Sam Dekker was born on August 5, 1994, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to Todd and Carol Dekker. He was raised alongside his two older siblings, John and Hannah. Growing up in Sheboygan, Dekker showed a natural talent for basketball from a young age.
As a senior at Sheboygan Lutheran High School, Dekker was named a Parade All-American and Wisconsin's Mr. Basketball. His skills on the court caught the attention of college scouts across the country.
After high school, Dekker went on to play college basketball for the University of Wisconsin Badgers. In his sophomore year, he helped lead the team to the Final Four in 2014 and the NCAA Championship game in 2015. He was a key player for the Badgers, known for his scoring ability and defensive skills.
In the 2015 NBA Draft, Dekker was selected 18th overall by the Houston Rockets. He began his professional career with the Rockets before signing with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2017. Throughout his NBA career, Dekker has continued to impress with his versatility on the court.
Off the court, Dekker has a strong family connection. His father, Todd Dekker, was his coach at Sheboygan Lutheran High School, instilling in him a love for the game. In July 2018, Dekker married ESPN reporter Olivia Harlan, forming a power couple in the sports world.
During his college career at Wisconsin, Dekker played under the guidance of coach Bo Ryan. Ryan was known for his disciplined coaching style, which helped Dekker develop into the player he is today.
As a talented forward with a strong work ethic, Sam Dekker has made a name for himself in the world of basketball. With his determination and skill on the court, he continues to be a player to watch in the NBA.