John Amaechi is a British-Nigerian former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association and various European leagues. He has played for the Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic, and Cleveland Cavaliers. He made history in 2007 by becoming the first former NBA player to publicly come out as gay.
Player Profile and Personal Life
John Uzoma Ekwugha Amaechi was born on November 26, 1970, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. He stands 208 cm tall and his weight was last listed at 122 kg. He played both power forward and center throughout his career.
In 2007, he published his memoir “Man in the Middle” where he came out as gay, becoming a pioneering figure for LGBTQ+ athletes.
| Position | Center |
| Height / weight | 2.08 m / 122 kg |
| Born | 26 Nov 1970 |
| Nationality |
United Kingdom
|
| Playing Style | Right Handed |
| Team History | |
Utah
|
2001 - 2003 |
Orlando
|
1999 - 2001 |
| CSP Limoges | 1998 - 1999 |
| Sheffield Sharks | 1997 - 1998 |
| Panathinaikos | 1996 - 1997 |
| Virtus Bologna | 1997 |
Cleveland
|
1995 - 1996 |
| Cholet Basket | 1996 |
| Manchester United Basketball | 1987 - 1988 |
High School and College Career
Amaechi attended Stockport Grammar School in England before moving to St. John’s in Toledo, Ohio.
He began his college career at Vanderbilt University before transferring to Penn State University, where he played from 1992 to 1995.
Professional Career
Amaechi’s professional career began with Manchester United Basketball in 1987-1988. After going undrafted in 1995, he signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, beginning a journey that would take him across multiple European leagues.
His European career included stints with Cholet in France, Panathinaikos in Greece (where he won the FIBA Intercontinental Cup in 1996), and Virtus Bologna in Italy.
He found particular success in the British Basketball League with the Sheffield Sharks, earning BBL MVP and All-Star honors in 1998. He also played for CSP Limoges in France before returning to the NBA.
Amaechi’s NBA career flourished with the Orlando Magic (1999-2001) and concluded with the Utah Jazz (2001-2003). Throughout his career, he wore numbers 13 and 26 while playing both power forward and center positions.
His diverse career included achievements in multiple countries and leagues, highlighted by his BBL MVP award and FIBA Intercontinental Cup championship.
Since retiring, Amaechi has become a psychologist and consultant, establishing Amaechi Performance Systems. He has been awarded an OBE for his contributions and advocacy work.
Career Highlights:
- 1996 - FIBA Intercontinental Cup Champion
- 1998 - BBL MVP
- 1998 - BBL All-Star
Medal Record:
- Bronze - 2006 Commonwealth Games (Melbourne)
