Andre Ingram
Andre Ingram (born November 19, 1985) is an American former professional basketball player who is best known for his perseverance in the NBA G League, where he holds the all-time records for most games played (474) and three-pointers made (846), before making his NBA debut with the Los Angeles Lakers at age 32 in 2018.[1][2] Standing at 6 feet 3 inches as a shooting guard, Ingram appeared in six NBA games over two seasons with the Lakers, averaging 4.0 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 34.8% from the field.[3] His story of grinding through a decade in the minors while working as a math tutor inspired many, culminating in a memorable debut where he scored 19 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including 4-of-5 from three-point range, against the Houston Rockets.[1][4] Born in Richmond, Virginia, Ingram developed a passion for basketball from a young age and graduated from Highland Springs High School in 2003.[5] He played college basketball at American University from 2003 to 2007, where he earned Patriot League Rookie of the Year honors in 2004 and was a three-time All-Patriot League selection, including first-team accolades in 2005 and 2007.[6] Over his collegiate career, Ingram ranked fifth on American's all-time scoring list with 1,655 points and established himself as one of the program's top three-point shooters, helping the Eagles to multiple postseason appearances in the Patriot League.[7] Undrafted in the 2007 NBA Draft, Ingram began his professional career in the G League with the Utah Flash, spending the next 15 seasons primarily with Lakers-affiliated teams like the Los Angeles D-Fenders and South Bay Lakers, where he averaged 9.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 474 games.[8] His NBA opportunities came via two 10-day contracts with the Lakers in 2018 and 2019; the first resulted in two games in April 2018, including his debut on April 10, and the second in four games in March 2019.[1] Ingram's last recorded G League game was in 2022, after which he transitioned out of active play to leadership roles, including as president of the G League Players Association, though he remains celebrated for embodying resilience in professional basketball.[3][9]Early life and education
Childhood and family background
Andre Ingram was born on November 19, 1985, in Richmond, Virginia.[10] He grew up in a close-knit family of four in a modest three-bedroom home in the Eastern Henrico area, alongside his parents, Lucious Ingram and Eva Yvonne Ingram, and his older brother, Lucious Allen Ingram II, who is seven years his senior.[10][11][12] His mother, Eva, worked for over 40 years at Bank of America, starting as a data entry clerk and advancing to a supervisory role, while providing strong support for her family's values of hard work and education.[12] Ingram developed an early passion for basketball through local community programs, beginning to play organized games at the Chickahominy YMCA in Richmond around the age of eight, where he first dreamed of reaching the NBA.[10] His family emphasized academic achievement alongside athletics; Ingram attended local public schools in Henrico County before high school, showing an aptitude for mathematics and science that later influenced his college pursuits.[10][13] By his early teens, Ingram had surpassed his older brother in one-on-one basketball games, honing his skills in neighborhood and community settings that laid the groundwork for his high school career at Highland Springs High School.[11]High school basketball career
Andre Ingram attended Highland Springs High School in Highland Springs, Virginia, a suburb of Richmond, where he developed into a standout basketball player during his four years on the varsity team starting as a freshman.[10] Under coach George Lancaster, Ingram honed his skills as a 6-foot-3 guard known for his scoring and leadership on the court, contributing to the team's success in the competitive Virginia High School League.[14] As a junior, Ingram averaged 27.2 points per game, earning recognition as the Capital District Player of the Year, First-Team All-Central Region, and First-Team All-Metro.[15] In his senior year during the 2002–03 season, he elevated his performance to an average of 22.8 points and 9.5 rebounds per game while shooting 49% from three-point range, repeating as Capital District Player of the Year and securing First-Team All-State, First-Team All-Central Region, and First-Team All-Metro honors, while also being named the Virginia Player of the Year.[16][15] These accolades highlighted his scoring prowess and all-around impact, as he helped lead the Highland Springs Springers to the Group AAA state championship, defeating South Lakes 50–35 in the title game where he contributed 16 points.[14][17] Ingram's high school achievements drew attention from college programs, culminating in his recruitment by American University in Washington, D.C., where he committed to play for the Eagles in the Patriot League starting in the 2003–04 season.[15] His family provided crucial support throughout his high school journey, encouraging his dedication to both academics and athletics.[18]College career
Freshman year
Andre Ingram began his collegiate basketball career at American University during the 2003–04 season, transitioning smoothly from a standout high school career at Highland Springs High School in Richmond, Virginia, where he earned All-Metro and Capital District Player of the Year honors.[15] As a freshman guard for the Eagles in the Patriot League, Ingram faced the typical challenges of adapting to higher-level competition and a more demanding schedule, but his prior preparation as a top recruit enabled him to contribute immediately as a foundational player on the team.[19] He started all 31 games, providing scoring and perimeter defense while helping the Eagles achieve an 18-13 overall record and a 10-4 conference mark. The Eagles co-won the regular season title and advanced as the No. 2 seed to the Patriot League Tournament championship, where they lost 59-57 to Lehigh on March 14, 2004.[20][21] Ingram averaged 13.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, leading the team in scoring and ranking fifth in the Patriot League.[22] His efficiency from beyond the arc was notable, shooting 39.6% on three-pointers, which complemented his role in spacing the floor and creating opportunities for teammates.[23] These contributions established him as a key offensive weapon early on, despite the team's inconsistent non-conference play.[20] A highlight of Ingram's freshman campaign came in his collegiate debut on November 22, 2003, against Maryland, where he scored 16 points, grabbed five rebounds, dished two assists, and recorded two steals in a 79–48 loss, showcasing his poise under pressure against a ranked opponent.[24] His strong individual performance throughout the year culminated in him being named the Patriot League Rookie of the Year, the first player from American University to receive the honor, recognizing his immediate impact and potential as a program leader.[22][25]Sophomore year
In his sophomore season during the 2004–05 campaign, Andre Ingram built on his freshman experience by assuming a more prominent role in American University's lineup, averaging 15.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game across 28 appearances.[22] He started 27 games, showcasing defensive prowess with 1.1 steals per game while helping to anchor the backcourt.[22] Ingram's scoring efficiency contributed to the Eagles' improved performance, as the team compiled a 17-11 overall record (9-5 conference) and advanced to the Patriot League semifinals before falling to Bucknell, 53-35.[26] His perimeter shooting and rebounding added balance to the offense, supporting key wins in conference play.[27] A notable personal achievement came on February 6, 2005, against Holy Cross, where Ingram tallied 10 points in a 76-67 overtime defeat, highlighting his growing consistency as a scorer.[28] Ingram earned first-team All-Patriot League honors for his performance.[7]Junior year
In his junior season during the 2005–06 campaign, Andre Ingram continued to anchor the American University Eagles as a starting guard, appearing in all 29 games while averaging 32.4 minutes per contest. He led the team in scoring for the third straight year with 12.0 points per game, alongside 4.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists, shooting 34.5% from the field and 33.8% from three-point range.[22] Ingram notched double-digit points in 19 games, including a season-opening 24-point performance on 9-of-15 shooting against the University of Washington on November 19, 2005, helping the Eagles secure an 80-75 upset victory.[22] Earlier in December, he earned Patriot League Anaconda Player of the Week honors after scoring a then-season-high 21 points in a 72-60 win over Howard University on December 17, 2005.[29] Ingram's consistent production earned him second-team All-Patriot League honors at the conclusion of the regular season, recognizing his role as a key offensive contributor despite a slight dip in scoring efficiency from his sophomore year.[6] He also reached the 1,000-point milestone in his career during a January 2, 2006, game against Saint Francis (Pa.), where he added a season-high 10 rebounds to his 18 points in a 65-56 victory.[22] As a vocal leader on a young squad, Ingram helped guide the Eagles through a challenging 12-17 regular-season record (7-7 in conference play), fostering improved team cohesion evident in their defensive efforts that limited opponents to 68.0 points per game.[30] The Eagles qualified for the Patriot League Tournament as the No. 4 seed, where Ingram contributed 11 points in a 75-62 quarterfinal win over Lafayette on March 3, 2006, advancing to the semifinals for the second consecutive year.[31] Their tournament run ended with a 57-49 semifinal loss to Holy Cross on March 4, 2006.[32][33] Throughout the season, Ingram maintained his academic standing, earning recognition on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll for the third straight year with a GPA above 3.0.Senior year
In his senior season during the 2006–07 campaign, Andre Ingram served as a primary scoring option and leader for the American University Eagles men's basketball team, starting all 30 games and averaging 15.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting 42.4% from three-point range.[22] His consistent production helped anchor the team's offense, where he ranked fifth in the Patriot League in scoring and second in three-point percentage, contributing to an overall team record of 16–14 and a fourth-place finish in conference play with a 7–7 mark.[34][7] Ingram's standout performance earned him first-team All-Patriot League honors, marking his second such selection after his sophomore year and capping a three-time all-conference career.[6] He also received recognition on the 2007 All-Patriot League Tournament team following the Eagles' participation in the postseason event.[22] Over the course of the season, Ingram achieved career highs in scoring efficiency and perimeter shooting, solidifying his role as the team's top shooter and setting the stage for his professional transition. Upon graduating in 2007, Ingram earned a bachelor's degree in physics from American University's College of Arts and Sciences, balancing his academic pursuits with his on-court responsibilities.[10] His four-year college tenure concluded with 1,655 total points, placing him fifth on the school's all-time scoring list at the time.[6]Professional career
Early G League stints (2007–2016)
After going undrafted in the 2007 NBA draft, Ingram was selected by the Utah Flash in the seventh round (94th overall) of the 2007 NBA D-League Draft.[35][36] He spent his first four professional seasons with the Flash from 2007 to 2011, appearing in 198 games and progressively improving his scoring output, culminating in a career-high 13.0 points per game during the 2010–11 season.[2] Over this span, Ingram averaged 10.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, establishing himself as a reliable sharpshooting guard while adapting to the demands of professional basketball following his college career at American University.[2] Ingram made a brief appearance with the Los Angeles D-Fenders late in the 2011–12 season, playing six games and averaging 12.2 points.[2] He sat out the entire 2012–13 season due to a lack of contract offers. Returning to the D-Fenders for the 2013–14 campaign, he remained with the team through 2016, contributing to their 2015–16 Western Conference championship while averaging 9.7 points per game across 123 regular-season appearances in that period.[2] His role often involved providing perimeter shooting and veteran leadership from the bench. Seeking new opportunities, Ingram signed with the Perth Wildcats of Australia's National Basketball League in October 2016, but his stint proved short-lived, as he appeared in only two games, averaging 8.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists before requesting a release due to mental health concerns.[37][38] Throughout his early G League years, Ingram navigated significant challenges, including roster instability from team transitions and a full season missed, as well as injuries that restricted his availability, such as playing just 28 games in 2014–15.[2] These obstacles underscored the journeyman nature of his career, yet he persisted as a consistent contributor in the developmental league.International experience and return to G League (2016–2017)
In October 2016, Andre Ingram signed a one-year contract with the Perth Wildcats of Australia's National Basketball League (NBL), replacing import guard Jaron Johnson and bringing his reputation as the D-League's all-time leader in three-pointers made to the team.[39][40] At age 31, Ingram made his NBL debut on October 21, 2016, scoring nine points in a win over the Cairns Taipans, but his role was limited amid stiff competition from established guards like Damian Martin and Jarrod Kenny.[17] Over two games, he averaged 20.5 minutes, 8.5 points, and a 35.3% field goal percentage, struggling to secure consistent playing time.[37] Ingram was released by the Wildcats on October 26, 2016, citing mental health reasons, just five days after his debut and before the NBL regular season fully ramped up.[38] He returned to the United States and rejoined the Los Angeles D-Fenders, the Lakers' affiliate, for the 2016–17 G League season starting in November, leveraging his prior experience with the team to rebuild his rhythm.[41] In 10 regular-season games with the D-Fenders, Ingram averaged 29.3 minutes and 11.6 points per game, showcasing elite three-point shooting at 55.1% on 3.5 attempts, which ranked among the league's best for qualifiers that season.[2] The abrupt shift from Australia's faster-paced NBL to the G League presented adaptation hurdles, including readjusting to different officiating styles and team dynamics after limited overseas exposure, though Ingram's veteran status from earlier stints helped stabilize his performance.[41] On March 6, 2017, he was designated as a returning player by the D-Fenders (renamed the South Bay Lakers the following season), securing his spot for the 2017–18 campaign and bridging his international detour back to sustained domestic play.[41]Los Angeles Lakers NBA debut (2018)
On April 9, 2018, after a decade in the NBA G League, 32-year-old guard Andre Ingram signed a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, fulfilling a long-held dream of reaching the NBA.[42][43] This opportunity came late in the regular season, allowing Ingram to join the team for its final two games.[44] Ingram made his NBA debut on April 10, 2018, against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center, entering the game in the second quarter and playing 29 minutes. He scored 19 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field, including 4-of-5 from three-point range, while adding three blocks and one steal in the Lakers' 100-96 loss. His efficient performance, particularly from beyond the arc, showcased the sharpshooting skills he had honed over years in the G League.[1][43][42] The debut generated significant media attention, becoming a viral story of perseverance and underdog triumph after Ingram's 10-year professional journey without an NBA call-up. Featured on ESPN's SportsCenter and TNT's Inside the NBA, where Charles Barkley praised his effort, Ingram's moment inspired widespread admiration, with fellow players like Chris Paul and Isaiah Thomas publicly congratulating him on social media. In post-game interviews, Ingram described the experience as "once in a lifetime," expressing gratitude to his family, coaches, and the supportive Lakers crowd that chanted his name.[1][42][43] Following the debut, Ingram appeared in the Lakers' season finale against the Los Angeles Clippers on April 11, 2018, scoring two points in a 101-96 victory. His 10-day contract expired at the end of the regular season, and the Lakers did not extend it, leading Ingram to return to the South Bay Lakers in the G League without further NBA opportunities that year.[1][43][42]Later G League career and leadership roles (2018–2023)
Following his brief NBA stint with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, Ingram signed a second 10-day contract with the Lakers on March 14, 2019, appearing in five games and averaging 3.0 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 40.0% from three-point range.[3] He returned to the South Bay Lakers for the remainder of the 2018–19 G League season, appearing in 37 games and averaging 8.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game while shooting 37.5 percent from three-point range.[45] He continued with the South Bay Lakers into the 2019–20 season, playing in 28 games and posting averages of 8.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game before suffering a season-ending right pectoralis tendon tear on January 22, 2020.[45][46] The 2020–21 G League season was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Ingram did not appear in any games that year, focusing instead on his growing off-court responsibilities.[47] He rejoined the South Bay Lakers for the 2021–22 season, where he played in 25 games off the bench, averaging 3.0 points and 1.2 rebounds per game in limited minutes.[45] That season, Ingram was selected by his peers as the winner of the 2021–22 Kia NBA G League Sportsmanship Award, becoming only the second two-time recipient in league history after also earning the honor in 2009–10; the award recognized his exemplary conduct, leadership, and contributions to the league community.[48] In October 2020, Ingram was elected as the inaugural president of the NBA G League Players Association (later renamed the Next Generation Basketball Players Union), a role he held from 2020 until late 2024, advocating for player welfare, better working conditions, and union representation during a formative period for the organization.[49][50] As president, he helped establish the union's executive committee and oversaw key initiatives, including the hiring of the first executive director in 2023.[51] Ingram did not play during the 2022–23 G League season, marking his sudden departure from on-court action after 13 professional seasons, primarily to address family matters including his mother's cancer diagnosis.[52] By 2023, while continuing his leadership role with the players' union, Ingram expressed interest in retirement but remained open to a potential comeback, though he has not appeared in any games since the 2021–22 season and did not play in the 2023–24 or 2024–25 campaigns, nor in the 2025-26 season as of November 2025, while expressing hope for a comeback in 2024.[52]G League achievements and records
Career milestones and awards
Ingram's NBA call-up with the Los Angeles Lakers on April 9, 2018, after a decade in the G League, symbolized extraordinary perseverance in pursuit of a professional basketball dream.[53] The signing, which allowed him to make his debut at age 32, captured widespread attention as an inspirational narrative of dedication amid repeated setbacks. His story was prominently featured in NBA promotions and national media, including segments on Good Morning America that emphasized themes of resilience and hard work.[54] In October 2020, Ingram was elected as the inaugural president of the NBA G League Players Association (BPU), a newly formed union aimed at representing players' interests.[49] In this leadership role, he focused on advocating for enhanced player welfare, better working conditions, and greater bargaining power within the league.[55] His election reflected his respected status among peers, built on years of experience and mentorship in the G League. Ingram received the 2021-22 Kia NBA G League Sportsmanship Award in April 2022, recognizing his exemplary leadership, positive influence on teammates, and contributions to community service.[48] This marked his second time earning the honor, underscoring his consistent embodiment of sportsmanship throughout his professional tenure.[56]Statistical records
Andre Ingram holds the all-time NBA G League record for most games played, with 510 appearances across his professional career, a testament to his remarkable longevity in the league.[2] He also stands as the career leader in three-point field goals made, totaling 841, highlighting his consistent sharpshooting prowess over more than a decade.[57] Ingram ranks third on the G League's all-time scoring list with 4,536 points, reflecting his steady offensive contributions in a development league known for high turnover.[57] One of Ingram's standout individual seasons came in 2017–2018, when he achieved a single-season high of 47.5% from three-point range, shooting efficiently on volume attempts for the South Bay Lakers.[2] Ingram was reacquired by the South Bay Lakers on March 8, 2023, adding to his career totals before transitioning out of active play. In the playoffs, Ingram appeared in 14 games, averaging 6.0 points per game.[45]Career statistics
College statistics
Ingram's college basketball career at American University from 2003 to 2007 showcased steady progression as a sharpshooting guard, culminating in career totals of 1,655 points, 526 rebounds, and 197 assists across 118 games.[6][22] His scoring output increased each season, reflecting improved offensive role and efficiency within the Patriot League.[22]| Season | Games | PPG |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman (2003–04) | 31 | 13.6 |
| Sophomore (2004–05) | 28 | 15.3 |
| Junior (2005–06) | 29 | 12.0 |
| Senior (2006–07) | 30 | 15.2 |
NBA statistics
Andre Ingram appeared in six NBA games during his brief tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers, spanning the end of the 2017–18 season and the start of the 2018–19 season.[3] In total, he scored 24 points while shooting 34.8% from the field, 33.3% from three-point range (5 of 15 attempts), and 100% from the free-throw line (3 of 3).[3] His debut on April 10, 2018, against the Houston Rockets was particularly notable, where he scored 19 points in 29 minutes, including 6-of-8 from the field, 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, and perfect 3-of-3 free throws, providing a spark off the bench in a 100–96 loss.[43] Over those six games, Ingram averaged 4.0 points, 1.2 assists, and 1.3 rebounds per game in 13.2 minutes of playing time.[58] He did not appear in any playoff games and his NBA career consisted solely of this limited regular-season exposure.[3]| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | LAL | 2 | 32.0 | 12.0 | 3.0 | 3.5 | .471 | .556 | 1.000 |
| 2018-19 | LAL | 4 | 3.8 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | .000 | .000 | - |
| Career | - | 6 | 13.2 | 4.0 | 1.3 | 1.2 | .348 | .333 | 1.000 |
G League regular season statistics
Andre Ingram demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout his extensive G League regular season career, spanning over 15 years and encompassing 510 games. His career averages stand at 9.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, reflecting a steady scoring presence as a sharpshooting guard who prioritized efficiency and team contribution.[8] A hallmark of Ingram's game was his proficiency from beyond the arc, where he established himself as one of the league's premier long-range shooters. Over his career, he made 841 three-pointers, achieving the all-time G League record for most three-pointers made, which underscored his role as a reliable perimeter threat in various offensive systems.[2][57] This volume shooting not only bolstered his scoring but also contributed to his all-time records in games played and three-pointers made, derived directly from these regular season performances.[57] Ingram experienced peak scoring output in select seasons, highlighting his adaptability and growth. During the 2019–2020 season with the South Bay Lakers, he averaged 16.5 points per game prior to sustaining an injury, showcasing sustained high-level production late in his career. Similarly, in the 2017–2018 season with the South Bay Lakers, he averaged 9.1 points per game.[2] His statistical contributions varied by team affiliation, illustrating his evolution across franchises. With the Utah Flash from 2007 to 2011, Ingram averaged 10.2 points per game, focusing on development and perimeter defense in a rebuilding environment. Later, with the Los Angeles D-Fenders (2011–2017) and subsequent South Bay Lakers (2017–2023), he maintained consistent output benefiting from increased minutes and a system tailored to his shooting strengths.[2]| Season | Team | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–18 | South Bay Lakers | 47 | 9.1 | 2.5 | 1.1 | 37.5% |
| 2019–20 | South Bay Lakers | 25 | 16.5 | 3.0 | 1.5 | 40.0% |