Jonathan Kuminga

Jonathan Malangu Kuminga, commonly known as Jonathan Kuminga, was born on October 6, 2002, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A professional basketball player of Congolese origin, he currently plays for the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Golden State Warriors. Kuminga’s basketball journey began at the age of two in his native country, where his love for the sport was sparked. In 2016, his path took him to the United States, where he became a distinguished high school basketball player.

Kuminga’s high school journey started with Huntington Prep School in Huntington, West Virginia, where, as a freshman, he showcased his burgeoning basketball skills. His subsequent move to Our Savior New American School in Centereach, New York for his sophomore year proved to be a vital point in his young basketball career. Here, he averaged a stellar 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists per game, firmly establishing his presence on the court.

The upward trajectory of Kuminga’s career continued. In January 2019, he was declared the most valuable player at the famed Slam Dunk to the Beach showcase, having registered a remarkable 40-point game – a record for the event – despite losing to Gonzaga College High School. His sophomore season was further punctuated by his status as MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year, highlighting his promise and potential.

Kuminga’s performance in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League against older and more seasoned opponents was an impressive testament to his skill and maturity. Averaging 20.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, he scored a jaw-dropping 43 points while playing against the formidable Texas Titans.

A change of scenery marked Kuminga’s junior season as he transferred to The Patrick School in Hillside, New Jersey. After recovering from an ankle sprain early in the season, he bounced back with a prolific average of 16.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, solidifying his name among the best recruits in the 2021 class.

However, college was not the next chapter in Kuminga’s basketball story. He chose to reclassify to the 2020 class, thus forgoing his eligibility for college sports. Instead, he joined the NBA G League Ignite, stepping closer to achieving his dreams of playing in the NBA despite lucrative college offers. Rated as a consensus five-star recruit, the best small forward in his class, and one of the top players by several outlets, Kuminga began his journey with the G League in July 2020.

His time in the G League lasted a year, during which he averaged 15.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. This performance earned him the Golden State Warriors’ attention, who selected him as the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Kuminga officially became a Warrior on August 3, 2021.

On October 30, Kuminga debuted in the NBA in a comfortable win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, contributing three points and one steal. His inaugural NBA career start registered his then career-high 26 points in a game against the Toronto Raptors in December, despite the team’s loss. Not long after, Kuminga participated in the Rising Stars Challenge game during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game weekend as a replacement for the injured Chris Duarte.

Kuminga’s rookie season was one for the books as he helped the Warriors clinch the 2022 NBA Championship against the Boston Celtics, becoming the second-youngest NBA champion at 19 years and 253 days. This record was previously held by Darko Miličić.

Despite his commitments with the Warriors, Kuminga also played for the DR Congo men’s national basketball team during the African 2023 World Cup qualifiers in August 2022. His older brother, Joel Ntambwe, was also part of the squad. Kuminga had a team-high 18 points and 6 rebounds in a close loss against Cameroon.

Kuminga’s family has a strong connection to basketball, with his older brother, Joel Ntambwe, having played for UNLV before transferring to Texas Tech. His cousins, Emmanuel Mudiay and Omari Gudul, also play professional basketball in the G League and Europe, respectively. Being born and brought up in Congo, Kuminga’s first language is French, while he continues to improve his English. However, regardless of language or location, one thing remains clear – for Jonathan Malangu Kuminga, basketball is a passion that transcends all boundaries.