Frank Ntilikina

Frank Ntilikina's Biography

Frank Bryan Ntilikina, a French professional basketball player, was born on July 28, 1998, to Rwandan parents in Ixelles, Belgium. Before making his mark in the world of professional basketball, he spent the early years of his life in the French city of Strasbourg. During his childhood, basketball deeply influenced his life, and at the tender age of five, Ntilikina began his youth club career playing for St-Joseph Strasbourg. His passion and dedication for basketball were evident from the start, and by the age of fifteen, he had transferred to Strasbourg IG’s prestigious youth academy.

Throughout his early career, Ntilikina passionately engaged in various high-profile games, including the renowned Jordan Brand Classic International Game in April 2014. Despite not starting the game, Ntilikina showcased his potential as an off-the-bench player, recording six points, three rebounds, and one assist in his 23 minutes of play. This dedication to the sport and his performance on the court resulted in him leading SIG to claim the French Youth League Championship title in the 2014-2015 season.

Ntilikina’s talents were not restricted to France. In February 2016, he joined the international community of basketball players participating in the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp held in Toronto, Canada, in conjunction with the 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend.

In 2015, Ntilikina entered into a professional agreement with SIG Strasbourg, where he debuted as a consummate professional in April that year during the French LNB Pro A 2014-2015 season. His gameplay was not merely limited to France; he graced the EuroLeague in 2015, marking his presence by scoring a point in his first EuroLeague minutes against KK Crvena Zvezda. However, it was during the 2015-2016 Pro A season where he exhibited his prowess on the court across 32 games, featuring as the league’s Best Young Player and netting an average of 1.2 points per game.

In the NBA draft of 2017, Ntilikina made a significant career move, entering his name as one of the promising young talents. He was chosen as the eighth overall pick by the New York Knicks. Despite being selected, Ntilikina honored his commitment to the LNB Pro A Finals with SIG Strasbourg before making the journey to Brooklyn, New York. There, he began a new chapter in his career with the Knicks in October 2017 and signed with them in July that same year. His time with the Knicks was the first time he had experienced play at such an elite level. Despite the pressures, Ntilikina made his mark on January 15, 2018, by recording his first double-double.

By the time Ntilikina moved to the Dallas Mavericks in September 2021, he had developed a reputation as a solid point guard. Though his initial season was marred by injuries, his stellar performance included nabbing six steals in a match against the San Antonio Spurs. Two years later, after a brief stint with the Charlotte Hornets, Ntilikina signed with Partizan Mozzart Bet of the Basketball League of Serbia and EuroLeague in June 2024.

On the international front, Ntilikina represented France at various levels. As a young player, he was instrumental in guiding the Under-16 French junior national team to win the 2014 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship. He also played a pivotal role in the French Under-18 national team’s victory in the 2016 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship by scoring 31 points in the championship game against the Under-18 Lithuanian team. Ntilikina concluded his performance at the tournament with an impressive average of 15.2 points, 4.5 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game.

Throughout his career, Frank Bryan Ntilikina has showcased dedication, tenacity, and an unwavering passion for basketball. From his humble beginnings in Strasbourg to playing on a global scale in the NBA, his journey is a testament to his commitment to the sport. His achievements and outstanding performances shine brightly in the realm of professional basketball, building an impressive legacy for future players.