From passed over to star, Vanvleet lights up Houston

• He is an American professional basketball player
• He played college basketball for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association
• He went undrafted in 2016 but found his way out to the Toronto Raptors

Fred VanVleet is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Houston Rockets and his journey has been all on dedication since he was not drafted in the 2016 NBA draft.

Fred’s career shone through in high school where he led his team to multiple championships and earned all-state honors. After high school, he was enrolled at Wichita State University where he became a key contributor and his impressive performance earned him the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year title and consensus All-American honours.

Even with his college success, he went undrafted in the 2016 NBA draft, a disheartening setback, but his determination was not affected. He worked so hard in the NBA Summer League, earning a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors.

While playing for the Raptors, he helped them capture their first-ever NBA championship and continued to blossom into an All-Star calibre player for the Raptors

Fred VanVleet Educational Background

He attended his high school studies at the Auburn High School in Rockford, Illinois where he played basketball and was a role model to other young students who wanted to join the sport, and led his team to three conference championships.

Fred VanVleet. Photo/Yahoo Sports

After his high school studies, he enrolled at Wichita University where he majored in General Studies as it allowed him the flexibility to manage his demanding basketball schedule while fulfilling basic academic requirements. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies.

He has also been involved in learning and personal development beyond formal education as he has expressed interest in business and entrepreneurship, taking online courses to expand his knowledge.

Early and Personal Life of Fred VanVleet

The player was born on February 25, 1994, in Rockford, Illinois to Sue who raised him after the crucial death of his biological father when he was only five years old. Joe Danforth, his stepfather, came into his life three years after his father’s demise. He was a police officer and army veteran who instilled discipline.

Fred has an elder brother by the name of Darnell, who played a big role in helping him focus on his basketball career. His career journey can be described as one that has worked through dedication to where he is today.

He began playing basketball at a young age and though he was not drafted in the NBA, he was sure to secure a place in one of the NBA’s teams and sure, he did. His family has been a constant source of love and strength throughout his career. He is married to Shontai and the couple has two children together, a son and a daughter.

Fred VanVleet Career Journey

Fred’s career shone through in high school where he led his team to multiple championships and earned all-state honors. After high school, he was enrolled at Wichita State University where he became a key contributor and his impressive performance earned him the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year title and consensus All-American honours.

Fred VanVleet. Photo/Sportsnet

Even with his college success, he went undrafted in the 2016 NBA draft, a disheartening setback, but his determination was not affected. He worked so hard in the NBA Summer League, earning a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors.

While playing for the Raptors, he helped them capture their first-ever NBA championship and continued to blossom into an All-Star calibre player for the Raptors

How rich is Fred VanVleet?

Most online sources estimate the player’s net worth to be about $20-$30 million, the highest percentage based on his NBA salary. The player was signed by the Houston Rockets on a three-year contract worth $130 million, which translates to an annual salary of about $43.3 million.

Most well-performing players also get sponsorship deals with some top brand companies most sportswear and energy drinks. According to his performance, he is likely to have some sponsorship deals which pay him a decent amount every year.