Gradey Dick: From Kansas Jayhawk to NBA Raptor
Gradey Reed Dick, born on November 20, 2003, is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Toronto Raptors in the NBA. His journey to the NBA was paved with success at the high school and college levels, showcasing his talent and potential from an early age.
Early Life and High School Career
Born in Wichita, Kansas, to Bart and Carmen Dick, Gradey Dick began his high school career at Wichita Collegiate School, where he spent two years. In his final year there, he averaged 20 points a game, leading his team to the state playoffs. Subsequently, he transferred to Sunrise Christian Academy, further elevating his profile as a top basketball prospect.
Dick garnered significant attention from college recruiters early in his high school career, receiving scholarship offers from prominent programs such as Kansas, Iowa State, and Baylor during his first two years. His performance at Sunrise Christian Academy solidified his status as a consensus five-star recruit, marking him as one of the top players in the 2022 class.
In 2022, Dick's outstanding high school career culminated in being named the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year, a prestigious award recognizing his exceptional talent and contributions to the sport. He also earned recognition as a McDonald's All-American, further highlighting his status among the nation's elite high school basketball players. Additionally, he was selected for the USA team for the Nike Hoop Summit.
College Career at Kansas
Gradey Dick committed to the University of Kansas, where he played for the Jayhawks in the 2022-23 season. In his college debut against Omaha, Dick tallied 23 points, two rebounds, two steals, and an assist in an 89-64 victory. He quickly became an integral part of the team, starting all 36 games.
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During his lone season at Kansas, Dick averaged 14.1 points (12th in the Big 12), 5.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.4 steals in 32.6 minutes per game. He demonstrated his shooting prowess by hitting .442 from the field (174-394), .403 from three-point range (83-for-206), and .854 at the free throw line (76-89).
Dick's impact on the Jayhawks program was immediate, as he set a new freshman record for three-point field goals made with 83. His total of 507 points ranked as the fourth-most by a Kansas freshman in a single season. These accomplishments led to his being named to the All-Big 12 Second Team, All-Newcomer Team, and All-Freshman Team. He was also a finalist for the Jerry West Award, which is given annually to the top shooting guard in Division I men’s college basketball. He earned Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors three times and was selected to the Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Watch List.
He scored in double figures in 24 games and 20 or more points seven times. His standout performances included a season-high 26 points against Oklahoma State and 23 points in his debut against Omaha. He recorded his lone double-double with 19 points and a season-best 11 rebounds in a first-round victory over Howard in the NCAA Tournament.
His performance in the 2023 NCAA tournament further solidified his reputation, particularly his game against Howard where he recorded 19 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
NBA Career with the Toronto Raptors
After a successful freshman season at Kansas, Gradey Dick declared for the NBA draft. He was selected by the Toronto Raptors with the 13th overall pick.
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Dick participated in the NBA Summer League in both 2023 and 2024 with the Raptors. In 2023, he averaged a team-high 16.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.5 steals in four games, showcasing his scoring ability and all-around game. He scored in double figures in all four contests, including 20+ points twice. He made his pro debut July 7 vs. Chicago; tallied 10 points and four rebounds in 30 minutes against the Bulls. In 2024, he posted averages of 11.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 18.6 minutes in two games. He missed the final three games of the tournament with a right ankle sprain which he sustained in the first half July 14 against Denver.
On November 23, 2023, the Raptors assigned Dick to the Raptors 905 of the NBA G League. In his first game against Capital City Go-Go, Dick shot 1 for 12, missing all six three-pointers, and had three turnovers in a 115-101 loss. Dick bounced back on December 1, 2023, with a strong winning performance against the Maine Celtics. He shot 7 for 14 and made 4-of-7 three-pointers in a strong 21-point performance.
He demonstrated his potential early in his NBA career, scoring a then-career-high 25 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 26, 2024. He followed that up with a 30-point performance against the Charlotte Hornets on October 30, and then a 31-point performance against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 1. On November 12, Dick scored a career-high 32 points against the Milwaukee Bucks.
He started 54 games for Toronto during the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 14.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.
International Career
Gradey Dick has also represented the United States on the international stage. He won a gold medal at the 2021 FIBA 3x3 Under-18 World Cup in Debrecen.
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Personal Life
Gradey Dick is a Christian. In July 2023, Dick signed a contract with Adidas.
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