Marquese Chriss

Marquese Chriss is a power forward who played in the NBA for teams such as the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors. As a youth, Chriss was a promising football player; however, he was disallowed to play football by his mother after breaking his collarbone. He pivoted to playing basketball, and eventually played for Pleasant Grove High School's basketball team. During his first year playing for the PGHS basketball team, he won the 2013 state championship. During his junior year, he was already given offers to play for college teams and committed to the University of Washington. During his senior year, he averaged 21.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game. He also was listed as rank 55-60 across the nation's different recruitment companies (including ESPN, Rivals, and Scout). At the University of Washington, he finished with the 4th most points as a freshman, 5th most rebounds, and most blocks. After his time at Washington, he was drafted 8th overall in the 2016 draft by the Sacramento Kings. Before he could play for the kings, he was traded to the Phoenix suns. Chriss has earned awards such as the Western Conference Rookie of the Month, NBA All-Rookie Second Team, and was recognized as one of three players in the first NBA game with 3 teenagers playing on the court alongside Devin Booker and Dragan Bender.