Fred VanVleet

VanVleet was born in Rockford, Illinois, on February 25, 1994, to Susan VanVleet and Fred Manning. Manning was murdered in 1999 when VanVleet was five years old.{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2014/02/14/teammate-remembers-fred-vanvleets-father/|title=Teammate remembers Fred VanVleet's father|accessdate=January 19, 2025|date=November 4, 2021|orig-date=February 14, 2014|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Mitchell, Fred B.}} His mother later remarried Joe Danforth, an Army veteran and member of the Rockford Police Department, who served as VanVleet's personal trainer.{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1980324-how-fred-vanvleets-stepdad-made-him-the-perfect-point-guard-for-wichita-state|title=How Fred VanVleet's Stepdad Made Him the Perfect Point Guard for Wichita State|accessdate=January 19, 2025|date=March 4, 2014|publisher=Bleacher Report|author=King, Jason}}

VanVleet played for Auburn High School in Rockford, Illinois, where he was an All-State first-team selection by the Chicago Sun-Times (Class 4A),{{cite web |first=Michael |last=O'Brien |url=http://yourseason.suntimes.com/home/11304674-390/boys-basketball-class-3a4a-all-state-teams-loaded-with-talent.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203091705/http://yourseason.suntimes.com/home/11304674-390/boys-basketball-class-3a4a-all-state-teams-loaded-with-talent.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 3, 2013 |title=Boys Basketball: Class 3A/4A All-State teams loaded with talent |date=March 14, 2012 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=March 17, 2012}} Associated Press (Class 4A),{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/03/14/boys-basketball-associated-press-4a-3a-all-state-teams-announced/|title=Boys basketball: Associated Press 4A, 3A All-State teams announced|date=March 14, 2012|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=March 23, 2012}} and Chicago Tribune as a senior in 2012.{{cite web|first=Mike|last=Helfgot|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/03/31/boys-basketball-chicago-tribune-all-state-first-team/|title=Boys basketball – Chicago Tribune All-State first team|date=March 31, 2012|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=April 5, 2012}} In 2012, VanVleet helped lead Auburn to a 22-game winning streak which resulted in the school's first Illinois High School Association (IHSA) final four since 1975. He led the Knights to a 3rd-place finish in the IHSA state tournament.{{cite web|first=Bob|last=Narang|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/03/16/boys-basketball-4a-semifinal-proviso-east-knocks-off-rockford-auburn/|title=Boys basketball – 4A semifinal: Proviso East wins ugly against Auburn|date=March 16, 2012|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=February 20, 2014}}{{cite web|first=Bob|last=Narang|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/03/13/boys-basketball-4a-northern-illinois-supersectional-fred-van-vleet-carries-rockford-auburn-past-warren/|title=Boys basketball – 4A Northern Illinois Supersectional: Fred Van Vleet carries Rockford Auburn past Warren|date=March 13, 2012|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=February 20, 2014}}{{cite web|first=Clyde|last=Travis|url=http://highschoolsports.suntimes.com/home/11370707-393/boys-basketball-bloom-falls-to-auburn-finishes-season-in-4th.html|title=Boys Basketball: Bloom falls to Auburn, finishes season in 4th|date=March 17, 2012|work=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=February 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224175406/http://highschoolsports.suntimes.com/home/11370707-393/boys-basketball-bloom-falls-to-auburn-finishes-season-in-4th.html|archive-date=February 24, 2014|url-status=dead}}

VanVleet remained loyal to his local Rockford Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) club team rather than accept offers to more high-profile teams in Chicago. VanVleet did not feel it would make a difference in his recruiting: "As long as you're leading whoever you're playing with, the coaches are going to see that. If they see you competing and winning with guys maybe I shouldn't be winning with, that's maybe even an advantage for me." VanVleet received basketball scholarship offers from Colorado State,{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/basketballrecruiting/basketball/recruiting/player-Fred-VanVleet-119315;_ylt=Anw9SkV9t.U0QnWS93SXyl_SO5B4|title=Fred Van Vleet|publisher=Rivals.com|access-date=February 20, 2014}} Northern Illinois, Wichita State, Southern Illinois, Drake, Detroit and Kent State.{{cite web|first=Mike|last=Helfgot|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/05/31/basketball-recruiting-bits-lake-forest-academys-harris-has-something-to-prove/|title=Basketball recruiting bits – Lake Forest Academy's Harris has something to prove|date=May 31, 2011|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=February 20, 2014}} His stepfather felt that VanVleet was being overlooked by many Chicago metropolitan area schools because of his decision not to join a Chicago AAU team.{{cite web|first=Rick|last=Morrissey|url=http://www.suntimes.com/sports/26318648-419/wichita-state-local-fred-vanvleet-was-snubbed-by-almost-all-state-schools.html|title=Wichita State local Fred VanVleet snubbed by almost all state schools|date=March 19, 2014|work=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=March 20, 2014|archive-date=March 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320083636/http://www.suntimes.com/sports/26318648-419/wichita-state-local-fred-vanvleet-was-snubbed-by-almost-all-state-schools.html|url-status=dead}} VanVleet cut his list down to Kent State, Northern Illinois and Wichita State.{{cite web |last=Powers |first=Scott |date=May 30, 2011 |title=VanVleet gets attention from mid-majors |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/high-school/post/_/id/1221 |access-date=February 20, 2014 |work=ESPN.com}} When VanVleet accepted an offer to play for Wichita State, he became the only member of the national class of 2012 Rivals.com top 150 to attend a Missouri Valley Conference school.{{cite web|first=Andrew|last=Kahn|url=http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/02/11/rising-star-wichita-state-guard-fred-vanvleet/|title=Rising Star: Wichita State Guard Fred VanVleet|date=February 11, 2014|publisher=KYW-TV|access-date=February 18, 2014}}

{{College athlete recruit start|40=no|collapse=no|year=2012}}

{{College athlete recruit entry

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| position = PG

| hometown = Rockford, IL

| highschool = Auburn High School (IL)

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| espn ref title = 2012 Wichita State Basketball Commits

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File:Fred VanVleet 2013.jpg]]

As a freshman, VanVleet contributed double-digit scoring twice (against Gonzaga and Ohio State) in the 2013 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament from off the bench as the 2012–13 Shockers team reached the final four. Against Gonzaga, his 13 points{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=330822250|title=(9) Wichita State 76 (28–8, 12–6 MVC); (1) Gonzaga 70 (32–3, 16–0 WCC)|date=March 23, 2013|work=ESPN.com|access-date=February 18, 2014}} included a basket with 1:28 remaining that helped the Shockers secure only the fifth Sweet 16 appearance by a #9 seed since the tournament went to 64 teams in 1985.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=330822250|title=Wichita State shocks top-ranked and top-seeded Gonzaga|date=March 23, 2013|work=ESPN.com|access-date=February 18, 2014}}{{cite magazine|first=Luke|last=Winn|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-basketball/news/20140310/inside-wichita-state-undefeated-season-arch-madness/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311001325/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-basketball/news/20140310/inside-wichita-state-undefeated-season-arch-madness/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 11, 2014|title=Four Days In Shock: Trailing Wichita State for Arch Madness|date=March 10, 2013|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=March 14, 2014}} VanVleet's 12 points against Ohio State included a late basket that helped the Shockers become the fifth team with a seeding higher than eight to make it to the final four since 1979 when seeding began.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=330890194|title=Wichita State upsets Buckeyes to reach Final Four|date=March 30, 2013|work=ESPN.com|access-date=February 18, 2014}} VanVleet was mentored by senior Malcolm Armstead.

VanVleet broke out as a sophomore,{{cite web|first=Thomas|last=Todd|url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2014/1/17/5317604/fred-van-vleet-stats-wichita-state|title=Fred VanVleet breaking out as part of undefeated Wichita State team|date=January 17, 2014|publisher=SB Nation|access-date=January 20, 2014}} as expected.{{cite web |last=Medcalf |first=Myron |date=May 28, 2013 |title=Top 10 Tuesday: Impactful sophomores |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/84927 |access-date=January 20, 2014 |work=ESPN.com}} On January 23, 2014, he was selected to the 23-man Oscar Robertson Award midseason watchlist by the United States Basketball Writers Association.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2014/oscar140123.html|title=Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List Announced|date=January 23, 2014|publisher=United States Basketball Writers Association|access-date=January 25, 2014}} On February 17, Vanvleet was selected as one of 23 finalists for the Bob Cousy Award.{{cite web |date=February 17, 2014 |title=MBB: VanVleet Named to 2014 Bob Cousy Award Watch List |url=https://goshockers.com/news/2014/2/17/209409582.aspx |access-date=December 12, 2024 |website=GoShockers.com}} When the Rockford native returned to the Chicago metropolitan area on February 19 to lead Wichita State against Loyola, he went 6-for-6 from the field and 10-for-10 on his free throw attempts for a game-high 22 points and added eight rebounds and 6 assists to help Wichita State raise its record to 28–0.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400500126|title=No. 3 Wichita State handles Loyola, is nation's last unbeaten|date=February 19, 2014|work=ESPN.com|access-date=February 20, 2014}} The 28–0 Shockers (Cleanthony Early, Tekele Cotton, VanVleet, Ron Baker and Chadrack Lufile) appeared on the cover of the February 24, 2014 Sports Illustrated.{{cite web|url=https://www.kansas.com/news/article1134793.html|title=Wichita State Shockers on Sports Illustrated cover|access-date=April 25, 2022|date=February 19, 2014|work=The Wichita Eagle|last=}}{{cite web|url=https://sicovers.com/featured/go-ahead-try-to-jinx-us-wichita-state-the-unbeaten-february-24-2014-sports-illustrated-cover.html|title=Go Ahead, Try To Jinx Us. Wichita State The Unbeaten Sports Illustrated Cover|access-date=April 25, 2022|date=|publisher=Sports Illustrated}} On February 28, VanVleet was named one of the ten semi-finalists for the Naismith Award.{{cite web|title=Top 10 National Semifinalists Named for 2014 Men's Naismith Trophy presented by AT&T |url=http://naismithawards.com/PressBox/ArticleView/tabid/209/ArticleId/12/2014-Mens-Naismith-Trophy-presented-by-AT-T-Top-10-National-Semifinalists.aspx |work=Naismith Awards |date=February 28, 2014 |access-date=February 18, 2014 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006124015/http://naismithawards.com/PressBox/ArticleView/tabid/209/ArticleId/12/2014-Mens-Naismith-Trophy-presented-by-AT-T-Top-10-National-Semifinalists.aspx |archive-date=October 6, 2014 }}

VanVleet helped lead the 2013–14 team to the first 31–0 regular season in NCAA Division I men's basketball history.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400500140|title=No. 2 Wichita State finishes perfect regular season with rout|date=March 1, 2014|work=ESPN.com|access-date=March 2, 2014}} As a result, he was named to the MVC All-Conference first team and selected as the MVC Men's Basketball Player of the Year.{{cite web |date=March 4, 2014 |title=MVC Announces 2014 All-Conference Teams |url=http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2013-14/7194/mvc-announces-2014-all-conference-teams/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307075531/http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2013-14/7194/mvc-announces-2014-all-conference-teams/ |archive-date=March 7, 2014 |access-date=March 7, 2014 |website=MVC-Sports.com}}{{cite web |date=March 4, 2014 |title=VanVleet is Larry Bird Player of the Year |url=http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2013-14/7193/vanvleet-is-larry-bird-player-of-the-year/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307075913/http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2013-14/7193/vanvleet-is-larry-bird-player-of-the-year/ |archive-date=March 7, 2014 |access-date=March 7, 2014 |website=MVC-Sports.com}} VanVleet was also selected to the 2014 MVC Most-Improved Team.{{cite web |date=March 5, 2014 |title=Buss, VanVleet Highlight All-Bench, Most-Improved Teams |url=http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2013-14/7198/buss-vanvleet-highlight-all-bench-most-improved-teams/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307095217/http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2013-14/7198/buss-vanvleet-highlight-all-bench-most-improved-teams/ |archive-date=March 7, 2014 |access-date=March 7, 2014 |website=MVC-Sports.com}} Following the 2014 MVC men's basketball tournament, he was a 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball All-American second-team selection by Sports Illustrated{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-basketball/news/20140311/sports-illustrated-all-american-first-second-teams/ |title=Doug McDermott, Jabari Parker lead SI.com's All-America teams |date=March 11, 2014 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=March 31, 2014 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327083219/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-basketball/news/20140311/sports-illustrated-all-american-first-second-teams/ |archive-date=March 27, 2014 }} and Bleacher Report,{{cite web|first=Jason|last=King|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1986064-bleacher-report-all-american-all-conference-picks/page/7|title=Bleacher Report's 2013–14 College Basketball All-American, All-Conference Picks|date=March 9, 2014|publisher=Bleacher Report|access-date=March 31, 2014}} third-team selection by the Sporting News{{cite web|first=Mike|last=DeCourcy|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2014-03-10/sporting-news-college-basketball-all-americans-nick-johnson-jabari-parker|title=Sporting News' college basketball All-Americans for 2013–14|date=March 10, 2014|work=Sporting News|access-date=March 10, 2014|archive-date=March 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310202059/http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2014-03-10/sporting-news-college-basketball-all-americans-nick-johnson-jabari-parker/|url-status=dead}} and the NABC.{{cite web|url=http://static.psbin.com/t/n/acq07yv2a5k9dx/2014_NABC_Coaches-_Division_I_All-America_team_release.pdf|title=National Association of Basketball Coaches Announces: 2014 NABC Coaches' Division I All-America Teams|date=March 26, 2014|work=National Association of Basketball Coaches|last=Leddy, Rick|access-date=March 26, 2014|archive-date=October 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024172828/http://static.psbin.com/t/n/acq07yv2a5k9dx/2014_NABC_Coaches-_Division_I_All-America_team_release.pdf|url-status=dead}} VanVleet earned honorable mention recognition from the Associated Press.{{cite web|url=http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2014/mar/31/college-basketball-creighton-mcdermott-wilbekin/|title=College basketball: Creighton's Doug McDermott leads AP All-America team; Gator's Wilbekin on third team|agency=Associated Press|work=Naples News|date=March 31, 2014|access-date=April 29, 2014|archive-date=June 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601232031/http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2014/mar/31/college-basketball-creighton-mcdermott-wilbekin/|url-status=dead}} On March 11, he was named to the all-District VI (IA, MO, KS, OK, NE, ND, SD) team by the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA).{{cite web|url=http://www.sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2014/alldistrict140311.html|title=USBWA Names 2013–14 Men's All-District Teams|date=March 11, 2014|publisher=United States Basketball Writers Association|access-date=March 12, 2014}} VanVleet was listed on the National Association of Basketball Coaches Division I All‐District 16 first team on March 12.{{cite web|url=http://www.nabc.org/awards/all_district/2013-14_NABC-Division_I_ALL-DISTRICT_TEAMS-final.pdf|title=National Association of Basketball Coaches Announces 2013–14 Division I All-District Teams|date=March 12, 2014|publisher=National Association of Basketball Coaches|access-date=March 12, 2014|archive-date=April 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418101646/http://www.nabc.org/awards/all_district/2013-14_NABC-Division_I_ALL-DISTRICT_TEAMS-final.pdf|url-status=dead}} He was named as one of six finalists for the Cousy Award (along with Kyle Anderson, Aaron Craft, Tyler Ennis, Shabazz Napier and Marcus Paige).{{cite web|url=http://www.kwch.com/sports/van-vleet-a-finalist-for-bob-cousy-award/24977782?ver=126|title=Van Vleet a finalist for Bob Cousy Award|date=March 14, 2014|publisher=KWCH-TV|access-date=March 20, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327221143/http://www.kwch.com/sports/van-vleet-a-finalist-for-bob-cousy-award/24977782?ver=126|archive-date=March 27, 2014}} For the season, VanVleet led the MVC in assists per game (5.36). Following his sophomore season, VanVleet delivered the commencement address at his high school alma mater and became a highly demanded public speaker.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24732426/fred-vanvleet-using-newfound-fame-to-spread-a-positive-message|title=Fred VanVleet using newfound fame to spread a positive message|date=October 1, 2014|publisher=CBSSports.com|last=Parrish, Gary|access-date=October 23, 2014}}

{{multiple image

| caption_align =

| header = VanVleet for the 2014–15 Wichita State Shockers

| image1 = 20150111 Fred VanVleet (3) cropped.jpg

| width1 = 180

| caption1 = VanVleet dribbling in 2015

| image2 = 20150111 Donte Ingram defending Fred VanVleet.jpg

| width2 = 180

| caption2 = VanVleet being defended by Donte Ingram in 2015

}}

VanVleet was Preseason All-American first-team selection by USA Today,{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2014/11/12/usa-today-sports-2014-15-college-basketball-all-american-team/18859879/|title=USA Today Sports' 2014–15 preseason college basketball All-American team|date=November 12, 2014|work=USA Today|access-date=November 13, 2014}} Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook,{{cite web|url=http://chrisdortch.info/blue-ribbon-announces-complete-all-america-teams-player-of-year-and-newcomer-of-year/|title=Blue Ribbon announces complete All-America teams, player of year and newcomer of year|date=September 22, 2014|work=Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook|last=Dortch, Chris|access-date=December 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218213848/http://chrisdortch.info/blue-ribbon-announces-complete-all-america-teams-player-of-year-and-newcomer-of-year/|archive-date=December 18, 2014|url-status=dead}} Bleacher Report,{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2265526-brs-2014-15-preaseason-college-basketball-all-american-picks|title=B/R's 2014–15 Preseason College Basketball All-American Picks|date=November 13, 2014|publisher=Bleacher Report|last=Moore, C. J.|access-date=December 10, 2014}} CBSSports.com,{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24741626/cbssportscom-2014-15-preseason-all-america-basketball-teams|title=CBSSports.com 2014–15 Preseason All-America basketball teams|date=October 7, 2014|work=CBS Sports|last=Parrish, Gary|access-date=October 23, 2014|archive-date=October 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023214649/http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24741626/cbssportscom-2014-15-preseason-all-america-basketball-teams|url-status=dead}} Sports Illustrated{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2014/11/12/si-all-america-team-marcus-paige-jahlil-okafor|title=Marcus Paige, Jahlil Okafor lead SI's preseason All-America team|date=November 12, 2014|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=November 13, 2014}} and Associated Press.{{cite web |date=November 3, 2014 |title=AP reveals preseason All-Americans |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/11814949 |access-date=November 3, 2014 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} He was a second-team selection by Athlon Sports,{{cite web|url=http://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/athlon-sports-2014-15-college-basketball-all-america-team|title=Athlon Sports' 2014–15 College Basketball All-America Team|date=November 10, 2014|publisher=Athlon Sports|last=Fox, David|access-date=December 10, 2014}} SB Nation{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2014/11/13/7213733/preseason-all-americans-2014-jahlil-okafor|title=The Preseason All-Americans|date=November 13, 2014|publisher=SB Nation|last=Rutherford, Mike|access-date=November 13, 2014}} and NBCSports.com.{{cite web|url=http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/11/03/college-basketball-talks-2014-2015-preseason-all-american-teams/|title=College Basketball Talk's 2014–2015 Preseason All-American Teams|date=November 3, 2014|publisher=NBC Sports|last=Dauster, Rob|access-date=November 5, 2014}} In its preseason top 100 player ranking, VanVleet was listed at number 5 by ESPN.{{cite web |date=November 5, 2014 |title=College Hoops Rankings: 10–1 |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/11819884 |access-date=November 5, 2014 |work=ESPN.com}} He was named to the 36-man Bob Cousy Award Preseason Watch List.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24783876/bob-cousy-award-preseason-watch-list-for-2015-released|title=Bob Cousy Award Preseason Watch List for 2015 released|date=November 4, 2014|work=CBS Sports|last=Vecenie, Sam|access-date=November 12, 2014}} VanVleet was also listed as a John R. Wooden Award Preseason Top 50 candidate and an Oscar Robertson Trophy Watch List selection.{{cite web |last=Medcalf |first=Myron |date=November 17, 2014 |title=Wooden Top 50 watch list unveiled |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/11891338 |access-date=November 18, 2014 |work=ESPN.com}}{{cite web |date=November 24, 2014 |title=Five Named To USBWA Watch List |url=https://big12sports.com/news/2014/11/24/209781215.aspx |access-date=December 12, 2024 |publisher=Big12Sports.com}} VanVleet was also included in the early December Naismith Award top 50 watch list.{{cite web|url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2014-12-03/naismith-watch-list-50-announced|title=Naismith Watch List of 50 announced|date=December 3, 2014|publisher=NCAA|access-date=December 9, 2014}}

On November 14, VanVleet had seven steals in the opener against New Mexico State,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400586295|title=College Hoops Rankings: 10–1|date=November 14, 2014|work=ESPN.com|access-date=November 15, 2014}} tying a school record.{{cite web |date=November 14, 2014 |title=MBB: Shockers Win Opener Against Aggies, 71–54 |url=https://goshockers.com/news/2014/11/14/209766670.aspx |access-date=December 12, 2024 |website=GoShockers.com}} On December 3, against #25 Utah, VanVleet helped Wichita State recover from a nine-point deficit in the final 2:45 of regulation with eight points (including two three-point shots in the final 1:15) and an assist on a three-point shot, but with seven seconds remaining in overtime and Wichita trailing by one, he missed the front end of a one and one.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/playbyplay?gameId=400586341|title=(8) Wichita State 68 (4–1, 0–1 away); (25) Utah 69 (6–1, 6–0 home)—play-by-play|date=December 3, 2014|work=ESPN.com|access-date=December 4, 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400586341|title=Utah pulls out OT win vs. No. 8 Wichita State, ending Shockers' streak|date=December 3, 2014|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=December 4, 2014}} In his return visit to Chicago and the Gentile Center to play Loyola on January 11, VanVleet was perfect from the field again with a 5-for-5 performance and added a career-high-tying 10 assists (as well as 6 rebounds and 3 steals) for his first career double-double.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400586410|title=Cotton leads Wichita State over Loyola-Chicago, 67–53|date=January 11, 2015|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=January 12, 2015}} However, VanVleet snapped his perfect streak of 20 free throws made in his home state with a 3-for-4 performance.{{cite web|first=Paul|last=Suellentrop|url=http://www.kansas.com/sports/college/wichita-state/article6037854.html|title=Shocker report (Jan. 11)|date=January 11, 2014|work=The Wichita Eagle|access-date=January 12, 2015}} In the rematch against Loyola on January 28, VanVleet posted a career-high 27 points.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400586433|title=VanVleet lifts No. 12 Wichita State to 58–47 win over Loyola|date=January 28, 2015|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=January 29, 2015}} On February 7, he posted the first triple-double for Wichita State Shockers men's basketball in 43 years with a 10-point, 10-rebound and 11-assist performance (to go along with four steals) against Missouri State.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400586447|title=No. 16 Wichita State dominates in 78–35 win over Missouri St|date=February 7, 2015|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=February 8, 2015}} On February 16, VanVleet was MVC Co-player of the Week (with Seth Tuttle).{{cite web|url=http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2014-15/7885/weekly-mens-basketball-notebook/#.VOKdbC5G9DQ|title=Weekly Men's Basketball Notebook|date=February 16, 2015|publisher=Missouri Valley Conference|website=MVC-Sports.com|access-date=February 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217051022/http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2014-15/7885/weekly-mens-basketball-notebook/#.VOKdbC5G9DQ|archive-date=February 17, 2015|url-status=dead}} On February 26, he broke the all-time Wichita State career assist record against Evansville with 431 assists, surpassing Warren Jabali who had 429 and Toure' Murry who had 430.{{cite web|url=http://www.kansas.com/sports/college/wichita-state/article10991933.html|title=Shocker report: Wichita State 62, Evansville 43|date=February 23, 2015|work=The Wichita Eagle|access-date=February 24, 2015}} VanVleet was one of 17 finalists for the Cousy Award.{{cite web|url=http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2014-15/7897/shocker-duo-named-finalists-for-west-cousy-awards/#.VOz6MS5G9DQ|title=Shocker Duo Named Finalists For West, Cousy Awards|date=February 21, 2015|publisher=Missouri Valley Conference|website=MVC-Sports.com|access-date=February 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225020125/http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2014-15/7897/shocker-duo-named-finalists-for-west-cousy-awards/#.VOz6MS5G9DQ|archive-date=February 25, 2015|url-status=dead}} The Shockers defeated Northern Iowa on February 28 to win the MVC regular-season title.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400586480|title=Wichita St. beats Northern Iowa to win Missouri Valley title|date=February 28, 2015|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=March 10, 2015}} In the opening game of the 2015 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament for the Shockers, VanVleet matched a career high with 27 points against Indiana.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400785437|title=Fred VanVleet matches career-high 27 points as Shockers top Indiana|date=March 20, 2015|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=March 21, 2015}} He finished the tournament with 17-point and 25-point performances against #2-seeded Kansas and #3-seeded Notre Dame, respectively.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400786304|title=Wichita State shocks Kansas with shooting barrage|date=March 22, 2015|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=March 28, 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400786505|title=Notre Dame races by Wichita State for Elite Eight spot|date=March 26, 2015|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=March 28, 2015}} For the season, VanVleet repeated as the MVC in assists per game (5.23) leader.

VanVleet was named an All-MVC first-team selection following the regular season.{{cite web|url=http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2014-15/7922/tuttle-highlights-2014-15-all-missouri-valley/#.VP5G7uFG9DQ|title=Tuttle Highlights 2014–15 All-Missouri Valley|date=March 3, 2015|publisher=Missouri Valley Conference|website=MVC-Sports.com|access-date=March 10, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030134727/http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2014-15/7922/tuttle-highlights-2014-15-all-missouri-valley/#.VP5G7uFG9DQ|archive-date=October 30, 2016}} He was also recognized by the Associated Press as an honorable mention selection for its All-America team.{{cite press release|url=http://www.goracers.com/news/2015/3/31/MBB_0331152350.aspx|title=Payne Named Associated Press All-America |publisher=Murray State Racers|date=March 31, 2015|access-date=April 1, 2015}}

VanVleet was a selection to the 20-man Bob Cousy Award preseason watchlist,{{cite web|url=http://www.hoophall.com/news/2015/10/13/twenty-candidates-announced-for-2016-bob-cousy-award.html|title=Twenty Candidates Announced for 2016 Bob Cousy Award|date=October 13, 2015|publisher=Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame|access-date=October 20, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151021183546/http://www.hoophall.com/news/2015/10/13/twenty-candidates-announced-for-2016-bob-cousy-award.html|archive-date=October 21, 2015}} and the 30-man Lute Olson Award preseason watchlist.{{cite web |date=November 9, 2015 |title=GP2 On Lute Olson Player of the Year Watch List |url=https://osubeavers.com/news/2015/11/9/210484187 |access-date=December 12, 2024 |publisher=OSUBeavers.com}} He was a second-team selection to the Sporting News, Sports Illustrated and Athlon Sports preseason All-American teams.{{cite web|first=Mike|last=DeCourcy|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/list/4655223-sporting-news-preseason-college-basketball-all-americans-2015-16/slide/355048|title=2015–16 Sporting News college basketball preseason All-Americans: Second team – Fred VanVleet|date=September 14, 2015|work=Sporting News|access-date=October 20, 2015|archive-date=October 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007002715/http://www.sportingnews.com/list/4655223-sporting-news-preseason-college-basketball-all-americans-2015-16/slide/355048|url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2015/10/28/sports-illustrated-all-america-team-kyle-wiltjer-ben-simmons-buddy-hield|title=Gonzaga's Kyle Wiltjer leads SI.com's 2015–16 preseason All-America team|date=October 28, 2015|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=October 29, 2015}}{{cite news |title=2015–16 Athlon Sports Preseason All-America Team |work=Athlon Sports College Basketball 2015–16 Preview |page=49}} VanVleet was a third-team selection to the CBS Sports, USA Today and NBC Sports preseason All-American teams.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25328005/cbs-sports-2015-16-preseason-college-basketball-all-america-team|title=CBS Sports 2015–16 Preseason College Basketball All-America Team|date=October 6, 2015|work=CBS Sports|last=Parrish, Gary|access-date=October 20, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2015/11/03/nbc-sports-preseason-all-americans-kris-dunn-player-of-the-year/|title=NBC Sports Preseason All-Americans: Kris Dunn Player of the Year|date=November 3, 2015|publisher=NBC Sports|last=Dauser, Rob|access-date=November 3, 2015}}{{cite web |last1=Auerbach |first1=Nicole |last2=Gleeson |first2=Scott |name-list-style=and |date=November 3, 2015 |title=USA Today Sports' 2015–16 preseason college basketball All-American team |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2015/11/03/college-basketball-preseason-all-american-team-ben-simmons-kyle-wiltjer/74817794/ |access-date=November 4, 2015 |work=USA Today}} Lindy's Sports did not name an All-America team, but did rank all college basketball players by position and presented a top 25 list at each position. It included VanVleet as its second-best point guard.{{cite news|title=Player Ratings: Providence Star Is Not Dunn Yet|work=Lindy's Sports College Basketball|page=28|last=Bradley, Michael}} In preseason top 100 player rankings, he was ranked 14th by ESPN{{cite web |date=November 3, 2015 |title=#CBBrank: College basketball's top 100 players |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/13991627 |access-date=November 3, 2015 |work=ESPN.com}} and 17th by NBC Sports.{{cite web|url=http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2015/10/27/rankings-the-cbttop100-players-in-the-country/|title=Ranking the #CBTtop100 players in the country|date=October 27, 2015|publisher=NBC Sports|last=Dauser, Rob|access-date=November 3, 2015}} VanVleet made the initial 50-man John R. Wooden Award watch list on November 17.{{cite web |last=Brennan, Eamonn |date=November 17, 2015 |title=Three each from Kentucky, Indiana on first Wooden watch list |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14153399 |access-date=November 17, 2015 |work=ESPN.com}} On December 2, he earned recognition on the 50-man Naismith College Player of the Year watchlist{{cite web|url=http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2015/12/02/naismith-trophy-early-season-watch-list-released/|title=Naismith Trophy early season watch list released|date=December 2, 2015|publisher=NBC Sports|last=Johnson, Raphielle|access-date=December 3, 2015}} and 33-man Robertson Trophy watchlists.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2016/watchlists151202.html|title=USBWA's Unveils Award Watch Lists|date=December 2, 2015|publisher=United States Basketball Writers Association|access-date=December 3, 2015}}

VanVleet had been dealing with hamstring issues when he rolled his right ankle. As a result, he saw no more than three minutes of playing time in the season opener against Charleston Southern on November 13.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400818870|title=No. 10 Wichita State beats Charleston Southern 88–63|date=November 13, 2015|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=November 14, 2015}} Although VanVleet played in the next game against Tulsa, it aggravated his hamstring enough that he was expected to miss the following few games.{{cite web |last=Goodman |first=Jeff |date=November 23, 2015 |title=Wichita State's Fred VanVleet to miss Advocare Invitational |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story?id=14203849 |access-date=November 24, 2015 |work=ESPN.com}} Without a healthy VanVleet, Wichita State fell to two games under .500 for the first time since its 2008–09 team as well as endured, not only its first three-game losing streak since having VanVleet come off the bench for the 2012–13 team, but also its worst start to a season (2–4) since the 2007–08 team.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25393899/wichita-state-needs-fred-vanvleet-asap-shockers-lose-yet-another-game|title=Wichita State needs Fred VanVleet ASAP: Shockers lose yet another game|date=November 29, 2015|work=CBS Sports|last=Norlander, Matt|access-date=December 4, 2015}}{{cite web|first=Paul|last=Suellentrop|url=http://www.kansas.com/sports/college/wichita-state/article47056075.html|title=Iowa routs No. 20 Wichita State 84–61|date=November 29, 2015|work=The Wichita Eagle|access-date=December 4, 2015}} He returned to the lineup on December 5 against St. Louis to bring the consecutive losses to an end.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400818873|title=Wichita State snaps 3-game skid, tops Saint Louis 68–53|date=December 5, 2015|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=December 10, 2015}} For having averages of 13.5 points, 5.0 assists and 4.0 rebounds in two significant wins, one over UNLV on December 9 and another over #25 Utah on December 12, VanVleet claimed Missouri Valley Player of the Week honors on December 14.{{cite web|url=http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2015-16/8491/mvc-mens-basketball-notebook/#.Vm9-YuJmPd0|title=MVC Men's Basketball Notebook|date=December 14, 2015|website=MVC-Sports.com|access-date=December 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222091746/http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2015-16/8491/mvc-mens-basketball-notebook/#.Vm9-YuJmPd0|archive-date=December 22, 2015|url-status=dead}} He earned Player of the Week honors again on January 11 after leading the Shockers to victories over conference co-leaders Evansville and Southern Illinois on January 6 and 9, respectively, with his 11.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 2.5 steals averages. VanVleet's 12 rebounds against Southern Illinois was a career high.{{cite web|url=http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2015-16/8547/weekly-mvc-mens-basketball-notebook/#.VpWaC1lmNGk|title=Weekly MVC Men's Basketball Notebook|date=January 11, 2016|website=MVC-Sports.com|access-date=January 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117204815/http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2015-16/8547/weekly-mvc-mens-basketball-notebook/#.VpWaC1lmNGk|archive-date=January 17, 2016|url-status=dead}} He was named to the January 25, 20-man Oscar Robertson Trophy midseason watch list.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2016/watchlists160125.html|title=USBWA unveils Midseason watch list|date=January 25, 2016|publisher=United States Basketball Writers Association|access-date=January 27, 2016}} On January 31, VanVleet made all 15 of his free throw attempts on his way to a career-high 32 points against Evansville.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400843848|title=VanVleet leads No. 22 Wichita State past Evansville 78–65|date=January 31, 2016|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=February 1, 2016}} The following day, VanVleet earned his third MVC Player of the Week honor.{{cite web|url=http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2015-16/8601/weekly-mens-basketball-notebook-feb-1/#.VrE-gfkrKM8|title=MVC Men's Basketball|date=February 1, 2016|website=MVC-Sports.com|access-date=February 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204142704/http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2015-16/8601/weekly-mens-basketball-notebook-feb-1/#.VrE-gfkrKM8|archive-date=February 4, 2016|url-status=dead}} On February 3, in the 1500th victory in Wichita State Shockers men's basketball history and in head coach Gregg Marshall's school-record-setting 221st victory, VanVleet notched a double-double with 12 points and a career-high-tying 11 assists against Southern Illinois.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400844526|title=No. 21 Wichita State runs away from Southern Illinois, 76–55|date=February 3, 2016|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=February 4, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.goshockers.com/news/2016/2/3/MBB_0203163226.aspx|title=WSU Downs SIU, Marshall Collects Win No. 221|date=February 3, 2016|website=GoShockeers.com|access-date=February 4, 2016}} He was named to the 35-man midseason watchlist for the Naismith Trophy on February 11.{{cite news|last=Payne|first=Terrence|title=Naismith Trophy midseason list announced|url=http://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/story/oklahoma-sooners-buddy-hield-lsu-tigers-ben-simmons-naismith-trophy-35-finalists-021116|work=Fox Sports|date=February 11, 2016|access-date=February 19, 2016}} VanVleet was included in the Wooden Award Late season Top 20 Watch List on February 12.{{cite web |date=February 11, 2016 |title=Sooners guard Buddy Hield highlights Wooden Award Late-Season Top 20 |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14759591 |access-date=February 16, 2016 |work=ESPN.com}} In the 2016 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, VanVleet led the team to victories over Vanderbilt and Arizona. Against Vanderbilt in the First Four round, he and fellow senior Ron Baker led an 11–0 run to break a 30–30 tie on March 15. The pair scored all 11 points in the run and tied with a game-high 14 points.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400871274|title=Wichita State clamps down on Vandy to advance in NCAA tourney|date=March 16, 2016|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=March 19, 2016}} On March 17, VanVleet and Baker led 11-seed Wichita State to a victory over #6 seed and AP poll 17th-ranked Arizona.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400871273|title=Arizona helpless against swarming Wichita State defense|date=March 17, 2016|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=March 19, 2016}} VanVleet posted a game-high 16 points, five steals and four rebounds.{{cite web|url=http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2015-16/8751/shockers-handle-arizona-in-ncaa-first-round/#.Vu1YX-Z0rKA|title=Shockers Handle Arizona in NCAA First Round|date=March 17, 2016|website=MVC-Sports.com|access-date=March 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321115158/http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2015-16/8751/shockers-handle-arizona-in-ncaa-first-round/#.Vu1YX-Z0rKA|archive-date=March 21, 2016|url-status=dead}} With four steals in his final career game on March 19 against Miami, VanVleet brought his career total to 225, setting a school career record.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400872163|title=Angel Rodriguez rescues Miami after blowing 21-point lead vs. Wichita St.|access-date=July 18, 2017|date=March 19, 2016|agency=Associated Press|publisher=ESPN}} For the season, he repeated as the MVC in assists per game (5.55) leader for a third time and led the conference in free throw percentage (81.7%).

Following the regular season, VanVleet was named to the Missouri Valley Conference all-league first team (for the third consecutive season){{cite web|url=http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2015-16/8683/2016-mvc-mens-basketball-all-conference/#.VtYY2dBmNGk|title=2016 MVC Men's Basketball All-Conference|date=March 1, 2016|website=MVC-Sports.com|access-date=March 1, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303032229/http://www.mvc-sports.com/mbasketball/news/2015-16/8683/2016-mvc-mens-basketball-all-conference/#.VtYY2dBmNGk|archive-date=March 3, 2016}} and the MVC Larry Bird Trophy Player of the Year for the second time in three years.{{cite web|url=http://cdn.streamlinetechnologies.com/mvc/92D09FA6-30AE-4B39-96E6-B4F796EB7253/2016%20All-Conference.pdf|title=Fred VanVleet of Wichita State Is 2016 Larry Bird MVC Player of the Year|date=March 1, 2016|website=MVC-Sports.com|access-date=March 1, 2016}} He was also an AP All-America honorable mention.{{cite news|title=2015–16 All-America teams|date=March 29, 2016|url=http://wtop.com/ncaa-basketball/2016/03/2015-16-ap-all-america-teams/|agency=Associated Press|access-date=July 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010133143/http://wtop.com/ncaa-basketball/2016/03/2015-16-ap-all-america-teams/|archive-date=October 10, 2016|url-status=dead}}

VanVleet was not selected in the 2016 NBA draft after declining two offers to agree to play in the NBA Development League at annual salaries of $20,000 for two years by teams interested in drafting him in the second round.{{cite web |last=Trowbridge |first=Matt |date=June 24, 2016 |title=Fred Van Vleet signs with Toronto Raptors |url=https://www.rrstar.com/story/sports/college/basketball/2016/06/25/fred-van-vleet-signs-with/27566292007/ |access-date=June 28, 2016 |work=Rockford Register Star}} VanVleet signed to play in the 2016 NBA Summer League with the Toronto Raptors with the expectation that he would be in the Raptors' training camp.{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Leber|url=http://www.mystateline.com/sports/van-vleet-has-deal-with-raptors|title=Van Vleet Has Deal With Raptors|date=June 24, 2016|publisher=Nexstar Media Group|access-date=June 28, 2016|archive-date=June 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627024357/http://www.mystateline.com/sports/van-vleet-has-deal-with-raptors|url-status=dead}} His summer league contract had a guarantee of three game appearances.{{cite web|first=Paul|last=Suellentrop|url=http://www.kansas.com/sports/college/wichita-state/article85701217.html|title=Reports: Ron Baker signs with Knicks; VanVleet will play for Toronto|date=June 23, 2016|work=Wichita Eagle|access-date=June 28, 2016}} On July 18, VanVleet signed a multi-year deal with the Raptors.{{cite web|title=Raptors Sign Fred VanVleet|url=http://www.nba.com/raptors/press-releases/vanvleet-071816|website=NBA.com|date=July 18, 2016|access-date=July 18, 2016}} At the time of his signing, the Raptors had 14 players entering training camp on guaranteed contracts, including point guards Kyle Lowry, Cory Joseph and Delon Wright.{{cite web|first=Chris|last=O'Leary|title=Raptors sign Fred VanVleet, point guard impressed in Summer League|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2016/07/18/raptors-sign-fred-vanvleet-point-guard-impressed-in-summer-league.html|work=Toronto Star|date=July 18, 2016|access-date=July 19, 2016}} VanVleet was competing with Brady Heslip, Drew Crawford, Yanick Moreira, E. J. Singler and Jarrod Uthoff for the final spot.{{cite web |last=Silva |first=Nick |date=October 5, 2016 |title=NBA Rumor Central: Fred VanVleet favorite to land Raptors' 15th roster spot? |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nba/rumors/post/_/id/39532 |access-date=October 15, 2016 |work=ESPN.com}} On October 22, VanVleet remained on the roster when the team cut down to 15 players.{{cite web|first=Doug|last=Smith|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2016/10/22/guard-vanvleet-lands-last-spot-on-raptors-roster.html|title=Guard VanVleet lands last spot on Raptors roster|date=October 22, 2016|work=Toronto Star|access-date=October 23, 2016}}{{cite web|first=Paul|last=Suellentrop|url=http://www.kansas.com/sports/college/wichita-state/article109896882.html|title=Raptors keep VanVleet|date=October 22, 2016|work=The Wichita Eagle|access-date=October 23, 2016}}

VanVleet made his official league debut on November 9, 2016, playing in only 26 seconds in a 112–102 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playbyplay?gameId=400899562|title=Toronto Raptors 112 102 Oklahoma City Thunder: Play-by-play|work=ESPN.com|date=November 9, 2016|access-date=November 18, 2016}} VanVleet posted his first two points in the Raptors' 19th game and his fourth appearance, which came against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 2.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/v/vanvlfr01/gamelog/2017|title=Fred VanVleet 2016–17 Game Log|access-date=November 29, 2016|work=Basketball-Reference.com}} With Lowry sidelined for a night, VanVleet played with the second unit and posted career highs with 25 minutes and 10 points on January 17 against the Brooklyn Nets.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/raptors-fred-vanvleet-sets-career-highs-in-points-minutes-tuesday/|title=Raptors' Fred VanVleet: Sets career-highs in points, minutes Tuesday|work=CBS Sports|date=January 17, 2017|access-date=January 19, 2017}} On February 3, he established a new career high with 15 points in a 102–94 loss to the Orlando Magic.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/raptors-fred-vanvleet-scores-career-high-15-points-friday-vs-magic/|title=Raptors' Fred VanVleet: Scores career-high 15 points Friday vs. Magic|work=CBS Sports|date=February 3, 2017|access-date=February 4, 2017}} During his rookie season, VanVleet had multiple assignments with Raptors 905 of the NBA Development League.{{cite web|url=http://dleague.nba.com/assignments/|title=2016–17 NBA Assignments|work=NBA.com|access-date=December 2, 2016|archive-date=January 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126075350/http://dleague.nba.com/assignments/|url-status=dead}} He was a member of Raptors 905's championship-winning team in April 2017.{{cite web|url=http://dleague.nba.com/news/jerry-stackhouse-raptors-905-2017-nba-dleague-championship/|title=Stackhouse, Raptors 905 Cap Historic Season With NBA D-League Championship|work=NBA.com|date=April 27, 2017|access-date=April 27, 2017|archive-date=June 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611041007/http://dleague.nba.com/news/jerry-stackhouse-raptors-905-2017-nba-dleague-championship/|url-status=dead}}

On November 25, 2017, VanVleet posted a career-high 16 points against the Indiana Pacers.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975022|title=Stephenson's late flurry leads Pacers over Raptors, 107–104|access-date=November 28, 2017|date=November 25, 2017|agency=Associated Press|publisher=ESPN}} Four days later, he had a career-high nine assists in a 126–113 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975058|title=Lowry scores season-high 36 as Raptors beat Hornets 126–113|access-date=November 29, 2017|date=November 29, 2017|agency=Associated Press|publisher=ESPN}} VanVleet posted new career highs in points two times during January 2018: first on January against the Cleveland Cavaliers with 22, then on January 28 against the Los Angeles Lakers with 25.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975361|title=James, struggling Cavs routed again, Raptors romp 133–99|access-date=January 12, 2018|date=January 11, 2018|agency=Associated Press|publisher=ESPN}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975481|title=VanVleet scores career-high 25, Raptors beat Lakers 123–111|access-date=January 29, 2018|date=January 28, 2018|agency=Associated Press|publisher=ESPN}} On March 7, VanVleet made a long jump shot from the left corner with 1.1 seconds left to break a tie and clinch a 121–119 overtime victory for the Raptors over the Pistons, as well as help Toronto to become the first team to clinch a berth in the 2018 NBA playoffs.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400975712|title=DeRozan scores 42, VanVleet makes winning shot for Raptors|access-date=June 22, 2018|date=March 7, 2018|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}} VanVleet finished the 2017–18 season averaging 8.6 points, 3.2 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 76 games; he ranked fourth in the NBA in net efficiency per possession behind Stephen Curry, Eric Gordon and Chris Paul and was the only full-time bench player in the top 20 (19th) in the league for plus–minus.{{cite web |last=Carvalho |first=Felipe |date=May 17, 2018 |title=Making the case for Fred VanVleet to win Sixth Man of the Year |url=https://us.blastingnews.com/sports/2018/05/making-the-case-for-fred-vanvleet-to-win-sixth-man-of-the-year-002581475.amp.html |access-date=December 12, 2024 |work=blastingnews.com}} VanVleet was subsequently nominated for the Sixth Man of the Year Award.{{cite web|url=https://nba.nbcsports.com/2018/05/16/lou-williams-eric-gordon-fred-vanvleet-finalists-for-sixth-man-of-the-year/|title=Lou Williams, Eric Gordon, Fred VanVleet finalists for Sixth Man of the Year|access-date=June 22, 2018|date=May 15, 2018|work=NBA.com|last=Feldman, Dan}}

File:Fred VanVleet 2018.jpg

VanVleet re-signed with the Raptors on July 6, 2018.{{cite web |last=Naje |first=B. |date=July 6, 2018 |title=Raptors Re-Sign Fred VanVleet |url=https://www.nba.com/raptors/press-release/raptors-re-sign-fred-vanvleet |access-date=July 9, 2018 |website=NBA.com}} He scored a season-high 19 points on December 9, 2018, in a 104–99 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071069|title=Antetokounmpo has 19 points, Bucks beat Raptors 104–99|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=December 9, 2018|access-date=December 9, 2018}} Two days later, VanVleet had a career-high 14 assists in a 123–99 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071085|title=Raptors hand Clippers worst loss of season, 123–99|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=December 11, 2018|access-date=December 12, 2018}} On December 19, he made a go-ahead three-point shot, with 25 seconds remaining, to cap a 17-point comeback against the Indiana Pacers.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071140|title=VanVleet hits go-ahead 3-pointer, Raptors beat Pacers 99–96|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=December 20, 2018|access-date=December 19, 2018}} On January 5, VanVleet had a season-high-tying 21 points in a 123–116 victory over the Bucks.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071256|title=Leonard, Siakam each score 30 points, Raptors beat Bucks|work=ESPN.com|date=January 5, 2019|access-date=January 6, 2019}} On February 7, he set a new career high with 30 points in a 119–101 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.{{cite web |date=February 7, 2019 |title=Siakam, VanVleet set career highs to lead Raptors past Hawks |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071486 |access-date=February 8, 2019 |work=ESPN.com}} VanVleet was ruled out for approximately three weeks in early February with a partial ligament injury to his left thumb, an injury that occurred two nights earlier against the New York Knicks.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/raptors/press-release/fred-vanvleet-injury-update|title=Fred VanVleet Injury Update|work=NBA.com|date=February 11, 2019|access-date=February 12, 2019}}

The Raptors entered the 2019 NBA playoffs as the number two seed, where VanVleet was an important bench player for the team. After an early post-season shooting slump,{{Cite magazine |last=Jones |first=Kaelen |date=May 22, 2019 |title=VanVleet credits son's birth for huge Game 4 outing |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2019/05/22/fred-vanvleet-credits-son-birth-game-4-raptors-bucks |access-date=December 12, 2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}

during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Bucks, VanVleet scored 21 points on seven three-pointers in a 105–99 victory, helping the Raptors take a 3–2 series lead.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401131844|title=Leonard scores 35, Raptors beat Bucks 105–99 for 3–2 lead|work=ESPN.com|date=May 23, 2019|access-date=May 23, 2019}} In Game 6, he scored 14 points in a 100–94 series-clinching victory over the Bucks, helping the Raptors advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401131845|title=Leonard scores 27, Raptors advance to first NBA Finals|work=ESPN.com|date=May 25, 2019|access-date=May 26, 2019}} The turnaround happened on May 20 when his son, Fred, Jr. was born on the day between game 3 and game 4. During the 9 playoff games prior to his son's birth he had shot 6–42, including 3–24 on three point shots. In the final 9 playoff games that year he shot 30– 57 (53%) on his three point shots.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/news/finals-stat-game-6|title=The Finals Stat, Game 6: Fred VanVleet shoots Raptors to first title|accessdate=May 1, 2025|work=NBA.com|author=Schuhmann, John}} In the final three games of the Eastern conference finals he shot 14–17 on three-point shots.

VanVleet played an important defensive role against Stephen Curry during the NBA Finals that saw him utilized in a box-and-one defense.{{cite magazine |last=Mahoney |first=Rob |date=June 4, 2019 |title=When It Comes to Defenses, Stephen Curry Has Seen It All |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2019/06/04/nba-finals-stephen-curry-warriors-raptors-fred-vanvleet-defense |access-date=December 12, 2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}} In Game 6 of the NBA Finals, VanVleet scored a playoff career-high 22 points with five three-pointers off the bench in a 114–110 series-clinching victory, thus helping the Raptors win their first NBA championship in franchise history.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401134820|title=Raptors capture first NBA title, beat Warriors in Game 6|work=ESPN.com|date=June 13, 2019|access-date=June 13, 2019}}{{cite web |last=Eldridge |first=Taylor |date=November 12, 2019 |title='Wichita State guys tend to turn out that way': NBA coach praises VanVleet, Shamet |url=https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/wichita-state/article237270659.html |access-date=January 5, 2020 |work=The Wichita Eagle}} During the finals, he set an NBA Finals record for with 16 three pointers made off the bench, surpassing the previous record of 15 by Robert Horry (2005).{{cite web|url=https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/raptors-fred-van-vleet-sets-record-for-most-3-pointers-off-bench-nba-finals-040636422.html|title=Fred VanVleet sets record for most 3-pointers off bench in NBA Finals|accessdate=May 1, 2025|date=June 13, 2019|author=Srinivasan, Arun|publisher=Yahoo!}} He came second place in NBA Finals MVP voting to Kawhi Leonard.{{cite magazine |last=Caron |first=Emily |date=June 14, 2019 |title=Fred VanVleet Robs Kawhi Leonard of Unanimous NBA Finals MVP |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2019/06/14/fred-vanvleet-nba-finals-mvp-vote-kawhi-leonard-raptors-win |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}

In the season-opener on October 22 against the New Orleans Pelicans, VanVleet scored a career-high 34 points after receiving his first NBA championship ring.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401160623|title=VanVleet scores career-high 34, Raptors top Pelicans 130–122|access-date=February 5, 2020|date=October 22, 2019|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}} On January 4, 2020, VanVleet posted 29 points, including 22 in the second half, and a season-high 11 assists, keying a 16-point comeback victory over the Brooklyn Nets.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401161166|title=Raptors rediscover offense, beat slumping Nets 121–102|access-date=January 5, 2020|date=January 4, 2020|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}}{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/basketball-nba-bkn-tor/raptors-rally-from-down-16-to-crush-nets-idUSMTZXEG15M2L9BR|title=Raptors rally from down 16 to crush Nets|access-date=January 5, 2020|date=January 4, 2020|publisher=Reuters}} In the Raptors’ second game returning from the suspension of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic on August 3, VanVleet scored a career-high 36 points, hitting seven three-pointers, in a 107–103 victory over the Miami Heat in the Orlando bubble.{{Cite web|url=https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/news/vanvleet-heat-victory|title=Fred VanVleet does it all for the Raptors in victory over Heat|first=Aaron|last=Rose|website=Sports Illustrated Toronto Raptors News, Analysis and More|date=August 3, 2020 }} On August 17, he set a trio of playoff career highs in points (30), three-pointers made (8) and assists (11) in a 134–110 victory over the Brooklyn Nets in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarter finals in the 2020 NBA Playoff Bubble.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401236261|title=Nets vs. Raptors – Box Score – August 17, 2020 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com}} In the first three games of the series he compiled 17 made threes. VanVleet became the first Raptors player to record 30 points and 10-plus assists in a playoff game,{{cite tweet|number=1295486581982351361|user=SNstats|title=Fred VanVleet First player in Raptors...|date=August 17, 2020}} while also joining Damian Lillard, Stephen Curry and Chris Paul as the only NBA players to record 30-plus points, 10-plus assists and 8-plus three-pointers in a playoff game.{{cite tweet|number=1295488986232655872|user=statmuse|title=Fred VanVleet today: 30 PTS 11 AST...|date=August 17, 2020}}

In November 2020, it was announced that VanVleet would remain with the Raptors with a four-year, US$85-million deal.{{Cite news|title=Fred VanVleet signs 4-year, $85M US deal with Raptors {{!}} CBC Sports|language=en-US|work=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/nba/nba-free-agency-vanvleet-raptors-1.5811410|access-date=2020-11-22}} The $85 million contract was the largest ever for an undrafted free agent until Duncan Robinson signed a five-year $90 million deal the following year.{{cite web |last=Bontemps |first=Tim |date=August 2, 2021 |others=Contributed by Royce Young |title=Miami Heat land Kyle Lowry, retain Duncan Robinson on 5-year, $90 million deal |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31944554 |access-date=October 12, 2021 |website=ESPN.com}} On January 4, 2021, VanVleet scored a season-high 35 points, hitting six three-pointers in a 126–114 loss to the Boston Celtics.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401267257|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105062900/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401267257|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 5, 2021|title=Tatum scores 40 in Celtics' 126–114 win over Raptors|access-date=January 5, 2021|date=January 4, 2021|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}} Two days later, he set a new franchise record with a made three-pointer in 39 straight regular-season games, beating the previous record that was set by C. J. Miles with 38.{{cite tweet|number=1347007482539991041|user=SNstats|title=Fred VanVleet sets Raptors franchise record with a made 3-pointer in 39 straight games #WeTheNorth |date=January 7, 2021}} On February 2, VanVleet scored a career-high 54 points, hitting a career-high 11 three-pointers in a 123–108 victory against the Orlando Magic. He set a franchise record for the most points scored in a game, surpassing DeMar DeRozan's previous record, while also making history for the most points scored by an undrafted NBA player, previously held by Moses Malone with 53. VanVleet also set a franchise record for most three-pointers in the first half, with eight.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30824128/toronto-raptors-fred-vanvleet-scores-54-points-break-franchise-record|title=Toronto Raptors' Fred VanVleet scores 54 points to break franchise record|access-date=February 2, 2021|date=February 2, 2021|publisher=ESPN}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/raptors-vanvleet-breaks-franchise-record-points-game/|title=Raptors' VanVleet breaks franchise record for points in a game with 54|access-date=February 2, 2021|date=February 2, 2021|publisher=Sportsnet}} On April 2, he extended his consecutive regular-season games streak with a made 3-point shot to 76 and left the game against the Golden State Warriors due to a hip flexor injury.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401307531|title=Raptors rout Warriors 130–77 for 2nd win in last 15 games|access-date=April 27, 2022|date=April 2, 2021|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}} On April 8, VanVleet was suspended for one game for leaving the bench during an altercation between the Raptors and the Los Angeles Lakers.{{Cite web|title=Fred Van Vleet, DeAndre' Bembry, Talen Horton-Tucker suspended for OG Anunoby, Montrezl Harrell tussles|url=https://nba.nbcsports.com/2021/04/08/fred-van-vleet-deandre-bembry-talen-horton-tucker-suspended-for-og-anunoby-montrezl-harrell-tussles/|access-date=October 10, 2021|website=NBC Sports|date=April 8, 2021 }} When he returned from his six-game injury and one-game suspension, he was held to six points (0-for-6 on three-point shots) by the Orlando Magic ending the streak.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401307645|title=Watson, Watanabe lead Raptors past Magic, 113-02|access-date=April 27, 2022|date=April 16, 2021|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401307645|title=Orlando Magic 18–38, 8–19 AWAY 102: 113 Toronto Raptors 23–34, 13–15 Home (Box score)|access-date=April 27, 2022|date=April 16, 2021|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}} The streak included games 23 to 54 (32 games) of the 2019–20 regular season and appearances 1 to 44 (44 games) of the 2020–21 regular season. This excludes the 11 games of the 2020 NBA playoffs in which VanVleet also converted three-point shots.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/v/vanvlfr01/gamelog/2020|title=Fred VanVleet 2019–20 Game Log|access-date=April 27, 2022|publisher=Basketball Reference}}{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/v/vanvlfr01/gamelog/2021|title=Fred VanVleet 2020–21 Game Log|access-date=April 27, 2022|publisher=Basketball Reference}}

On November 18, 2021, against the Utah Jazz, VanVleet extended his streak of consecutive games with at least three three-point shots made to eight by making three-point shots on three consecutive possessions.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401360053|title=Rudy Gay scores 20 points in season debut, Jazz beat Raptors|access-date=April 26, 2022|date=November 18, 2021|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playbyplay/_/gameId/401360053|title=Toronto Raptors 103: 119 Utah Jazz (play-by-play)|access-date=May 6, 2022|date=November 18, 2021|publisher=ESPN}} The streak ended the following night against the Sacramento Kings when he only made two.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401360062|title=Siakam's 32 help Raptors beat Kings 108–89 to end skid|access-date=April 26, 2022|date=November 20, 2021|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}} On December 31, 2021, January 2 and January 4, 2022, VanVleet scored 31, 35 and 33 points against the Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, respectively.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401360353|title=Pascal Siakam scores 25, Raptors beat Clippers 116–108|access-date=April 26, 2022|date=December 31, 2021|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401360364|title=VanVleet scores season-high 35, Raptors rout Knicks 120–105|access-date=April 26, 2022|date=January 2, 2022|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401360382|title=VanVleet tops 30 for third straight game, Raptors rout Spurs|access-date=April 26, 2022|date=January 4, 2022|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}} This made VanVleet the fourth undrafted player (along with Moses Malone, Mike James and Connie Hawkins) to score 30 or more points in three consecutive games.{{cite web |last=Moody |first=Eric |date=January 5, 2022 |title=Daily notes for Wednesday: VanVleet, Siakam lead Raptors to big win |url=https://www.espn.com/fantasy/basketball/story/_/id/32998739 |access-date=April 26, 2022 |publisher=ESPN}} On January 7, he recorded his first career triple-double with 37 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, including 24 points in the third quarter alone, leading Toronto to a 122–108 comeback victory over the Utah Jazz. During the third quarter performance, VanVleet singlehandedly erased a 14-point deficit by scoring 15 unanswered points in a two-minute-27-second span.{{Cite web|title=Raptors' Fred VanVleet records first career triple-double, continues to make his All-Star case|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/raptors-fred-vanvleet-records-first-career-triple-double-continues-to-make-his-all-star-case/|access-date=January 9, 2022|website=CBS Sports|date=January 8, 2022 }} For Week 12 (January 3–9) of the 2021–22 NBA season, VanVleet was named NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the first time on January 10 for leading the Raptors to a 4–0 record with a 30.3 points, 6.5 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 36.5 minutes per game averages.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/news/toronto-raptors-fred-vanvleet-nba-player-of-the-week-honors#:~:text=The%20Toronto%20Raptors%20guard%20has,March%202%20to%208%2C%202020.|title=

Fred VanVleet Earns 1st Career Player of the Week Honor|access-date=April 25, 2022|date=January 10, 2022|magazine=Sports Illustrated|last=Rose, Aaron}} On February 3, VanVleet was named an NBA All-Star for the first time in his career, becoming just the fourth undrafted (modern era) player to make an all-star team, joining John Starks (1994), Ben Wallace (2003–06) and Brad Miller (2003–04),{{Cite web |date=February 3, 2022 |title=Raptors' Fred VanVleet named to first All-Star Game roster |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/raptors-fred-vanvleet-named-first-star-game-roster |access-date=2022-02-04 |website=sportsnet.ca}} (fifth or sixth if you count Connie Hawkins and/or Moses Malone who were draft eligible when competing leagues existed but were never drafted in the NBA draft).{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/raptors-fred-vanvleet-full-list-undrafted-all-star/lwtairsphee99b4zstbzwq7u|title=Raptors' Fred VanVleet joins full list of undrafted players to make NBA All-Star team|access-date=April 26, 2022|date=February 20, 2022|work=The Sporting News|last=Rafferty, Scott}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2022/01/30/raptors-fred-vanvleet-rising-star|title=Fred VanVleet Is the NBA Star No One Saw Coming|access-date=April 26, 2022|date=January 30, 2022|magazine=Sports Illustrated|last=Beck, Howard}} On April 3, 2022, VanVleet broke Kyle Lowry's Raptors record for most 3-pointers in a season (238) vs. the Miami Heat while playing against Lowry as he was on the court.{{Cite web|date=April 3, 2022|title=VanVleet breaks Raptors' season 3-point record|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/vanvleet-breaks-raptors-season-3-083458582.html|access-date=2022-04-03|website=sports.yahoo.com|archive-date=April 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404085919/https://sports.yahoo.com/vanvleet-breaks-raptors-season-3-083458582.html|url-status=dead}} VanVleet finished the season with 242 in 65 games played.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/v/vanvlfr01.html|title=Fred VanVleet|access-date=April 25, 2022|publisher=Basketball Reference}} He (37.88) finished just behind teammate Pascal Siakam (37.91) for the leadership in minutes played per game over the course of the season.{{cite web|url=https://theathletic.com/3243140/2022/04/11/raptors-are-nba-seasons-stealth-success-story-play-in-predictions-late-roster-moves-hollingers-week-that-was/|title=Raptors are NBA season's stealth success story; Play-In predictions; late roster moves: Hollinger's Week That Was|access-date=April 27, 2022|date=April 11, 2022|work=The Atlantic|last=Hollinger, John}} VanVleet suffered a hip flexor injury during Game 4 of the first round of the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers and the Raptors were eliminated in 6 games.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401430244|title=Embiid scores 33 points, 76ers finish off Raptors in Game 6|access-date=April 29, 2022|date=April 28, 2022|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}}

On April 2, 2023, VanVleet recorded a career-high and Raptors-record 20 assists, along with 20 points, five rebounds and three steals in a 128–108 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. He is now the owner of the franchise's single-game record for assists and points. VanVleet also became the only player that is the sole owner of both records for a single franchise. He and Hall of Famer Bob Davies are the only undrafted players in NBA history to register a game with 20-plus points and 20-plus assists.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401469318|title=Raptors inch closer to securing spot in play-in tournament|access-date=April 2, 2023|date=April 2, 2023|publisher=ESPN}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nba/news/fred-vanvleet-raptors-assists-record-stats/du2z5i44rhxmryxquq0hqmxf|title=Fred VanVleet sets Raptors assists record: Key stats behind record-breaking performance|access-date=April 2, 2023|date=April 2, 2023|work=The Sporting News|last=McGregor, Gilbert}}

In June 2023, VanVleet declined his $22.8 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent in the 2023 offseason.{{cite news |last=Wojnarowski |first=Adrian |author-link=Adrian Wojnarowski |date=12 June 2023 |title=Sources: Raptors' Fred VanVleet nixes option, to become free agent |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/37841737 |access-date=12 June 2023 |work=ESPN}}

On July 7, 2023, VanVleet signed with the Houston Rockets.{{cite web |last=Rogers |first=Jerald |date=July 7, 2023 |title=Rockets Sign Free Agent Guard Fred VanVleet |url=https://www.nba.com/rockets/news/rockets-sign-free-agent-guard-fred-vanvleet |access-date=December 12, 2024 |work=NBA.com}} On October 26, he debuted for the Rockets, scoring 14 points along with five assists in a 116–86 loss to the Orlando Magic.{{Cite web |title=Rockets 86–116 Magic (Oct 25, 2023) Box Score |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401584694 |access-date=2023-10-26 |website=ESPN |language=en}} On December 18, VanVleet tallied 17 assists alongside 27 points and 8 rebounds against in a 135–130 overtime loss to Cleveland.{{Cite web |title=Rockets' Fred VanVleet: Tallies season-high 17 dimes|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/rockets-fred-vanvleet-tallies-season-high-17-dimes/|access-date=April 30, 2025|date=December 18, 2023|work=CBS Sports}} On January 26, 2024, VanVleet marked his third consecutive game with at least 3 blocks with a 6-block effort against Charlotte.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/rockets-fred-vanvleet-career-high-six-blocks-friday/|title=Rockets' Fred VanVleet: Career-high six blocks Friday|accessdate=May 6, 2025|date=January 27, 2025|work=CBS Sports}} Despite being listed as either {{Height|ft=6|in=0}} or {{Height|ft=6|in=1}} at various times in his career, he has a knack for statistical "blocks", because he specializes in deflecting the ball as a player is in the motion of shooting before the ball is above the shoulders. Statistically, he is the best in the recorded shot block era at this for his height. On February 23, 2021, he recorded 4 blocks, with two of them being on Joel Embiid who is a foot taller than him. VanVleet would prefer if this type of deflection was recorded as a steal.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/news/toronto-raptors-fred-vanvleet-shot-blocker-stats|title=Fred VanVleet Might be Pound for Pound the Greatest Shot Blocker Ever and He Hates It|accessdate=May 6, 2025|date=February 24, 2021|magazine=Sports Illustrated|author=Rose, Aaron}} At over half way into the 2023-24 Houston Rockets season, VanVleet was the team leader in blocked shots.{{cite web|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/rockets/article/houston-rockets-fred-vanvleet-blocked-shots-18633751.php|title=Who leads the Rockets in blocked shots? The short answer is Fred VanVleet.|accessdate=May 6, 2025|date=January 28, 2024|work=Houston Chronicle|author=Feigen, Jonathan}} In February 2024, he set the NBA record for most single-season blocked shots by a player listed at {{Height|ft=6|in=0}} or less.{{cite web|url=https://x.com/bball_ref/status/1754543011009110429|title=@bball_ref status update|accessdate=May 6, 2025|date=February 5, 2024|publisher=Twitter|author=Sports Reference}}

On April 28, 2025, VanVleet made 8 three point shots in game 4 of the opening round of the 2025 NBA playoffs against Golden State,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401767911|title=Jimmy Butler returns from injury absence to lead Warriors past Rockets 109-106 for 3-1 series lead|accessdate=April 30, 2025|date=April 28, 2025|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}} tieing a franchise playoff record shared by Chris Paul (v. Utah, May 2018), (Matt Maloney) (at Seattle, May 1997) and Jalen Green (five days earlier in game 2 of the same series).{{cite web|url=https://rocketswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/rockets/2025/04/24/with-38-points-in-second-career-playoff-game-jalen-green-in-rare-air/83247701007/|title=By the numbers: With 38 points in second career playoff game, Jalen Green in rare air|accessdate=April 30, 2025|date=April 24, 2025|work=USA Today|author=DuBose, Ben}} VanVleet missed his 12th attempt at the buzzer in the 3 point loss. VanVleet made 18 three point shots made in a three game stretch by going 18–27 during games 4 through 6. The best previous three game playoff stretch by a Rocket had seen 16 made by Harden.{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/article/fred-vanvleets-latest-playoff-run-132157122.html|title=What Fred VanVleet's latest playoff run means for Rockford's greatest basketball star|accessdate=May 18, 2025|date=May 5, 2025|work=Yahoo Sports|author=Trowbridge, Matthew}}

{{NBA player statistics legend|champion=y}}

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2016}}

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

| 37 || 0 || 7.9 || .351 || .379 || .818 || 1.1 || .9 || .4 || .1 || 2.9

|-

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

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

| 76 || 0 || 20.0 || .426 || .414 || .832 || 2.4 || 3.2 || .9 || .3 || 8.6

|-

| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|{{nbay|2018}}{{dagger}}

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

| 64 || 28 || 27.5 || .410 || .378 || .843 || 2.6 || 4.8 || .9 || .3 || 11.0

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2019}}

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

| 54 || 54 || 35.7 || .418 || .392 || .848 || 3.9 || 6.6 || 1.9 || .3 || 17.6

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2020}}

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

| 52 || 52 || 36.5 || .389 || .366 || .885 || 4.2 || 6.3 || 1.7 || .7 || 19.6

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2021}}

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

| 65 || 65 || 37.9 || .403 || .377 || .874 || 4.4 || 6.7 || 1.7 || .5 || 20.3

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2022}}

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

| 69 || 69 || 36.7 || .393 || .342 || .898 || 4.1 || 7.2 || 1.8 || .6 || 19.3

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2023}}

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

| 73 || 73 || 36.8 || .416 || .387 || .860 || 3.8 || 8.1 || 1.4 || .8 || 17.4

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2024}}

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

| 60 || 60 || 35.2 || .378 || .345 || .810 || 3.7 || 5.6 || 1.6 || .4 || 14.1

|- class="sortbottom"

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

| 550 || 401 || 31.3 || .401 || .371 || .862 || 3.4 || 5.7 || 1.4 || .5 || 14.9

|- class="sortbottom"

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

| 1 || 0 || 9.0 || .500 || .500 || {{sort|-|—}} || 2.0 || 3.0 || .0 || .0 || 6.0

{{s-end}}

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|2017

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

| 7 || 0 || 4.1 || .667 || .400 || – || .1 || .6 || .1 || .0 || 2.0

|-

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

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

| 6 || 1 || 19.0 || .333 || .286 || .875 || 1.7 || 2.2 || .0 || .0 || 6.8

|-

| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|2019{{dagger}}

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

| 24 || 0 || 24.7 || .392 || .388 || .774 || 1.8 || 2.6 || .8 || .3 || 8.0

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|2020

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

| 11 || 11 || 39.1 || .399 || .391 || .840 || 4.4 || 6.9 || 1.6 || .6 || 19.6

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|2022

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

| 4 || 4 || 35.0 || .352 || .333 || .833 || 3.0 || 6.3 || 1.8 || 1.0 || 13.8

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|2025

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

| 7 || 7 || 40.0 || .430 || .435 || 1.000 || 4.1 || 4.4 || 1.0 || .3 || 18.7

|- class="sortbottom"

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

| 59 || 23 || 26.9 || .397 || .383 || .862 || 2.4 || 3.6 || .9 || .3 || 11.0

{{s-end}}

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|2012–13

| style="text-align:left;"|Wichita State

| 39 || 0 || 16.2 || .386 || .408 || .725 || 1.8 || 2.3 || .9 || .1 || 4.3

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|2013–14

| style="text-align:left;"|Wichita State

| 36 || 36 || 31.7 || .484 || .418 || .830 || 3.9 || 5.4 || 1.9 || .1 || 11.6

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|2014–15

| style="text-align:left;"|Wichita State

| 35 || 35 || 31.5 || .430 || .357 || .796 || 4.5 || 5.2 || 1.9 || .1 || 13.6

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|2015–16

| style="text-align:left;"|Wichita State

| 31 || 31 || 29.0 || .390 || .381 || .817 || 3.2 || 5.5 || 1.8 || .1 || 12.2

|- class="sortbottom"

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

| 141 || 102 || 26.8 || .426 || .386 || .805 || 3.3 || 4.5 || 1.6 || .1 || 10.2

{{s-end}}

;NBA

• Single-game points by an undrafted player (54)
• Only player to hold single-game records for points and assists for a franchise outright without any ties (54 points and 20 assists for the Raptors)
• Three points shots made in an NBA Finals off the bench (16)
• Single-season blocked shots by a player listed at {{Height|ft=6|in=0}} or less (59)

;Raptors

• Single-game points (54)
• Single-game assists (20)
• Single-season three-point shots made (242)
• Single-half three-point shots made (8)
• Consecutive regular-season games within a single season with three-point shot made (44)
• Consecutive regular-season games to start a season with three-point shot made (44)
• Consecutive regular-season games with three-point shot made (76)
• Consecutive regular season and playoff games with three-point shot made (87)

;Rockets

• Single playoff game three-point shots made (8, shared with Jalen Green, Matt Maloney and Chris Paul)

;Missouri Valley Conference{{cite web|url=https://mvc-sports.com/documents/2018/10/12/2018_19_MVC_MBB_Guide.pdf|title=2018–19 Men's basketball guide|access-date=April 25, 2022|publisher=Missouri Valley Conference}}

• Single-MVC tournament three-point shots made without a miss (3, tied)

;Wichita{{cite web|url=https://goshockers.com/documents/2021/10/25/2021_22_MBB_Fact_Book_web.pdf|title=2021–22 Wichita State fact book|access-date=April 25, 2022|publisher=Wichita State University}}

• Career steals (225)
• Career assists (637)
• Career assist:turnover ratio (3.08)
• Career games played (141)
• Single-game steals (7, tied)
• Single-game free throws made without a miss (15, tied)
• Junior season steals (66)
• Sophomore season steals (69)
• Sophomore season steals/game (1.92)
• Sophomore season minutes played (1141)
• Single NCAA tournament game steals (5)
• Single NCAA tournament steals (11)
• Single NCAA tournament assists (35)
• Career NCAA tournament steals (26)
• Career NCAA tournament games played (13, tied)
• Career NCAA tournament free throws made/attempted (48/57)
• Career NCAA tournament assists (51)

VanVleet was among the 22 players selected to try out for the 12-man Team USA at the 2015 Pan American Games.{{cite web|url=http://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2015/06/mpag-tc-players.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701155036/http://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2015/06/mpag-tc-players.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 1, 2015|title=22 Players Confirmed For U.S. Pan American Games Team Training Camp|date=June 29, 2015|publisher=USA Basketball|access-date=July 1, 2015}} He was among the 16 finalists for the team,{{cite web|url=http://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2015/07/mpag-finalists.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710171717/http://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2015/07/mpag-finalists.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 10, 2015|title=16 Finalists Identified For 2015 U.S. Pan American Men's Basketball Team|date=July 9, 2015|publisher=USA Basketball|access-date=July 10, 2015}} but he did not make the final roster.{{cite web|url=http://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2015/07/mpag-team-named.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714015738/http://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2015/07/mpag-team-named.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 14, 2015|title=12 Players Named For 2015 U.S. Pan American Men's Basketball Team|date=July 12, 2015|publisher=USA Basketball|access-date=July 14, 2015}}

VanVleet is the son of Fred Manning, who was killed in 1999. Manning had played basketball at Guilford High School in Rockford. VanVleet's mother is named Susan,{{cite web|first=Fred|last=Mitchell|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2014/02/14/teammate-remembers-fred-vanvleets-father/|title=Teammate remembers Fred VanVleet's father: High school teammate of Wichita State guard's late father will share memories of time spent playing ball with him|date=February 14, 2014|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=February 18, 2014}} and his stepfather is Joe Danforth.{{cite magazine|first=Brian|last=Hamilton|url=http://college-basketball.si.com/2014/02/05/fred-vanvleet-wichita-state-shockers-unbeaten-indiana-state/|title=Fred VanVleet finds harmony for unbeaten Wichita State Shockers|date=February 5, 2014|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=February 18, 2014}} VanVleet is biracial; his father was black and his mother is white.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2017/09/25/racial-tension-hits-close-to-home-for-raptors-arthur.html|title=Racial tension hits close to home for Raptors: Arthur|last=Arthur|first=Bruce|date=September 25, 2017|website=The Star|language=en|access-date=2019-06-21}} He has a daughter who was born on January 29, 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BtOHsn4HqiC/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BtOHsn4HqiC |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=Fred VanVleet on Instagram: "Happy 1st Birthday to the boss baby Best thing that ever happened to me❤️"|website=Instagram|language=en|access-date=2019-06-08}}{{cbignore}} On May 20, 2019, his son was born during the Raptors Eastern Conference Finals series against the Milwaukee Bucks.{{cite web | last=Jones | first=Kaelen | title=Fred VanVleet Credits Son's Birth for Game 4 Performance | website=SI.com | date=2019-05-22 | url=https://www.si.com/nba/2019/05/22/fred-vanvleet-credits-son-birth-game-4-raptors-bucks | access-date=2025-01-02}} VanVleet also has a brother named Darnell. He also has a step brother J.D. Darnell played basketball at Illinois Central College and J.D. played at Ashford University of Iowa.

VanVleet was a sociology major at Wichita State.{{cite web |title=Fred VanVleet Bio |url=https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/fred-vanvleet/2561 |access-date=December 12, 2024 |work=GoShockers.com}}

In conjunction with Acast, VanVleet launched the "Bet On Yourself" podcast, premiering on November 3, 2021. Season 1 of the podcast was advertised to "feature conversations about perseverance, struggles, and success with up-and-coming Black Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs in Canada,"{{Cite web |last=McGregor |first=Gilbert |date=November 4, 2021 |title=Fred VanVleet to launch 'Bet on Yourself' podcast amplifying voice of BIPOC entrepreneurs in Canada |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nba/news/fred-vanleet-podcast-bipoc-entrepreneurs-canada/1soqyld0xwxj01kutnb8362fta |access-date=2022-04-17 |website=sportingnews.com |language=en}}

• List of NBA career free throw percentage leaders
• List of NBA single-game 3-point field goal leaders
• List of NBA single-season 3-point scoring leaders
• Toronto Raptors accomplishments and records

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

{{basketballstats |nba=1627832 |bbr=v/vanvlfr01}}

• [http://www.goshockers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205717037 Wichita State Shockers bio]
• [https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2991230/fred-vanvleet stats] at ESPN

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{{DEFAULTSORT:VanVleet, Fred}}

Category:1994 births

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Category:Wichita State Shockers men's basketball players