I’m 26 years old, born on 13 July 1995 (Cancerian), – Danté Liman Exum, in Melbourne, Australia – yep, the Land Down Under – and where I first found my love for basketball. My basketball journey began when I was 5 years old. My parents instilled in me, my twin sister (Tierra) and older brother (Jamaar) a balanced life of hard work, rest and play. Study, sport and fun was what we did growing up.
ABOUT MY JOURNEY
I was a very active kid and wanted to experiment with all sports from Little Athletics (Track and Field) to Cross Country, Australian Rules Football (AFL), Tennis and a bit of Cricket (as you do in Australia). My dad (Cecil) from Goldsboro, NC USA played basketball for over 20 years (Junior and Senior High School, College – UNC Chapel Hill, Sweden and Australia and my mom (Desirée) from Hillsborough, NC USA ran track (Junior and Senior High School).
Considering myself a multifaceted sports person, I truly enjoyed both track and basketball, but it was basketball I fell in love with. Basketball felt second nature to me from the jump and I know it might seem strange for someone to “know” from such a young age what they want to do in life – but I did. I recall watching my first few NBA games and visualizing my future. The seed was planted and basketball would become my driving force. I wanted to become a professional basketballer and compete at the highest level and nothing or anyone would stop me from achieving my goal of playing in the NBA. My parents could see how I serious I was about this so we set out on a journey to turn my dreams into reality.
As basketball became a fixture in my life, I played in many Representative and State teams under the Werribee and Keilor Sports Club banners. It was during my junior basketball team experiences (we enjoyed many successes) which led to me being noticed and then selected to attend the prestigious Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). When I was 15, I packed my bags and headed to Canberra, leaving behind my family, friends and all I had known. But I knew doing this would move me one step closer towards my goal of playing in the NBA.
While at the AIS, I made a lot of new friends, learned many life lessons and travelled to different countries representing Australia with my teammates to put our skills on display and show the world that Aussies can play ball. However, my focus on studies was not lost as I attended and graduated from Lake Ginninderra Secondary College. All of these incredible opportunities gave me the global exposure which ultimately allowed me to be accepted into the 2014 NBA Draft. With that nod, I signed with Landmark Sports Agency and off we went, my dream officially becoming reality!
On the 26th day of June in 2014, at the age of 18 years old, I stood before the world at the NBA Draft in Madison Square Garden, New York knowing my life was about to change forever. My mind was racing on the night, thoughts like: Where will I be drafted?, Will I like the NBA?, and one that completely floored me… I’m going to be playing alongside my idols! On that night, I was bestowed an amazing gift – I was selected in the 1st round as the 5th overall pick by the Utah Jazz. It was the most surreal moment of my life. Everything I had been working so hard for all those years finally came to fruition, but the funny thing was, the real work was just beginning!
Phew, the Draft was over!
Along with the family, we embarked on beautiful Salt Lake City – my new home.
The boy from Oz had arrived and was presented with the #11 jersey which I wore with pride for 5 years. I learned so much about myself, the NBA and the USA – I grew up!
My chapter with the Jazz came to an end on 23rd December 2019 and it was time for a new adventure!
My proudest achievement so far came at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where I won a medal for my country!
After a brief stint with the Cavs and Rockets, and I am now playing for FC Barcelona Bàsquet wearing #5 – with PRIDE!
I’m LIVING my DREAM and wouldn’t have it any other way. I hope my story inspires you to pursue your dreams and never give up.
This is a bit of an insight into my journey. I will continue to share more so make sure to subscribe to my mailing list to stay connected with MY WORLD.
I WANT TO MAKE AN IMPACT
NOT JUST ANY IMPACT
A MAJOR IMPACT ON THE TEAM
I WANT TO BE THAT GUY
AT THE END OF THE GAME
TAKING THE LAST SHOT
THAT’S A GOAL I’VE SET FOR MYSELF
AND EXPECT MYSELF TO MAKE
