“I’m a grinder. I’ve been grinding my whole life. Whatever task is in front of me, I’m going to try to accomplish it.” This is Buddy Hield‘s mentality that has propelled his career and helped him achieve milestones. Like being the fastest player to make 1,000 three-pointers or putting up a total of 12 three-pointers in just 2 games, it’s a testament to hard work. Behind this drive is his family, who’ve supported him despite the struggles and hardships they went through. Let’s deep dive into his family and the roots that shaped him!

Chavano Rainer “Buddy” Hield was born on 17 December 1992 in Freeport, the Bahamas. He is the 5th child out of 7 of Vincent Hield and Jackie Swann. Both of his parents are of Bahamian nationality and are African in ethnicity. Thus making him of mixed ethnicity.

His mother raised all her kids, after her divorce from Vincent when Buddy was 11. This led Jackie to do multiple jobs like cleaning houses, working as a caterer at weddings, and doing a sales job just to support her family.

Indeed, his mother is his biggest driving force, “Biggest motivator, I would probably say my mom, how she takes care of seven kids by herself and how she raised us. She is always an inspiration to us.” Despite all the hardships, the hooper showcased his talent at Jack Hayward High School, leading them to championships. The youngster’s performance earned him recognition from The All Bahamian Brand, a basketball magazine. Do you know his impressive performances brought him to the US?

Yes, after being a star back home, it was his time to shine overseas. The hooper transitioned by attending Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas. In 2011, during his junior year, he led the team to the National Association of Christian Athletes national championship and earned MVP honors and the rest is history.

Through thick and thin: Buddy Hield’s philanthropic works in the Bahamas

Hield describes his home country, “You think about the Bahamas, you think it’s this island full of beaches and chilling on the beach. But there’s a lot of freak athletes down there that can play, and a lot of guys better than me who I feel like didn’t get an opportunity like me, but when I got my opportunity, I took full advantage of it.” But, the hooper isn’t just a Bahamian athlete, Buddy is a true citizen when it comes to serving one’s nation.

Remember when the hurricane hit the Bahamas in 2019? The hooper was committed to helping them recover from the devastation of Hurricane Dorian. He opened a GoFundMe account and generously donated $100,000 to support rebuilding efforts.

As a proud Bahamian, Buddy Hield expressed his deep concern for his fellow countrymen, particularly those in Grand Bahama, where he was raised. He had posted a video, while trying to amplify a message, emphasizing the urgent need for medical assistance, food, and necessities, as many were still struggling to cope with the aftermath of the hurricane.

Other than this, the Warrior also runs the Buddy Hield Foundation, which helps foster youth development through basketball. Through his foundation, he aims to aid in sporting events, charitable projects, and educational programs that promote youth developmental skills in basketball, sportsmanship, leadership, and learning. Through this, the hooper also aims to improve lives.

For example, they hosted a private dinner in Sacramento to raise funds for Hurricane Dorian. And they were successful at it. They raised $450,000. His philanthropic works have led him to significant recognition, including his appointment as Ambassador at Large for Sports and Cultural Advancement in the Bahamas!

Foreign Minister Mitchell noted, “Mr. Hield’s philanthropic efforts within the Bahamian community, engaging in youth educational and sports initiatives through his nonprofit Buddy Hield Foundation, are the exact social programs required to break the trend of our young joining gangs and encouraging them to rise above their adversities.” As Buddy continues to help, he raises a vital question: How can we all contribute to restoring hope and rebuilding lives in our communities?