Early Life and Education of Eric Gordon: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Eric Gordon. A timeline of key moments.

Eric Gordon is a Bahamian-American professional basketball player currently with the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. A standout player since high school, where he was named Indiana Mr. Basketball, Gordon gained significant media attention during his recruitment period, particularly the competition between the University of Illinois and Indiana University to secure him. He is known for his talent and high level of play.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

December 25, 1988: Eric Gordon's Birth

On December 25, 1988, Eric Ambrose Gordon Jr. was born. He is a Bahamian-American professional basketball player currently playing for the Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

November 30, 2005: Verbal Commitment to Illinois

On November 30, 2005, Eric Gordon made a verbal commitment to play basketball for Bruce Weber at Illinois, choosing Illinois due to his comfort with Weber, the proximity of the campus to his home, and the success of former Illini guards in the NBA.

2005: Verbal Commitment to Illinois

In 2005, during his sophomore year of high school, Eric Gordon made an early verbal commitment to play basketball for Bruce Weber at the University of Illinois.

July 2006: Gordon Considers Indiana

In July 2006, Eric Gordon was recruited by Sampson's staff and considered opting out of his verbal commitment to Illinois due to concerns about Weber's recruiting class. During that month, Gordon played with Derrick Rose to convince him to join Illinois, but Rose declined.

September 2, 2006: Unofficial Visit to Indiana

On September 2, 2006, Eric Gordon and Derrick Rose made an unofficial visit to Indiana, further fueling speculation about Gordon's commitment switch.

October 13, 2006: Commitment to Indiana

On October 13, 2006, Eric Gordon Sr. announced that his son had officially decided to switch his commitment and play basketball for Indiana University.

November 8, 2006: Signed Letter of Intent with Indiana

On November 8, 2006, Eric Gordon signed a National Letter of Intent with Indiana University.

2006: Recruiting Competition

In 2006, Eric Gordon's high level of play made his recruitment by the University of Illinois and Indiana University a subject of media coverage.

2007: Named Indiana's Mr. Basketball

In 2007, Eric Gordon was named Indiana's "Mr. Basketball" and a McDonald's All-American after leading North Central to the Indiana 4A title game and averaging 29 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. He was also ranked the nation's #2 high school prospect.

2007: Strong Recruiting Class for Indiana

In 2007, Eric Gordon's commitment gave Indiana a very strong recruiting class. Sampson and Weber received criticism for failing to communicate about Gordon's recruitment.

2008: NBA Draft and College Career

In 2008, Eric Gordon entered the NBA draft after one season of college basketball at Indiana where he led the Big Ten in scoring. He was selected seventh overall by the Los Angeles Clippers.

April 10, 2013: Cleared for Back-to-Back Games

On April 10, 2013, Eric Gordon played his first back-to-back set of the season against the Sacramento Kings after being cleared by team doctors from previous restrictions.

April 2013: Hornets Renamed Pelicans

In April 2013, the Hornets were renamed the New Orleans Pelicans. Also, Gordon finished the season as the Hornets' leading scorer, averaging 17.0 points per game.

March 21, 2014: Leaves Game with Knee Tendinitis

On March 21, 2014, Eric Gordon left the game in the first quarter against the Hawks due to knee tendinitis.

April 10, 2014: Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

On April 10, 2014, it was announced that Eric Gordon would undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, ending his season prematurely.

November 24, 2014: Ruled Out Indefinitely with Shoulder Injury

On November 24, 2014, Eric Gordon was ruled out indefinitely with a left shoulder injury, after averaging 9.5 points per game over the first 12 games of the season.

January 5, 2015: Returns from Shoulder Injury

On January 5, 2015, Eric Gordon returned to the court against the Washington Wizards after missing 21 games due to a torn labrum. He recorded 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists in the loss.

January 19, 2016: Fractures Bone in Hand

On January 19, 2016, Eric Gordon sustained a fractured bone in the ring finger of his shooting hand during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, leading to surgery and a subsequent absence from the team.

January 16, 2019: Returns from Knee Injury

On January 16, 2019, Eric Gordon returned from a bruised right knee injury, scoring 20 points in a 145–142 overtime loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

November 2020: Opened "Eric Gordon's Greek Pizzeria"

In November 2020, Eric Gordon opened "Eric Gordon's Greek Pizzeria" in Bloomington, Indiana, directly across from Memorial Stadium.

March 29, 2022: Ruled Out for Remainder of Season

On March 29, 2022, Eric Gordon was ruled out for the remainder of the 2021–22 season with a groin injury.

February 26, 2025: Undergoes Wrist Surgery, Season Ends

On February 26, 2025, Eric Gordon underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right wrist, requiring a three-month recovery and ending his season with the Philadelphia 76ers.