Georges Niang, the “minivan,” is a Senegalese-American NBA basketball player currently under contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. He is a brilliant basketball player who has won multiple accolades throughout his career while displaying exceptional talent.

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On December 11, 2022, Georges Niang of the Philadelphia 76ers contributed three points (1-2 FG, 1-2 3Pt), two rebounds, and one assist in the Hornets’ loss.

He was the first player in NCAA tournament history to qualify for four consecutive tournaments, the first to be chosen to two All-American teams, and the career leader in games won.

He has played for the Utah Jazz, Santa Cruz Warriors, Salt Lake City Stars, Fort Wayne Mad Ants, and Indiana Pacers.

Furthermore, let us delve deeper into the life of “Minivan,” a world-renowned basketball player.

Quick Facts

Full Name	Georges Niang
Birthdate	17 June, 1993
Birth Place	Lawrence, Massachusetts, U.S.
Age	29 Years Old
Nickname	Minivan
Religion	Not Available
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Senegalese-American
Education	Tilton School, Iowa State University
Horoscope	Gemini
Father’s Name	Sidy Niang
Mother’s Name	Alison Niang
Siblings	None
Height	6 ft 8 in / 2.03m / 203 cm
Weight	230 lb / 104 kg
Build	Athletic
Shoe size	Not Available
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Black
Position	Power Forward
League	NBA
Team	Philadelphia 76ers
Jersey Number	#20
Marital Status	Unmarried
Girlfriend	Not Disclosed
Children	None
Profession	Professional Basketball Athlete
Active Years	2016-present
Former Teams	Indiana Pacers Fort Wayne Mad Ants Santa Cruz Warriors Salt Lake City Stars
Net Worth	$3.7 Million
Career Highlights & Awards	First-team All-NBA G League-2018 Consensus second-team All-American- 2016 Third-team All-American – AP, NABC- 2015 Karl Malone Award- 2016 2× First-team All-Big 12- 2015 & 2016 Third-team All-Big 12- 2014 Big 12 Tournament MVP- 2015 Big 12 All-Rookie team- 2013
Social Media	Twitter, Instagram, Facebook
Merch	NBA Shorts, Rookie card, Bobblehead

 

Childhood, Family, and Education

Georges “Minivan” Niang was born on June 17, 1993, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, to his proud parents, Sidy Niang and Alison Niang.

Sidy Niang was born and reared in the Republic of Senegal, a West African country. Niang prefers to keep his family’s private life secret.

As a result, there is relatively little knowledge of his family. Georges is also an only kid.

Georges’ astrological sign is Gemini. Geminis are known for being extroverted, clever, and adaptable.

These characteristics can indeed be seen in Niang throughout his professional basketball career.

Education

Niang attended his education at the Tilton School in Tilton, New Hampshire. His outstanding talents began in high school, paving the route for his professional career.

He was a 3-year starter and two-year team captain in high school, making him one of the best players in Tilton history.

In addition, he attended Iowa State University for college, where he began his extraordinary career as a freshman.

Niang’s successful high school and college careers shaped him into the professional athlete he is today.

Age, Height, and Body Measurement

Furthermore, Georges will be 29 years old in May 2023. He is a staggering 2.03 meters tall and weighs 230 lb.

According to several scouting reports, Niang, with his build, is considered a great ball-passer and handler.

Career 

High School Education

Niang was a two-year team captain and three-year starter at his high school, setting a school record of 2,372 points.

As a junior, he averaged 24.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, and as a senior, he scored 25.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.

With a 72-56 victory over St.Mark’s, he guided his team to the NEPSAC Class AA championship in 2011.

In the same game, Niang scoring 23 points on 11-of-11 shooting, was titled the Outstanding Player of the Tournament.

His exceptional talent earned him three First-Team All-NEPSAC AA selections and NEPSAC Class AA Player of the Year in 2012.

Furthermore, Niang was a Boston-based BABC AAU club member, including former NBA player Cyclone Will Blalock.

Georges and his BABC AAU team won the 2011 Nike Peah Jam, one of the country’s most competitive AAU tournaments.

Nerlens Noel and Niang were Tilton and AAU teammates. They won four NEPSAC championships: National Prep Championship, AAU National Championship, and Nike EYBL. 

College Career

Niang’s exceptional talent elevated him on the East Coast as one of the best players, and he finished his prep career as a consensus national top-100 recruit.

Georges was ranked No. 73 by Sporting News, No. 56 by ESPNU, No. 69 by Scoutcom, No. 42 by Lindy’s, No. 81 by CBS Sports, and No. 69 by Rivalscom in the 2012 prep national rankings. 

He had college recruit offers from Texas A&M, Iowa State, and Seton Hall. He eventually opted to go to Iowa State University for college.

Freshman Year

In 2013, Georges began his college career as a freshman. The NCAA titled him to the Big 12 All-Rookie Team in 2013. 

Unfortunately, in the 2nd round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament, Georges broke the fifth metatarsal in his right foot, causing him to sit out the rest of the tournament.

Sophomore Year

Niang averaged 16.7 points and 4.5 rebounds as the thirst for the most dominant offensive player for Iowa State University with DeAndre Kane and Melvin Ejim during his sophomore year.

During the 2014 offseason, Georges reduced his calorie intake and dropped to 230 pounds from 260 pounds.

Junior Year

Similarly, Niang led his team in his junior year, averaging 15.3 points per game, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while finishing third in the 2015 NCAA Tournament.

Georges later considered entering the 2015 NBA Draught but changed his mind and returned for his senior year.

During his interview, “Sports Illustrated” asked him about his change of heart, to which he replied-

“I was thinking about it, but I wanted to stay loyal to the program and didn’t want to leave my mark this way.”

Senior Year

Furthermore, Georges eclipsed 2000 points in his senior year, averaging 20.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.

The Atlanta Tipoff Club named him to the 35-man midseason watchlist on February 11 for the Naismith College Player of the Year. 

Throughout his college career, Niang set multiple program records, including being the first player to play in four consecutive NCAA tournaments, the career leader in games played, the first two-time All-American, and the most victories.

Professional Career

Indiana Pacers

On June 23, 2016, the Indiana Pacers picked Georges with the 50th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draught.

Niang joined the squad for the 2016 NBA Summer League, and his early play received praise from Larry Bird.

On July 11, 2016, he signed with the Pacers. The Pacers assigned Georges to various teams during his first season, including the NBA Development League’s Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

Santa Cruz Warriors 

The Pacers waived Georges on July 14, 2017. As a result, he signed with the Golden State Warriors and the Santa Cruz Warriors, and Niang was designated as an affiliate player.

On October 14, 2017, the Warriors officially waived Niang. He became a free agent after that.

Utah Jazz / Salt  Lake City Stars 

On January 14, 2018, Niang signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz, taking over a place previously held by a former college colleague Nazareth Mitrou-Long.

Throughout the 2018 season, he split his time between the Utah Jazz and the NBA G League franchise, the Salt Lake City Stars.

On July 13, 2018, Niang signed a regular three-year contract with the Utah Jazz.

He set a career-high with 24 pts against the Los Angeles Clippers on April 10, 2019. On May 8, 2021, he scored the same amount against the Houston Rockets.

He suffered an ankle injury against the Bucks during the 2021 regular season. 

The injury was painful, based on his expression. Nonetheless, he was ready to play the following day.

Philadelphia 76ers

On August 8, 2022, he signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.

According to Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia, he did not attend the conditioning session on August 8, 2022. He could not play in the game against the Lakers on December 9.

Niang announced his participation in the Hornets game on December 11.

Georges and his Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Hornets in a game in which Minivan played only 13 minutes and provided three points, two rebounds, and one assist. 

Salary and Net Worth

Most professional NBA players earn up to $2 million per year.

According to Niang’s most recent contract terms, his average income in 2018 was roughly $200,000.

Similarly, he was one of the Utah Jazz’s highest-paid players. So far, he has earned approximately $2.2 million.

On August 9, 2021, he signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers worth $6.7 million, with $6.7 million guaranteed and an annual average salary of $3,382,500.

He also has a $3,465,000 cap hit and a $3,465,000 dead cap value.

Georges Niang’s net worth is thus assessed to be around $3.7 million. 

Relationships and Kids

Niang keeps his personal life very quiet. As a result, there is little information on his dating life or relationships.

Georges allegedly had at least one previous relationship. However, the identity of that lover is still unclear.

As a result, Georges Niang is currently single and not dating.

Podcast

Drive & Dish, hosted by Georges Niang, is a popular video podcast about the NBA League; he hosted multiple episodes with diverse guests.

Jordan Clarkson was a laid-back tattoo aficionado, an aspiring sommelier, and the self-appointed leader of the “Good Vibe Tribe.”

• Utah Royals soccer star Erin Mendenhall

• Donovan Mitchell from Utah Jazz All-Star-Amy Rodriguez

• Utah Jazz chef Kyle Whittingham

• Salt Lake City mayor-Anthony Zamora

• Utah football coach and NBA broadcaster-Doris Burke

The episodes can be seen on the Utah Jazz’s official YouTube channel.

Georges Niang’s Interesting Facts

• Apart from basketball, Georges enjoys playing golf.

• Niang has his merchandise based on his well-known moniker, “minivan.”

• Every year, Georges organizes Georges Niang Basketball Camp, where he teaches young children the game of basketball.

Social Media Presence 

Niang is highly active on social media.

He is active on Instagram, where he has approximately 103k followers. He frequently posts updates regarding his behind-the-scenes activities and other gaming moments.

Niang also utilizes Twitter, where he has approximately 92k followers. He is moderately active on Facebook, with around 75k followers. 

He is most searched online for information on his age, contract, and net worth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Georges Niang referred to as the Minivan?

Georges Niang’s teammates call him “Minivan” because of his deliberate slowness on the court.

Georges Niang: Is he a free agent? 

The basketball player isn’t a free agent, sorry. He is a member of the Philadelphia 76ers and boasts a 25-inch vertical leap.

Did Georges Niang get injured?

Georges Niang is not hurt right now. However, he suffered a fifth metatarsal injury in his right foot during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament.

Is Georges Niang being traded?

There are no rumors about his trade at the moment. His defense rating this year is 111.8, while he is a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.