PJ Hairston, born on December 24, 1992 in North Carolina, is a professional basketball player who made history in 2014 by becoming the first NBDL player to be selected in the first round of the NBA Draft. He was drafted 26th overall by the Miami Heat, and his rights were later traded to the Charlotte Hornets. Hairston's journey to the NBA is filled with accomplishments and challenges that have shaped him into the player he is today.
Hairston's basketball journey began at Dudley High School in North Carolina, where he quickly made a name for himself as a standout player. During his time at Dudley High, Hairston once scored an impressive 53 points in a single game, showcasing his scoring ability and talent on the court. This early success laid the foundation for Hairston's future in the sport.
After high school, Hairston continued his basketball career at the collegiate level, playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels from 2011 to 2013. His time at UNC was marked by achievements, including being named a McDonald's All-American in 2011. Hairston's college career prepared him for the next step in his basketball journey - the NBA Draft.
In 2014, Hairston made history by being selected in the first round of the NBA Draft, making him the first NBDL player to achieve this feat. The Miami Heat drafted Hairston 26th overall, but his rights were quickly traded to the Charlotte Hornets. This milestone marked the beginning of Hairston's professional basketball career, where he would continue to prove himself on the court.
Following the NBA Draft, Hairston spent a season with the NBDL's Texas Legends, honing his skills and preparing for the challenges of professional basketball. Hairston's dedication and hard work paid off, as he continued to progress in his career and make a name for himself in the basketball world.
Hairston comes from a supportive family, born to Wendy Mailey and Samuel Peterson Hairston. Their encouragement and belief in his talent have been instrumental in Hairston's success on and off the court. Hairston's family has been a constant source of motivation throughout his basketball journey, pushing him to strive for greatness and never give up on his dreams.
Hairston's legacy as a trailblazer in basketball is a testament to his resilience and determination. From his early days at Dudley High School to becoming the first NBDL player selected in the first round of the NBA Draft, Hairston has overcome challenges and setbacks to achieve success in the sport he loves. His story serves as inspiration to aspiring basketball players everywhere, showing that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
As Hairston continues to make his mark in the basketball world, his impact on the game and his dedication to excellence will be remembered for years to come. With each game he plays and each milestone he achieves, Hairston solidifies his place among the greats of the sport, leaving a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten.