year, averaging 20.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.
The Atlanta Tipoff Club named him to the 35-man midseason watchlist for the Naismith College Player of the Year on February 11th.
Throughout his undergraduate career, he set multiple school records, including being the first player to play in four consecutive NCAA tournaments, the first two-time All-American, the career leader in games played, and the most victories.
Indiana Pacers Professional Career
On June 23, 2016, the Indiana Pacers selected Georges with the 50th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft.
Niang joined the squad for the 2016 NBA Summer League, and his early play received praise from Larry Bird.
On July 11th, 2016, he signed with the Pacers.
During his first season, the Pacers assigned Georges to numerous teams, including the NBA Development League’s Fort Wayne Mad Ants.
Georges was waived by the Pacers on July 14, 2017.
As a result, he signed a deal with the Golden State Warriors, and Niang was assigned as an affiliate player to the Santa Cruz Warriors.
On October 14th, 2017, the Warriors officially waived Niang.
He afterward became a free agent.
Salt Lake City Stars / Utah Jazz
On January 14th, 2018, Niang signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz, taking over a place previously held by a former college colleague Nazareth Mitrou-Long.
Throughout the 2018 season, he split his time between the Utah Jazz and the NBA G League franchise, the Salt Lake City Stars.
On July 13th, 2018, Niang signed a regular three-year contract with the Utah Jazz.
He just suffered an ankle injury in a game against the Bucks during the 2021 regular season.
The injury appeared to be pretty painful based on his expression.
Nonetheless, he was ready to play the following day.
Georges Niang | Statistics Year
| Year | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
| Career | 229 | 11 | 11.9 | .437 | .404 | .867 | 1.8 | .6 | .3 | .1 | 5.1 |
Georges Niang Earnings and Net Worth
The majority of professional NBA players earn up to $2 million per year.
According to Niang’s most recent contract terms, his average compensation in 2018 is expected to be over $200,000.
Similarly, he is one of the Utah Jazz’s highest-paid players.
Throughout his NBA career, he has earned approximately $2.2 million.
In addition, his pay for 2021 is expected to be around $1.7 million.
Georges Niang Niang, his girlfriend, is quite private about his personal problems.
As a result, there isn’t much information on his dating life or relationships.
Georges allegedly had at least one previous relationship.
However, the identity of that love is still unclear.
As a result, we can conclude that Georges Niang is currently single and not dating.
Georges Niang | Online Presence
Niang is extremely active on social media.
He is most active on Instagram, where he has approximately 68.7k followers.
He frequently posts updates regarding his behind-the-scenes activities and other gaming moments.
Niang also uses Twitter, where he has approximately 73.3k followers.
He is somewhat active on Facebook, with approximately 5k followers.
Podcast by Georges Niang
Georges Niang’s Drive & Dish is a popular Utah Jazz video podcast that discusses everything about the NBA League.
Niang hosted seven programs with a variety of guests.
Jordan Clarkson was a laid-back tattoo aficionado, an aspiring sommelier, and the self-appointed leader of the “Good Vibe Tribe.”
Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz, Amy Rodriguez of the Utah Royals, Erin Mendenhall of Salt Lake City, Anthony Zamora of the Utah Jazz, Kyle Whittingham of the Utah football team, and NBA announcer Doris Burke are among those honored.
The episodes can be seen on the Utah Jazz’s official YouTube channel.
Also, read Maia Shibutani, Jasper Cillessen, Nicole Johnson
Georges Niang’s Interesting Facts
- Apart from basketball, Georges enjoys playing golf.
- Niang has his own merchandise based on his well-known nickname “minivan.”
- Every year, Georges organizes the Georges Niang Basketball Camp, in which he teaches basketball to young children.
