From Europe to the world! This is a perfect line to describe Jakob Poeltl’s life. Imagine having an interest in something your home country usually doesn’t play or isn’t popular there. That’s what Poeltl’s journey is all about. So, let’s look at how he made it to the NBA and what is his family story.

Where is Jakob Poeltl from? Is the Toronto Raptors center an American?

First, let’s begin by answering the second question: is he American? The answer to it is straightforward: Jakob Poeltl is not American. Yes, you read it right; he was born in Vienna, Austria, on October 15, 1995, which makes him Austrian by nationality. However, coming from a country where basketball wasn’t a top sport made his choice limited.

Growing up in Austria, the hooper didn’t see basketball as a major focus. In fact, he recalls a culture where skiing took center stage, and basketball was barely on the radar. “People in Austria really care about skiing,” Poeltl shared, “but they don’t really care much about basketball.”

Despite the limited basketball scene in his home country, Poeltl found his calling early. As a tall, energetic kid, he tried various sports. But when he started playing basketball, he realized his true potential. He joined the Vienna DC Timberwolves youth program, where his passion for the game grew. He didn’t stop there. He eventually played a season for the Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions, which is one of Austria’s top basketball teams. But, later, something big was waiting for him.

Due to his remarkable skills, he got lucky as he caught the attention of scouts, which made his move to the United States. And as a result, he played college basketball for the Utah Utes. His time at Utah helped him develop into a top-tier prospect, and in 2016, he was drafted 9th overall by the Toronto Raptors.

And with that, he became the first Austrian to be drafted into the NBA; he faced challenges that many others didn’t. Now, as a key player for the Raptors, Poeltl continues to represent his homeland in the world’s premier basketball league. But now, let’s move on and let’s introduce ourselves to his parents.

Where are Jakob Poeltl’s parents from?

The hooper’s parents are Rainer Omer and Martina Poeltl, who are both from Austria. Well, now you will know from where Poeltl gets his athletic skills from as Rainer and Martina were successful volleyball players for Austria’s national teams. Their influence on their son’s life was profound, shaping his early passion for sports. Both parents introduced him to the athletic world, where he spent much of his youth around volleyball, but his heart eventually gravitated toward basketball.

Growing up, he was immersed in the world of sports. His parents played volleyball at a high level, so their athleticism ran deep. “I was always in the gym,” Jakob recalls, “just running around, playing around.” Although volleyball was the focus in their household, Jakob’s love for basketball started to grow naturally. He found himself sneaking in games with basketballs, attracted to the energy of the sport.

The hooper’s journey from volleyball to basketball wasn’t forced but a discovery of passion. He recalls being the “ball boy,” running around the gym during his parents’ volleyball practices. His energy and height made him stand out, but it was basketball that captured his attention. While he tried other sports, basketball’s appeal was undeniable, and he soon left volleyball behind.

The parent’s dedication to athletics was evident in Jakob’s upbringing. He absorbed their passion and work ethic. “They taught me a lot,” he says about his parents. “I’m half-decent at volleyball.”

His family didn’t just inspire him—they were constant sources of support. His parents often traveled to watch him play, offering unwavering encouragement. Their belief in his abilities was a driving force, pushing Jakob to work harder and dream bigger. Though Jakob excelled in basketball, his parents remained the first athletes he admired. As a child, he looked up to them and their commitment to their sport. Their athleticism was a crucial part of Jakob’s development.

And with the help of such strong support behind him, Jakob Poeltl registered great on-court performances.

What historic feat did Jakob Poeltl achieve when he got drafted into the NBA?

On June 23, 2016, Jakob Pöeltl was selected by the Raptors with the ninth overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. But, before that, he had achieved some greatest feats. As we already know one of his greatest historic feats was when he became the first Austrian ever drafted into the NBA. This was a monumental moment, as Austria had never produced an NBA player before. Poeltl’s selection opened the door for future Austrian basketball talent, inspiring young players to dream big.

Before his NBA career, the hooper’s standout college career at the University of Utah is known to everyone. But here are some of his exceptional awards in his sophomore year. Do you know he earned the prestigious Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award? Yes, he did, which is given to the best center in college basketball. Additionally, Poeltl won the Pete Newell Big Man Award, recognizing him as the top low-post player in the NCAA. These awards solidified his status as a future NBA prospect.

However, throughout his journey, the 29-year-old remained a key figure for the Austrian national team, playing in FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifiers and the 2019 World Cup European Qualifiers. So, what do you think of his journey so far?