Frank Kaminsky

Frank Kaminsky's Biography

Francis Stanley Kaminsky III, born on April 4, 1993, is a highly accomplished American professional basketball player known for his unmatched skills and considerable contributions to the game. His most recent playing engagement was with Partizan Mozzart Bet, a prominent name in the Basketball League of Serbia (KLS), the ABA League, and the EuroLeague.

Kaminsky’s basketball journey began at the University of Wisconsin, where he played college basketball for the Wisconsin Badgers. With his exceptional performances, he quickly emerged as a …distinguished player, setting a new Wisconsin single-game record by scoring 43 points. The year 2015 continued to be significant for Kaminsky as he won the unanimous men’s National College Player of the Year title.

Further marking his mark in the basketball world, Kaminsky was selected ninth overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2015 NBA draft. After devoting four competitive seasons to this team, he signed a deal with the Phoenix Suns in July 2019 and remarkably reached the NBA Finals in 2021.

Both parents, namely Frank Jr., father, and mother, Mary – a volleyball player at Northwestern, considerably influenced Kaminsky’s passion for sports. The Polish and Serbian roots of his family further influenced his career. Being part of a Serbian community in Woodridge, Illinois, Kaminsky has always valued his ethnicity.

His aunt Karen Stack Umlauf and uncle Jim Stack were associated with the Chicago Bulls in 1998. This gave young Kaminsky, then only five years old, the opportunity to get acquainted with the practice facility. He admired the exceptional players Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman at that time, enhancing his keen interest in the sport. He spent his early years playing in basketball tournaments organized by the Serb National Federation.

Kaminsky studied at the Benet Academy in Lisle, Illinois, where his robust foundation in basketball was laid. He stood out as a player during his senior season, earning numerous recognitions. In addition to being named first-team all-state by the Chicago Sun-Times and IBCA, and second-team all-state by the AP, Kaminsky won the title of East Suburban Catholic Conference Player of the Year. His impressive high school career ended with the retirement of his jersey number, 44.

Kaminsky’s passion for sports extends beyond the basketball court. Being a “die-hard White Sox fan,” Kaminsky has often expressed his love for this team. He candidly revealed a family saying in a pre-game interview on July 21, 2015, stating that their two favorite teams in the MLB are the White Sox and whoever is opposing the Cubs. He even got to throw out the first pitch at a White Sox game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Kaminsky’s impressive performances throughout his first year as a professional saw him play in 35 of 36 games. His outstanding performance against North Dakota on November 19, 2013, where he scored 43 points, earned him the Wisconsin single-game scoring record – a significant mark in his career. He was conferred with the esteemed title of First Team All-Big Ten at the end of his inaugural season.

His sophomore year saw continued growth and progress. He played an instrumental role in guiding the Badgers to their second consecutive Final Four. He was lauded for scoring 20 points and claiming 11 rebounds during a remarkable victory over the unbeaten Wildcats. His overall performance earned him the multiple titles, including Naismith College Player of the Year, John R. Wooden Award, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award. These accolades undoubtedly underscore Kaminsky’s significant contribution to the sports fraternity.

Underlining his growth in the industry, Kaminsky’s skills and expertise were noted by the Charlotte Hornets, who selected him as the ninth pick in the 2015 NBA draft. Despite facing several ups and downs, Kaminsky kept striving for improvement- setting and breaking numerous personal records. In 2019, he signed a two-year, $10 million deal with the Phoenix Suns, once again showing his vast potential.

However, Kaminsky’s professional journey has not been without its share of challenges. A right knee injury followed by a left patella stress fracture put him on the sidelines for the majority of the season. Despite these hurdles, he managed to make an impactful return during the 2020 NBA Bubble period. He moved up to a starting power forward role in February. He achieved another career milestone by reaching his first NBA Finals; however, the Suns lost to the Bucks in a series of six games.

Kaminsky’s journey took him to new horizons in August 2023 when he joined Partizan Mozzart Bet in the EuroLeague’s Basketball League of Serbia. Despite the season being somewhat unsuccessful for the team, Kaminsky maintained an average of 8.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.

In September 2024, Kaminsky returned to his former team, the Phoenix Suns. However, due to specific reasons, he was waived in October of the same year. Despite the game’s ups and downs, Kaminsky has never failed to exude resilience, determination, and a commendable passion for the sport.

Aside from his professional career, Kaminsky has also garnered attention from the Serbian national team, signifying his remarkable reputation in the sport. Balancing his personal and professional life, Kaminsky married sports journalist Ashley Brewer in July 2023. His story is a testament to his unwavering dedication, continuous self-improvement, and love for the game of basketball.