Carl who? That's right—Carl English.
If you haven't heard of him, that's okay, because I'm about to tell you all about him.
On the surface, he appears to be just another guy who had a good college career who wasn't good enough to make an NBA roster. He participated in the Indiana Pacers training camp in 2003 and the Seattle Supersonics training camp in 2004, and was cut both times.
So why is he worthy of an article? It turns out that he's not just another guy.
English was born in St. John's, Newfoundland—that's in Canada—and when he was five years old he lost both his parents in a house fire. He was separated from his four brothers and went to live with his aunt and uncle in Patrick's Cove-Angels Cove, Newfoundland (pop. 97).
Basketball became his outlet in the tiny Canadian town, and when he was in high school he sought to gain exposure for himself—so he moved to Toronto and lived with a cousin. It was there—at St. Thomas of Aquinas High School—that he caught the eye of a few Division I schools. Ultimately, he decided on the University of Hawaii.
Just before English was about to leave for Hawaii, tragedy struck again—his uncle passed away on a fishing trip. If that wasn't enough to deal with, English was only able to play in two games as a freshman before needing season-ending surgery on his left ankle. He was granted a medical redshirt.
The next three years saw English thrive under UH coach Riley Wallace. As a junior, English earned First Team All-WAC honors, and finished second in the conference in scoring, averaging 19.6 points per game. He decided to forego his senior year and declare for the 2003 NBA Draft. He was projected to go either in the late first round or early second round.
English was in a Toronto restaurant on draft night together with his girlfriend, close friends and family. Even in Hawaii, his coach and teammates were watching the draft together to see where he would be picked. They all waited in vain as all 29 NBA teams passed on him. Twice.
From there, English played two years in the D-Leauge, where he put up some impressive numbers, but still couldn't land a spot in the association. Then, in the 2005-06 season, he played in Italy, followed by a season in Croatia ('06-07).
In the summer of 2007, he played for the Houston Rockets summer league team and this past season he played in the super-competitive Spanish League.
"Captain Canada," as he is affectionately called (he's been on Team Canada since 2000) is still optimistic about one day playing in the NBA. "I know I can be a good role player in the NBA," English says. "I just need someone to take a chance on me."
He isn't the only one who thinks so. When he was in training camp with the Sonics in 2004, Ray Allen took English aside and said to him, "You might not make this team, but just know—you can definitely play at this level. It's all about being in the right situation."
So as English's chances of making it to the League get smaller and smaller with every passing year- he's 27 now- I implore any NBA front office person who happens to read this article: "PLEASE give this guy a chance!"
6 comments Last one added 8 months ago — Leave a Comment
Brett Fulmore 9 months ago
I followed English during his time at Hawaii and I remember being legitimately bummed out when he got passed over completely in the draft after being ranked as a possible first rounder.
As a Canadian ball fan, I'll always have a great deal of respect for him because of what he's done with our National team but I'd love to see him get a crack at the NBA. Like you said, he brings a lot of the intangibles that help a team win. I hope he gets his shot.
Good Article dude.
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Dave Morrison 9 months ago
Nate, great article man.
The fact that I am a Canadian hooper myself, I can not help but root for English. What a story, to go through all that, and still have the desire to play in the league, thats amazing. That is a real love of the sport.
Toronto seems like a good fit, but what about a back up for the Warriors? Just saying with Ellis out, the Bay is a great place to play. Not to mention we could use a guard with a consistent 3 ball off the bench, who in the league doesn't need that?
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Sang Nguyen 9 months ago
I've been following Basketball Canada for years now and Carl's been far and away our number one (or 2, when Nash was playing) guy for awhile now. He's got a deft touch at the 3.
Still, despite being the best player on team Canada, there are simply better players on better teams who themselves have yet to be given a shot at the NBA. Is he NBA calibur? Sure, but so are a few hundred other players around the globe.
I hope he does get a shot sometime down the line (hopefully with the Raps) but if he doesn't, it's understandable why.
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c s 9 months ago
though it is not very realted to the article another great player that never was drafted was both darius washington(one of my friends) and Jerry macnamara two great players that didnt get that chace life sucks sometimes.
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basketball lover 9 months ago
unbelievable i didn't know Canada was able to produce anything besides for snow, hockey players, and poutine. It was a very inspiring story, you portrayed it exquisitely. have you ever thought of becoming a sports writer
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Nate Rossman 8 months ago
You really have talent as a sports writer. Keep at it. Great article. Go english!
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