C. J. Leslie
C. J. Leslie | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 25, 1991 United States |
| Occupation | Professional basketball player |
| Years active | 2013–2020 |
Calvin "C. J." Leslie (born June 25, 1991) is a former professional basketball player from the United States. He competed collegiately for North Carolina State.
High school career
Leslie spent three years at Word of God Christian Academy, where he played alongside John Wall for two seasons. During his final year of high school, he earned selections to both the McDonald's All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic.
College career
Upon graduating high school, Leslie committed to play basketball at North Carolina State. In his freshman season, he averaged 11.0 points and led the squad with 7.2 rebounds per contest, which garnered him a spot on the ACC All-Freshmen Team. His sophomore year saw him top the team’s scoring with 14.7 points per game while ranking within the ACC’s top ten in scoring, field goal percentage, and rebounding, earning All-ACC Second Team recognition. As a junior, Leslie once again led NC State in scoring with 15.1 points per game (seventh in the conference) and rebounding at 7.4 per game (tied for eighth), receiving All-ACC Third Team honors. He played a key role in guiding the Wolfpack to back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances in 2011–12 and 2012–13, marking the first consecutive bids for the program since 2005–06.
Professional career
After not being selected in the 2013 NBA draft, Leslie signed a partially guaranteed deal with the New York Knicks on July 8, 2013, and participated with them in the Las Vegas Summer League. He was released on October 25 following five preseason outings.
Leslie joined the Erie BayHawks of the NBA Development League on October 31, 2013. On February 26, 2014, he was traded to the Idaho Stampede.
In July 2014, Leslie was drafted by Anyang KGC of the KBL, appearing in 18 games before departing in November. In January 2015, he signed with GlobalPort Batang Pier for the Commissioner's Cup, posting averages of 29.3 points and 14.3 rebounds across four contests.
On February 14, 2015, Leslie inked a contract with Puerto Rico’s Mets de Guaynabo. That summer, he joined the Sacramento Kings roster for the 2015 NBA Summer League. On August 12, 2015, he committed to play with Hapoel Eilat in the Israeli League.
Leslie signed with Cypriot club Petrolina AEK Larnaca on January 21, 2016. Later that year, on October 30, he was acquired by Raptors 905 of the NBA Development League.
On May 1, 2019, Leslie was selected in the second round of the Big3 draft by Bivouac.
In early 2020, Leslie joined Saudi Arabian team Al-Hilal in March and later signed with another Saudi club, Al-Nasr, in November.
Personal life
Leslie's younger sister, Kiara, also pursues a career as a professional basketball player.