Youth

Chris Paul was born on May 6, 1985, in Lewisville, North Carolina, just outside of Winston-Salem. Paul played basketball and football throughout his childhood, with his father teaching and coaching him and his brother.

Paul attended West Forsyth High School in Clemmons, North Carolina. During his junior year, he helped West Forsyth reach the state semifinals. He received national attention during his senior year when he scored 61 points in one game to honor his grandfather, who had recently been murdered at the age of 61. He received a number of honors that season, including being named North Carolina’s Mr. Basketball by The Charlotte Observer.

Paul also played AAU basketball for the Winston-Salem based Kappa Magic, leading the team to the National U-17 AAU title. He was named MVP during the tournament.

College

Beginning in 2003, Paul played two seasons of basketball for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. During his college career, Paul averaged 15 points, 6.3 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game over 63 games played. The Demon Deacons advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament during Paul’s freshman season and to the second round of the tournament during his sophomore season.

After his sophomore season, Paul was selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft by the New Orleans Hornets. Paul, now in his 14th season in the NBA, currently plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Honors/Awards

  • ACC Rookie of the Year (2004)
  • USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2004)
  • Two-time All-ACC (2004, 2005)
  • First Team Consensus All-America (2005)
  • No. 3 Jersey retired by Wake Forest
  • 10-time NBA All-Star (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2020)
  • Two-time Olympic gold medalist (2008, 2012)

Philanthropy and Community Activism

Since Paul began his career as a professional basketball player, he's given back to the community that raised him.

In 2005, Paul and his family partnered with The Winston-Salem Foundation to form the Chris Paul Family Foundation in honor of Paul's late grandfather. The organization offers two scholarships every year to two Forsyth County students.

Paul also made the largest donation ever by a former Wake Forest basketball student-athlete to his alma mater when he donated $2.5 million in 2018.

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