George Laettner

George Laettner is a two-time NCAA Tournament champion and one of basketball’s all-time greats. He began his career at Nichols School before signing with Duke University to continue his stellar career.

Laettner was raised in Angola, New York and is of Roman Catholic heritage. His father George is a blue collar worker while his mother Bonnie worked as a teacher.

Early Life and Education

Children’s early years are critical periods in their brain development as well as critical social and emotional learning. The foundations for a child’s successful education can be laid in these formative years.

Christian Laettner was born into a blue-collar Roman Catholic family in Angola, New York – just minutes away from Buffalo and Niagara Falls. His father George worked as a printer while his mother Bonnie taught school.

Christian was often bullied by his older brother Christopher, which spurred him on to develop an intense competitive drive. As a result, Christian went on to become two-time NCAA champion and college basketball legend.

Professional Career

He was raised in Angola, New York to a blue-collar Roman Catholic family. His father George was an immigrant from Poland; and his mother Bonnie worked as a teacher.

Laettner was a member of the 1992 United States men’s Olympic basketball team, commonly referred to as “The Dream Team.” Additionally, he played professionally for 13 NBA seasons.

After his basketball career, he opened numerous youth training camps and co-owned Blue Devil Ventures – a community development company.

He is an enthusiastic Musketeer fisherman and has donated to his alma maters. Additionally, he has been a featured guest on several TV shows.

Achievements and Honors

George Laettner was a professional basketball player for 13 years in the National Basketball Association. He played for various teams such as Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards and Miami Heat, among others.

He is renowned for his game-winning shot against Kentucky during the 1992 NCAA tournament, which helped Duke secure its second consecutive national title. Additionally, he earned national player of the year honors and is inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Laettner earned his stripes for Duke University from 1988 to 1992 under coach Mike Krzyzewski, leading them to back-to-back national championships and a runner-up finish in his sophomore year. Throughout that span, he appeared in 23 out of 24 NCAA tournament games – winning 21 of them – which both hold school records.

Personal Life

Christian Laettner was raised in a working-class Roman Catholic family. He was born on August 17, 1969 in Angola, New York.

He played basketball for Duke University from 1988 to 1992 under coach Mike Krzyzewski and was their star player during their final two seasons. During those two years, he led them to their first two national titles in school history.

Laettner has enjoyed immense success as a professional basketball player and is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) history. He also gained notoriety for his game-winning shot against Kentucky during the 1992 NCAA tournament.

Net Worth

Throughout his career, he earned $61 million from NBA salaries. However, losses from various joint business ventures severely reduced his net worth.

Laettner was born on August 17, 1969 in Angola, New York to a working-class Roman Catholic family. His father George was of Polish descent and spoke Polish as his first language; Bonnie served in the teaching profession.

His older brother Christopher was a powerful influence, often bullying him and inspiring in him an intense competitive spirit. Both boys worked as agricultural laborers to supplement their incomes on a regular basis.

Laettner was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves as their third overall pick in 1992 and played 13 seasons for them. Previously, he also spent time with Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, and Miami Heat during his career.