Brandon Paul

{{short description|American basketball player}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}

{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = Brandon Paul

| image = 2023-05-19 ALBA Berlin gegen ratiopharm Ulm (Play-off-Viertelfinale 3, Basketball-Bundesliga 2022-23) by Sandro Halank–029.jpg

| caption = Paul playing for Ulm in May 2023

| position = Shooting guard / small forward

| league = LNB Pro A

| team = Élan Chalon

| number = 3

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1991|04|30}}

| birth_place = Gurnee, Illinois, U.S.

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 4

| weight_lb = 200

| high_school = Warren (Gurnee, Illinois)

| college = Illinois (2009–2013)

| draft_year = 2013

| career_start = 2013

| career_end =

| years1 = 2013–2014

| team1 = Nizhny Novgorod

| years2 = 2014–2015

| team2 = Canton Charge

| years3 = 2015–2016

| team3 = Joventut

| years4 = 2016–2017

| team4 = Anadolu Efes

| years5 = {{nbay|2017|full=y}}

| team5 = San Antonio Spurs

| years6 = 2018

| team6 = →Austin Spurs

| years7 = 2019

| team7 = Zhejiang Golden Bulls

| years8 = 2019–2020

| team8 = Olympiacos

| years9 = 2020

| team9 = Zhejiang Golden Bulls

| years10 = 2021

| team10 = Adelaide 36ers

| years11 = 2021

| team11 = Club Joventut Badalona

| years12 = 2022

| team12 = Shandong Hi-Speed Kirin

| years13 = 2022–2023

| team13 = Ratiopharm Ulm

| years14 = 2023–2024

| team14 = Budućnost VOLI

| years15 = 2024–2025

| team15 = JL Bourg

| years16 = 2025–present

| team16 = Élan Chalon

| highlights =

}}

Brandon Stephan Paul (born April 30, 1991) is an American professional basketball player for Elan Chalon of the French LNB Pro A. During his senior year at Warren Township High School, Paul was named Illinois Mr. Basketball for 2009. Paul played college basketball for the University of Illinois and became only the second player in program history to record 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, 300 assists and 100 steals.{{cite web|title=Player Bio: Brandon Paul |url=http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/paul_brandon00.html |work=FightingIllini.com |access-date=August 10, 2013 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103075733/http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/paul_brandon00.html |archive-date=November 3, 2014 }}{{cite web | url=https://andscape.com/features/nba-spurs-brandon-paul-perseverance/ | title=Brandon Paul's perseverance finally leads him to Spurs | publisher=ESPN | website=andscape.com | date=November 17, 2017 | access-date=January 9, 2019 | author=Spears, Marc J.}}

High school career

Paul played for Warren Township High School. In high school, Paul was named a member of the 2009 Illinois All-American Team as selected by the Associated Press, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, News-Gazette, and the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. After his senior season Paul was named Illinois Mr. Basketball for 2009, narrowly edging out his future University of Illinois teammate Jereme Richmond.{{cite web | url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/chi-prep-2009-mr-basketball-brandon-paul-story.html | title=Mr. Basketball of Illinois 2009 Warren's Brandon Paul | publisher=Chicago Tribune | date=January 2, 2015 | access-date=January 9, 2019 | author=Sakamoto, Bob}}

{{College athlete recruit start|40=no|collapse=no|year=2009}}

{{College athlete recruit entry

| recruit = Brandon Paul

| position = SG

| hometown = Gurnee, IL

| highschool = Warren Township High School

| feet = 6

| inches = 3

| weight = 180

| 40 =

| commitdate = 10/11/07

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 4

| espn grade = 91

}}

{{College athlete recruit end

| 40 =

| year = 2009

| rivals ref title = Illinois Commit List for 2009

| scout ref title = Men's Basketball Recruiting

| espn ref title = ESPN - Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball Recruiting 2009

| rivals school = illinois

| scout s = 169

| espn schoolid = 356

| scout overall = #15 (SG)

| rivals overall = #10 (SG)

| espn overall = #87 (overall)

| accessdate = April 15, 2009

| bball = yes

}}

College career

Entering the University of Illinois during the 2009–10 season, Paul quickly became a key contributor, as he averaged 7.8 points and 3.1 rebounds per game in 18.9 minutes per game. As a sophomore, Paul played in all 34 games for the 2010–11 Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team. He averaged 22.4 minutes of playing time and continued as a key contributor. He averaged 9.0 points per game and reached double-figures in 13 games. Paul led his team in steals, averaging 1.1 per game, and was second in assists, averaging 2.1 per game. On February 13, 2011, Brandon scored a season-high 23 points in a 71–80 Illini loss to Purdue.{{cite news|title=JaJuan Johnson, E'Twaun Moore combine for 44 as Purdue handles Illinois|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=310440356|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216182037/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=310440356|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 16, 2011|work=ESPN.com|date=February 13, 2011|access-date=January 11, 2012}}

Paul drives against [[John Shurna in 2010|thumb|upright]]

In his junior year, Paul earned the role of a full-time starter for the 2011–12 season. On January 10, 2012, Paul scored 43 points in an upset win over then ranked #3 Ohio State. It was the third highest scoring total in a single game by an Illinois men's basketball player while his eight three-pointers tied the school record.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncb/recap?gameId=320100356|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030082633/http://www.espn.com/ncb/recap?gameId=320100356|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 30, 2016|title=Brandon Paul scores a career-high 43 to fuel Illinois' upset of Ohio State|work=ESPN.com|date=January 11, 2012|access-date=January 11, 2012}}

As a senior, Paul led Illinois to win the Maui Invitational Tournament title in 2012 with a win over Butler in the championship game. Paul was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament.{{cite web | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2012/11/22/illinois-routs-butler-wins-maui-invitational/1720721/ | publisher=USA Today | title=Illinois rolls by Butler to win Maui Invitational | date=November 22, 2012 | access-date=January 9, 2019}} During his senior season, Paul averaged 16.6 points a game over the course of 36 games. On March 14, 2013, Paul hit a game winning shot against Minnesota in the 2013 Big Ten Conference men's basketball tournament.{{cite web|first=Darrell|last=Hoemann|url=http://www.news-gazette.com/multimedia/photogallery/2013-03-14/illinois-defeats-minnesota-chicago|title=Illinois defeats Minnesota in Chicago|work=News-Gazette.com|date=March 14, 2013|access-date=October 29, 2016}} After graduating, Paul became just the second Illini player to reach career milestones of 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, 300 assists and 100 steals and finished his college career as the eighth-leading scorer in school history with 1,654 points.

Professional career

=Nizhny Novgorod (2013–14)=

After going undrafted in the 2013 NBA draft, Paul joined the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 2013 NBA Summer League.{{cite web|url=http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2013/07/09/timberwolves-announce-2013-summer-league-roster/|title=Timberwolves Announce 2013 Summer League Roster|work=CBSLocal.com|date=July 9, 2013|access-date=October 29, 2016}} On August 10, 2013, Paul signed with Nizhny Novgorod of Russia for the 2013–14 season.{{cite web|title=Nizhny Novgorod announced Brandon Paul|url=http://www.sportando.com/en/europe/russia/104835/nizhny-novgorod-announced-brandon-paul.html|access-date=August 10, 2013|work=Sportando.com|date=August 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114034054/http://www.sportando.com/en/europe/russia/104835/nizhny-novgorod-announced-brandon-paul.html|archive-date=November 14, 2017|url-status=dead}} In early February 2014, he left Russia after experiencing racism and a difficult language barrier. Paul returned to the United States after playing in 12 games and averaging 6.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 0.5 steals in 13.8 minutes per game.{{cite web|title=Charge Acquire Brandon Paul |url=http://www.nba.com/dleague/canton/news/charge_acquire_brandon_paul_2014_02_27.html |access-date=February 27, 2014 |work=NBA.com |date=February 27, 2014 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910204925/http://www.nba.com/dleague/canton/news/charge_acquire_brandon_paul_2014_02_27.html |archive-date=September 10, 2016 }}

=Canton Charge (2014–15)=

On February 27, 2014, he was acquired by the Canton Charge of the NBA Development League. On March 14, 2014, he was waived by the Charge due to a season-ending injury.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/dleague/canton/news/charge_acquire_anthony_harris_2014_03_14.html |title=Charge Acquire Anthony Harris |work=NBA.com |date=March 14, 2014 |access-date=March 14, 2014 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910204922/http://www.nba.com/dleague/canton/news/charge_acquire_anthony_harris_2014_03_14.html |archive-date=September 10, 2016 }}

On November 2, 2014, Paul was reacquired by the Canton Charge.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/dleague/canton/news/201415_canton_charge_training_2014_11_02.html |title=2014-15 Canton Charge Training Camp Roster |work=NBA.com |date=November 2, 2014 |access-date=November 2, 2014 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151220104226/http://www.nba.com/dleague/canton/news/201415_canton_charge_training_2014_11_02.html |archive-date=December 20, 2015 }} On April 4, 2015, he was placed on the inactive list for the remainder of the season due to injury, and was waived two days later.{{cite web|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/michael-dunigan-returns-to-charge/n-4946962|title=Michael Dunigan Returns to Charge|work=OurSportsCentral.com|date=April 4, 2015|access-date=April 4, 2015}}

=Joventut Badalona (2015–16)=

On September 14, 2015, Paul signed with Spanish club FIATC Joventut.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportando.com/en/europe/spain/175864/fiatc-joventut-badalona-lands-brandon-paul.html|title=FIATC Joventut Badalona lands Brandon Paul|work=Sportando.com|date=September 14, 2015|access-date=September 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220213640/http://www.sportando.com/en/europe/spain/175864/fiatc-joventut-badalona-lands-brandon-paul.html|archive-date=December 20, 2016|url-status=dead}} He started 25 of 33 games and led the team in scoring with 13 points per game.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/sixers/sixers-sign-brandon-paul|title=Sixers Sign Brandon Paul|work=NBA.com|date=July 25, 2016|access-date=July 25, 2016}}

=Anadolu Efes (2016–17)=

After playing for the Charlotte Hornets{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/hornets/hornets-announce-2016-orlando-pro-summer-league-roster/|title=Hornets Announce 2016 Orlando Pro Summer League Roster|work=NBA.com|date=June 27, 2016|access-date=October 29, 2016}} and the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2016 NBA Summer League,{{cite web|first=Eliot|last=Sill|url=http://www.thechampaignroom.com/2016/7/7/12124528/brandon-paul-philadelphia-76ers-nba-summer-league-ben-simmons-illinois-basketball|title=REPORT: Brandon Paul to join Ben Simmons, Sixers for Las Vegas Summer League|work=TheChampaignRoom.com|publisher=SB-Nation|date=July 7, 2016|access-date=October 29, 2016}} Paul signed with the 76ers on July 25, 2016, but was waived on October 24 after appearing in four preseason games.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/sixers-waive-five-players|title=Sixers Waive Five Players|work=NBA.com|date=October 24, 2016|access-date=October 29, 2016}} On December 13, 2016, he signed with Turkish club Anadolu Efes for the rest of the 2016–17 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportando.com/en/europe/turkey/220130/anadolu-efes-istanbul-lands-brandon-paul-to-replace-bryce-cotton.html|title=Anadolu Efes Istanbul lands Brandon Paul to replace Bryce Cotton|work=Sportando.com|date=December 13, 2016|access-date=December 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723022706/http://www.sportando.com/en/europe/turkey/220130/anadolu-efes-istanbul-lands-brandon-paul-to-replace-bryce-cotton.html|archive-date=July 23, 2017|url-status=dead}}

=San Antonio Spurs (2017–2018)=

In July 2017, Paul joined the Dallas Mavericks in Orlando and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Las Vegas for the 2017 NBA Summer League.{{cite news|title=Cavs Announce MGM Resorts NBA Summer League 2017 Roster|url=http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/releases/summer-league-roster-2017|access-date=July 11, 2017|work=NBA.com|date=July 5, 2017}} During summer league play, Paul averaged 15.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game on 47.12% shooting from the field.{{cite web | url=https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2017/7/13/15957598/brandon-paul-san-antonio-spurs-illinois-fighting-illini-basketball-news | title=San Antonio Spurs sign former Illinois Basketball star Brandon Paul | publisher=SB Nation | author=Vainisi, Jim | date=July 13, 2017 | access-date=July 13, 2017}} On July 14, 2017, he signed with the San Antonio Spurs.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/spurs/spurs-sign-brandon-paul|title=SPURS SIGN BRANDON PAUL|work=NBA.com|date=July 14, 2017|access-date=July 14, 2017}} Paul had his debut in NBA on October 18, 2017, coming off the bench in a 107–99 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400974440|title=Aldridge's double-double leads Spurs by Timberwolves, 107-99|work=ESPN.com|date=October 18, 2017|access-date=October 18, 2017}} On October 30, 2017, Paul scored team-high 18 points with five rebounds, in a 108–94 loss to the Boston Celtics.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400974843|title=Celtics beat Spurs 108-94|work=ESPN.com|date=October 30, 2017|access-date=October 30, 2017}} On April 19, 2018, Paul made his debut in NBA playoffs, coming off from bench with an assist and a rebound in a 110–97 loss to the Golden State Warriors.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401029453|title=Durant leads Warriors to 3-0 lead over mourning Spurs|work=ESPN.com|date=April 19, 2018|access-date=April 19, 2018}} On July 31, 2018, the Spurs waived Paul.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/spurs/spurs-waive-brandon-paul|title = Spurs Waive Brandon Paul| website=NBA.com }}

=Zhejiang Golden Bulls (2019)=

Paul signed with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) on December 28, 2018.{{cite web | url=https://www.asia-basket.com/China/news/561050/Former-players:-Brandon-Paul-agreed-terms-with-Golden-Bulls | title=Brandon Paul agreed terms with Golden Bulls | date=December 28, 2018 | access-date=January 5, 2019 | publisher=AsiaBasket}} Paul made his CBA debut on January 4, scoring 40 points with eight rebounds, five assists and three steals in a 104–93 win over the Jilin Northeast Tigers.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurobasket.com/boxScores/China/2019/0104_1947_2929.asp|title=Regular Season Round 29: Zhejiang Ch. - Jilin NE T. 104-93|date=January 4, 2019|website=eurobasket.com|access-date=January 4, 2019}} Five days later on January 9, Paul made his first triple-double in CBA, scoring 51 points with 17 rebounds, 11 assists and four steals in a 111–105 win over the Fujian Sturgeons.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurobasket.com/boxScores/China/2019/0109_5081_1947.asp|title=Regular Season Round 31: Fujian S. - Zhejiang Ch. 105-111|date=January 9, 2019|website=eurobasket.com|access-date=January 9, 2019}}

=Olympiacos (2019–20)=

On July 6, 2019, Paul signed a two-year deal with the Greek EuroLeague club Olympiacos,{{cite web|url=https://www.eurohoops.net/en/euroleague/903639/olympiacos-close-to-signing-brandon-paul/|title=Olympiacos announced Brandon Paul' signing|date=July 6, 2019|website=Eurohoops|access-date=July 6, 2019}} Paul was released by Olympiacos on June 30, 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurohoops.net/en/euroleague/1075592/olympiacos-releases-four-players-baldwin-paul-buycks-happ/|title=Olympiacos releases four players, Baldwin, Paul, Buycks, Happ|date=June 30, 2020|website=eurohoops.net|access-date=June 30, 2020}}

=Adelaide 36ers (2021)=

On February 18, 2021, Paul signed with the Adelaide 36ers of the Australian National Basketball League for the remainder of the 2020–21 NBL season.{{cite web |title=Adelaide 36ers Add Import Brandon Paul |url=https://nbl.com.au/news/adelaide-36ers-add-import-brandon-paul |website=NBL.com.au |access-date=February 18, 2021 |date=February 18, 2021}} He made his debut for the 36ers with a 25-point performance against the Perth Wildcats on March 14, 2021.{{cite web |last1=Snowdon |first1=Darren |title=NBL Cup champion Wildcats stun Sixers |url=https://7news.com.au/sport/basketball/nbl-cup-champion-wildcats-stun-sixers-c-2352307 |website=7 News |access-date=March 15, 2021 |date=March 14, 2021}}

=Joventut Badalona (2021)=

On July 10, 2021, Paul signed with the Club Joventut Badalona of the Spanish Liga ACB a one-year deal.{{cite web |title=Club Joventut Badalona Add Import Brandon Paul |url=https://www.penya.com/ca/club/noticies/170-2021-2022/2961-el-club-joventut-badalona-fitxa-brandon-paul |website=penya.com |access-date=July 10, 2021 |date=July 10, 2021}}

=ratiopharm Ulm (2022–2023)=

On December 8, 2022, he signed with ratiopharm Ulm of the German Basketball Bundesliga (BBL).{{Cite web|url=https://ratiopharmulm.com/news/erfahrung-fuer-unser-junges-team-1500/|title=Erfahrung für unser junges Team|last=|first=|date=December 8, 2022|website=ratiopharmulm.com|publisher=|language=de|access-date=December 11, 2022}} He was a regular contributor during Ulm's championship run in the 2022–23 Basketball Bundesliga season.

=Budućnost VOLI (2023–2024)=

On September 23, 2023, he signed with Budućnost VOLI of the Prva A Liga.{{Cite tweet |user=KKBuducnostVOLI |number=1705634802966114526 |title=Brendon Pol novo pojačanje plavo-bijelih}}

=JL Bourg (2024–2025)=

On July 5, 2024, he signed with JL Bourg of the LNB Pro A.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jlbourg-basket.com/2024/07/05/brandon-paul-pour-boucler-leffectif/|title=Brandon Paul pour boucler l’effectif|last=|first=|date=July 5, 2024|website=jlbourg-basket.com|publisher=|language=fr|access-date=July 6, 2024}}

=Elan Chalon (2025-present)=

On February 24, 2025 Paul signed with Élan Chalon of LNB Élite.{{cite web |title=Brandon Paul signs at Chalon/Saone |url=https://www.eurobasket.com/France/news/919525/Brandon-Paul-signs-at-Chalon/Saone |website=www.eurobasket.com |access-date=24 February 2025}}

Player profile

Standing {{convert|6|ft|4|in|m|2}} and weighing {{convert|200|lbs|kg|0}}, Paul has a wingspan of {{convert|6|ft|10|in|m|2}} and primarily plays off the ball on offense as a shooting guard.{{cite web | url=https://www.nba.com/clippers/draft-central-brandon-paul | title=Brandon Paul, SG, Illinois | publisher=NBA | date=2019 | access-date=January 9, 2019}} Paul is known as a quick, athletic guard who is able to defend against point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards.{{cite web | url=https://www.theringer.com/nba/2017/11/28/16692094/brandon-paul-daniel-theis-spurs-celtics-role-players-europe | title=Your Next Favorite NBA Role Player Will Come Out of Europe | publisher=The Ringer | date=November 28, 2017 | access-date=January 9, 2019 | author=Tjarks, Jonathan}}

Personal life

Paul is the son of Cliff Sr. and Lynda Paul. His mother Lynda played college basketball for Ball State University and coached Paul's Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball team, the Illinois Hoopstars{{cite web | url=https://www.expressnews.com/spurs-nation/article/The-Brandon-Paul-way-12455358.php | title=The Brandon Paul Way | publisher=San Antonio Express-News | date=December 26, 2017 | access-date=January 9, 2019 | author=Young, Jabari}} Paul's father, Cliff Sr., is police officer and a United States Navy veteran who served 13 years in the service. After the September 11 attacks in 2001, Cliff Sr. was stationed in Spain for six months. His dad also played semi-professional football with the Racine Raiders.{{Cite web |title=Cliff Paul – Racine Raiders {{!}} Your Hometown Team {{!}} |url=https://racineraiders.com/player/cliff-paul/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |language=en-US}} He has two brothers, Cliff Jr. and Darius Paul. Darius played one season for Western Michigan before transferring to Illinois for the 2013–14 season as a redshirt sophomore.

Career statistics

{{Euroleague player statistics legend}}

=College=

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2009–10

| style="text-align:left;"| Illinois

| 36 || 15 || 18.9 || .333 || .279 || .644 || 3.1 || 1.3 || .8 || .1 || 7.8

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2010–11

| style="text-align:left;"| Illinois

| 34 || 10 || 22.4 || .399 || .361 || .767 || 3.1 || 2.1 || 1.1 || .4 || 9.0

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2011–12

| style="text-align:left;"| Illinois

| 32 || 30 || 33.4 || .392 || .333 || .727 || 4.7 || 2.9 || 1.4 || .8 || 14.7

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2012–13

| style="text-align:left;"| Illinois

| 36 || 35 || 32.0 || .401 || .325 || .738 || 4.4 || 2.7 || 1.2 || .6 || 16.6

|-

{{S-end}}

=EuroLeague=

{{Euroleague player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2016–17

| style="text-align:left;"| Anadolu Efes

| 23 || 14 || 17.2 || .340 || .415 || .703 || 1.0 || .6 || 1.0 || .3 || 8.6 || 5.8

{{S-end}}

=NBA=

==Regular season==

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2017}}

| style="text-align:left;"| San Antonio

| 64 || 2 || 9.0 || .433 || .278 || .512 || 1.1 || .6 || .4 || .1 || 2.3

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career

| 64 || 2 || 9.0 || .433 || .278 || .512 || 1.1 || .6 || .4 || .1 || 2.3

{{S-end}}

==Playoffs==

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2018

| style="text-align:left;"| San Antonio

| 1 || 0 || 3.0 || .0 || .0 || .0 || 1.0 || 1.0 || .0 || .0 || 0.0

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career

| 1 || 0 || 3.0 || .0 || .0 || .0 || 1.0 || 1.0 || .0 || .0 || 0.0

{{S-end}}

References

{{reflist}}