McKinley Wright IV

McKinley Wright IV's Biography

McKinley Wright IV, born 25 October 1998, is an illustrious figure in American professional basketball, with a current position at Budućnost VOLI in the Erste Liga and ABA League. Born to McKinley Wright III, his passion for basketball started from his early growing years in Champlin, Minnesota. He completed his high school education at Champlin Park High School, where his averages stood at a remarkable 23 points, eight rebounds and seven assists per game in his senior year. His contributions led his team to an impressive season record of 31 wins and a single loss and paved the way to the 4A title game. The title slipped through their fingers after a tough loss to Apple Valley High School, but Wright’s incredible 30-point performance in the state quarterfinal against Chaska High School set tongues wagging about his talent.

Recognized as the 2017 Minnesota Mr. Basketball, Wright initially committed to the Dayton’s team but reconsidered his decision following the hiring of coach Archie Miller by Indiana. In April 2017, his final decision became clear as he committed to Colorado. Wright’s talent and brewing prowess was on full display when on December 15, 2017, he recorded a career-high of 30 points and 11 assists to help the Buffaloes triumph over South Dakota State with a score of 112-103 in double overtime.

His first year at Colorado saw him average 14.2 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game, contributing to the team’s overall season record of 17-15. His flair on the court was acknowledged when he was named to the Pac-12 Conference All-Freshman Team. His impressive season record of 175 assists broke Chauncey Billups’s freshman record of 143 assists, following which he sought Billups’s guidance to refine his jump shot.

Wright’s sophomore year saw him rise to new heights as he earned the first-team All-Pac-12 title. He managed to average 13 points and 4.8 assists per game despite coping with a painful left shoulder injury which required a corrective surgery. His grit and commitment came to the fore when despite the physical setback, he scored a season-high 29 points in a 78-76 win over Dayton, silencing critics and winning fans over. His performance earned him a place on the All-Pac-12 first team and the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team.

Entering his junior year, Wright averaged 14.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. He then marked the end of the season by declaring himself for the 2020 NBA draft. However, on August 1, he chose to withdraw his name from the draft to return for his senior season at Colorado.

His senior year saw Wright achieve averages of 15.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game. On the back of these efforts, he was awarded the Pac-12 All-First Team honors. Post this triumphant season, he declared himself for the 2021 NBA draft, foregoing an extra year of eligibility.

After the uncertainty of going undrafted in the 2021 NBA draft, a new chapter of Wright’s career began when he signed a two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves on August 6, 2021. This contract allowed him to split his time with their G League affiliate team, the Iowa Wolves. Wright continued to climb the professional ladder as he joined the Phoenix Suns for the 2022 NBA Summer League, before being snapped up by the Dallas Mavericks in September 2022. After training camp, his contract was converted into a two-way contract on October 15, 2022.

In the very next year, on July 22, 2023, Wright took a giant leap in his professional career as he put pen to paper to sign with Budućnost VOLI, a premier team of the Montenegrin League, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. As a player with an uncompromising fighting spirit and consistently high performance on the court, McKinley Wright IV’s journey is a testament to his innate talent and intense dedication to the sport of basketball.