“When you see [Armstrong] on TV, and you know that he comes from the same pathway that you’re going through, it becomes very inspirational,” these were Mark Radford’s words for the Australian point guard Taran Armstrong, who is a new name on the Golden State Warriors roster. Armstrong, with his impressive court vision and natural playmaking ability, is stepping into the NBA spotlight. Now, with a two-way contract, it’s the beginning of a new chapter for him in the NBA. So, with that, let’s take a deeper look at him and his story.

Where is Taran Armstrong from? Who inspired him to this role?

The small coastal town of Burnie, Tasmania has seen athletes like Eddie Betts, Dale Begg-Smith, and many more. And with Taran Armstrong, they will have a hooper, too. But his background? Coming from Kangaroo Land, Australia, he might have come across multiple sports, but basketball was his way of life. Well, how will it not? It all began in his family, where his father, Ben, and Uncle Sam had been a semi-professional player for the Wynyard Wildcats in the North West Basketball Union. So, it wasn’t unusual for him to tag along to games, watching his father and uncle make their mark on the court. Well, even his father Ben once simply said, “It’s definitely in his blood.” 

Like most kids, Taran too had a dream. He wanted to be a hooper, and he became one! How will watching his father and uncle’s effortless games not inspire him? Ben and Sam weren’t just his role models—they were his biggest supporters, guiding him through every step of his development. “I just remember always watching his(Ben) games, always being at practice, shooting on the side rims. That’s probably my earliest memories……….. so it was always just what I did, what I thought I was going to do, what I wanted to be.” The hooper once said to NBL Media.

Years passed, and his passion only grew. Through all of it, the family remained at the core of Taran’s journey. As he puts them, “But I think the biggest thing for me away from basketball, is investing in my family and my friends. It sounds a little bit weird, but I have a genuine interest in the people that are in my life that care about me.” His parents, Benjamin and Melanie, were his first teachers, and his brothers, Tre and Tanner, were his constant motivation.

Taran’s story is a combination of family, legacy, and the deep connection with the sport that shaped him. Like many platforms that define success, the NBA is for hoopers, and his family could not be any less proud of his entry into the NBA. Imagine playing alongside Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.  Till the time you imagine, let’s take a look at his career.

Has Taran Armstrong played in the NBA before? A look into the leagues he has starred in

After going strong in Tasmania’s court, people knew that he was made for something bigger. And just like that, in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL) he earned a spot in the Cairns Taipans. After signing a two-year contract with them, he was ready to take his game to the national level.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to coach Taran and are grateful for the numerous contributions he made to our program. It was a privilege to partner with him in making his dream a reality, and we are excited for him and his family.” This is what his coach Rick Croy had to say about his making it big. However, a foot injury came right before the season was about to begin, due to which he had to take a seat back. No, he wasn’t ready to give up so easily. He played 23 games that season, averaging 7.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. All good, but something bigger was on the horizon.

Then came the 2024 off-season. A dream landed. The hooper has finally entered the NBA draft. This wasn’t just another draft for him—it was a chance to prove his worth on a global stage. He wasn’t just any candidate; he was an auto-entrant. The kind of player who’d caught the attention of scouts long before the draft began. At the 2024 Adidas Eurocamp, his performance was nothing short of outstanding. He was named to the All-Camp Team, and suddenly, almost a dozen NBA teams were knocking on his door.

Still, he wasn’t quite in the NBA yet. He returned to the Taipans for the 2024–25 NBL season, but fate had other plans. A calf injury kept him out of the first two rounds. The team struggled without him, losing six straight games. But the point guard wasn’t about to let that define his season. By round eight, he was back. And he wasn’t just playing—he was dominating the game he loves.

On February 6, 2025, everything came together. He recorded his first career triple-double: 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. However, fast forward to today, as he stands with a deal from the GSW, we cannot wait to see what he delivers. But what about his college career?

Which college did Taran Armstrong go to? Did he play in the NCAA?

Yes, he did play in the NCAA. Taran Armstrong’s college career started with the California Baptist Lancers in the 2021–22 season. His older brother, Tre, too played for the same team. As a freshman, he knew he had to be impressive, and he did just like that. For example, he played in 26 games, starting 25, and quickly became a force to be reckoned with.

In his first season, the young Aussie averaged 10.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. His assists led the nation’s freshmen and placed him fifth overall. What was even more impressive was his all-around game, a mix of scoring, playmaking, and rebounding. There was one moment that stood out. Any guess? It was when young Taran, on November 18, 2021, recorded California Baptist’s first-ever triple-double. It was a defining performance—16 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds against San Jose State.

As a sophomore in 2022–23, he only built on success. He played in all 33 games, averaging 11.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. He led the Lancers in both scoring and assists, and for the second year in a row, led the WAC in assists. His performance peaked with a career-high 25 points against Southern Utah. But by April 2023, Taran’s time in college basketball was coming to an end. He entered the NCAA transfer portal before ultimately deciding to leave. However, his career was not just that, he even played for Australia.

Has Taran Armstrong played for the Australian national team?

For a player of his caliber, the answer has to be yes. Taran Armstrong has played with the Australian national team and back in 2019, he got his first taste of international competition, representing the team at the FIBA Under-17 Oceania Championship. With 11 points per game, he helped his team to secure the gold medal. Imagine the moment, holding the gold, would have been so special. His international journey didn’t stop there.

Representing their country is a dream for anyone and Armstrong is no different. In 2021, he suited up for Australia again. At the FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup. His international career was only to boom. In 2022, he was part of the team working toward qualifying for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.

With each tournament comes a new chapter, a chance to prove himself and learn. Via Sam Vecenie of The Athletic said. “Armstrong was a very obvious two-way. Makes a ton of sense for the Warriors to do this. Worthwhile investment in a really intriguing player long-term who took a big jump in Australia this year. Super smart, great feel. Pull up has improved enough to build a base from.” From winning gold to playing against the best, and now to this contract, Armstrong is here to stay.