Early Life and Education of Joel Embiid: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Joel Embiid. From birth to education, explore key events.

Joel Embiid, a Cameroonian-American professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers, is a dominant force in the NBA. Drafted third overall in 2014 after playing for the Kansas Jayhawks, the 7-foot center has become a seven-time NBA All-Star, five-time All-NBA Team member, and three-time All-Defensive Team member. Notably, he's a two-time NBA scoring champion and secured the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 2023. Embiid's achievements extend to international play, winning a gold medal with the U.S. Olympic team in 2024.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

March 1994: Joel Embiid's Birth

On March 1994, Joel Hans Embiid was born. He is now a Cameroonian-American professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

November 2012: Committed to Kansas

In November 2012, Joel Embiid, a five-star recruit, committed to play basketball at the University of Kansas.

2013: Played College Basketball

In 2013-14, Joel Embiid played 28 games for the University of Kansas, averaging 11.2 points and 8.1 rebounds.

February 2014: Naismith College Player of the Year Finalist

On 13 February 2014, Joel Embiid was named one of the 30 finalists for the Naismith College Player of the Year award.

March 2014: Stress Fracture and Missed Tournaments

In March 2014, Joel Embiid suffered a stress fracture in his back, causing him to miss the Big 12 tournament and the NCAA tournament.

October 2014: Embiid's younger brother, Arthur, died

In October 2014, Embiid's younger brother, Arthur, died in a car crash in his home country of Cameroon.

February 2017: Embiid named to preliminary Cameroon team for 2017 FIBA AfroBasket

In February 2017, Embiid was named to the preliminary Cameroon team to compete in the 2017 FIBA AfroBasket in the Republic of Congo.

2018: Relationship with Brazilian model Anne de Paula

In 2018, Embiid began a relationship with Brazilian model Anne de Paula.

September 2020: Birth of son

In September 2020, Embiid and Anne de Paula welcomed their son.

March 2021: Embiid donates $100,000 to fight homelessness in Philadelphia

In March 2021, Embiid donated $100,000, his 2021 NBA All-Star Game winnings, to fight homelessness in Philadelphia.

July 2022: Embiid granted citizenship by France

In July 2022, Embiid was granted citizenship by France as "a foreigner [...] whose naturalization is of exceptional interest".

July 2023: Marriage to Anne de Paula

In July 2023, Embiid and Anne de Paula were married.

2024: Embiid commits to play for 2024 U.S. Olympic team

In 2024, Embiid committed to play for the 2024 U.S. Olympic team in Paris, stating that he wanted to win a gold medal for his son, who was born in the U.S.

2028: Embiid has not ruled out playing for Cameroon in the future

Embiid has not ruled out playing for Cameroon in the future. However, he would need permission from FIBA and the United States men's national basketball team in order to do so in 2028.