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Remember the Name: Jonathan Kuminga on Playing for Team Ignite, Career With the Golden State Warriors, Love for Fashion, and Sources of Motivation

Photo credit: Jeff Haynes/NBAE/Getty Images

Jonathan Kuminga became immersed in the world of basketball from a very young age. At just two years old, Jonathan remembers starting his journey playing the game in Goma, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and quickly falling in love with the sport growing up. To him, the game was special. It fueled his competitive drive, unearthed his personal passion for basketball, and uncovered incredible opportunities to reach new heights. This was only the beginning. After moving to the United States in 2016 to play basketball, Jonathan’s determination to play at the highest level was fortified. His mission was clear. He was determined to achieve his dreams of one day playing in the NBA. Throughout his time in high school, he continued to elevate his skills on the court and deepen his knowledge of the game. Committed to turning his dreams of playing professionally to reality, Jonathan decided to forgo college and sign a one-year contract with Team Ignite—the NBA G League’s developmental basketball team—before entering the NBA Draft. The rest is history. With the seventh pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors selected Jonathan. He had done it. He had turned his childhood dreams to reality.

It has only been up from there. At just 19 years old, Jonathan is rapidly becoming a first-year phenom and one of the most captivating athletes of his draft class. With an undeniable focus and work ethic, he is on a mission to build a legacy that will inspire the next generation to dream big, work hard, believe in themselves, and strive for greatness. As he continues his professional career, there is truly no limit to where he can take it. One thing is for certain: be sure to remember the name, because Jonathan Kuminga is just getting started!


Let's dive into your journey early on! Could you share more with us about your time playing in high school?


I went to several high schools. My first high school in America was just for me to go out there, learn English, and play basketball. While I was learning about the things that are out here, that's when I started to realize that I had to find a school where I (could) get more exposure. You know in America, especially as a young kid in high school, you gotta be ranked for you to get opportunities to go to college and stuff like that. So I switched schools and went to a school that was Top 5 at the time—I went to Huntington Prep—, and stayed out there in West Virginia for a whole year. After that, I started to put my name out there and wanted to switch schools. I wanted to go to a big school in New York. You know, New York is like the world of basketball. You go out there, you play, they see you, and if you do good, you get ranked. So I went to New York to play basketball. The school I went to in New York got shut down and I just transferred to Jersey—Jersey is basically connected to New York so that was in the area. I went out there for my junior year, and then I graduated to go to Team Ignite.


Photo credit: Noah Graham/NBAE/Getty Images

Photo credit: Ronald Cortes/NBAE/Getty Images

Reflecting back on your time in high school, how do you think your game elevated throughout your career there?


I got a lot better. When I look back and watch a couple videos of me back in high school, I just start laughing at myself. I used to think I was nice at the time, and I was nice compared to other kids, but I was just missing some things. So it’s just funny looking back at my (game) then.


You decided to forgo college and embark on your professional career with Team Ignite. Tell us a little bit more about this decision. What were some things that drew you to the NBA G League?


My sophomore year, I had good grades in class and that’s when basketball just went to another level. I started getting better, my body started getting bigger, and I had good grades in school. Around that time, that’s when I was like: “This is me going into my junior year. After that year, I don’t really need to stay in high school anymore.” Even if I didn’t end up going to Ignite, I wanted to reclass around my junior year to go to college or go to the professional side. I wanted to get to the professional (level) as fast as I could—especially being the youngest player in the draft.


Photo credit: Noah Graham/NBAE/Getty Images

Take us through that transition from high school to playing with Team Ignite. What were some challenges that you faced early on? How did you work to overcome them?

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