James Ennis was born on January 7, 1990 in Ventura, California. He discovered his passion for basketball at a young age and honed his skills throughout his youth. He went on to play college basketball at Long Beach State, where he quickly made a name for himself.
During his time at Long Beach State, Ennis was recognized as an AP Honorable Mention All-American and was named the Big West Player of the Year. His impressive performances on the court caught the attention of NBA scouts and paved the way for his professional basketball career.
After completing his college career, Ennis made the decision to play overseas in Australia. He signed with the Perth Wildcats and made his professional debut with the team. In his rookie season, Ennis excelled on the court, earning a spot on the All-NBL First Team. He played a pivotal role in helping the team secure a NBL Championship in 2014.
Despite being drafted 50th overall in the NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, Ennis faced challenges in securing a contract due to salary cap restrictions. The Hawks traded his rights to the Miami Heat, but Ennis was unable to sign a NBA D-League contract with them. Reportedly, he would have only been able to earn $25,000 a year with the Heat.
In a selfless act of support for his family, Ennis made the difficult decision to continue playing overseas to provide for his father, mother, and five siblings. Had he remained with the Hawks, he would've had the opportunity to play alongside NBA star Al Horford.
Ennis' dedication to his craft and commitment to his family have been central themes throughout his basketball career. His resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity have earned him recognition as a talented and determined athlete.
As a professional basketball player, Ennis continues to showcase his skills on the court and make valuable contributions to his team. His journey from college standout to international player is a testament to his passion for the game and his unwavering determination to succeed.
James Ennis' story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and showcases the power of hard work, perseverance, and selflessness in achieving success both on and off the court.