Drew Eubanks does not come from NBA-driven dreams. In fact, before filling out his 6-foot-9 frame, the power forward was a power arm as a pitcher in baseball. His father, David Eubanks, has humorously discussed how the NBA had been a far-fetched reality for the family. “Coach Poetsch told me if he would work hard, he said there is a college for him, possibly division one, he’s starting to lose me at that point. … He said, ‘I can see Drew possibly playing in the NBA.’ I thought, ‘ok, I’m done’ ”, said David while reminiscing about his interaction with Coach John Poetsch.
Fast forward to the present: Laura and David Eubanks are proud parents. “I had no idea that this would even take place and here we are, so dreams do happen,” said David Eubanks, highlighting the joy of seeing their son’s professional journey unfold. Despite a solid college career at Oregon State University, where he averaged 13.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game as a junior, Eubanks went undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft. Before we go there, why don’t we take a quick detour?
Where is Drew Eubanks From? What is the Clippers Star’s Nationality?
Drew Eubanks was born on February 1, 1997, in Starkville, Mississippi, and spent his early life rooted in the American South. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to Louisville, Mississippi, where they resided until Drew was two years old. Seeking new opportunities and a change of environment, the Eubanks family moved across the country to Troutdale, Oregon.
While he holds American nationality, he’s got some Italian roots in his family. In fact, Italy has reportedly looked into naturalizing him, though it’s still up in the air whether he qualifies for a passport, per a 2023 BasketNews report. So, if we were to describe his ethnicity, it would be American with Italian heritage.
When it comes to religion, Eubanks has kept that part of his life private and hasn’t publicly spoken about his beliefs. However, he is very thankful to his roots and has expressed deep gratitude towards his parents and community. “I’ve been saying I want to give back; you should always give back to the place that helped you become the person that you are,” Eubanks once said.
True to his word, his actions aligned with his values. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ‘The Shaq of Troutdale’ contributed to local food drives and community outreach programs, ensuring that struggling families received essential resources. When Oregon faced wildfires, he teamed up with the brand Portland Gear’s Heart for Oregon fundraiser, helping those affected by the disaster.
How can we not love this man?
Which College Did Drew Eubanks Attend? How Good Was He in College?
At Reynolds High School in Troutdale, Oregon, Eubanks initially made his mark as a pitcher in baseball. However, his athletic trajectory shifted when basketball Coach Poetsch recognized his potential on the hardwood. Going to high school in Oregon, he was rated a 4-star recruit and No. 1 in the state. Later, Eubanks attended Oregon State University, where he played for the Beavers from 2015 to 2018. During his junior year, he averaged an impressive 13.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.
Coach Wayne Tinkle, the head coach at OSU during Eubanks’ tenure, played a pivotal role in his development. Under Tinkle’s guidance, Eubanks refined his skills, particularly in defense and shot-blocking. After his junior year, Eubanks declared for the 2018 NBA Draft, forgoing his final year of college eligibility.
Reflecting on his time at OSU, Eubanks expressed gratitude for the support he received, stating, “I want to thank Coach Tinkle and his staff for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play at Oregon State.” In 2022, Drew Eubanks married his longtime girlfriend Hailey White in a private ceremony. The couple had been together since 2016, with Hailey often supporting Drew throughout his basketball journey. Their relationship has been a source of strength, with Drew frequently acknowledging her unwavering support during his career.
In a beautiful December 2020 IG post, Eubanks penned a simple, romantic message for Hailey: “4 Years With This Amazing Girl. I Cherish Every Moment I Get To Spend With You, Love You Queen.” Clearly, he appreciates and admires her!
Eubanks’ journey from an undrafted player to a key contributor in the league underscores the power of perseverance and a relentless commitment to personal and professional growth. As he continues to refine his game, Eubanks remains a valuable asset in the Clippers’ rotation. With his work ethic and determination, the future holds promise for Eubanks to carve out a lasting legacy in the NBA.
The post What Are Drew Eubanks’ Ethnicity & Religion? All About Clippers Star’s Early Life and Nationality Revealed appeared first on EssentiallySports.