C. J. Wilcox
A sweet-shooting guard from Washington whose NBA journey was defined by a lethal three-point stroke and persistent injury challenges.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American basketball player·Birthday: December 30·Millennials
Biography
C.J. Wilcox built his reputation as one of the purest shooters in University of Washington history, a player whose effortless stroke seemed destined for a long NBA life. At Washington, he evolved from a role player into a scoring leader, finishing as the program’s all-time leader in three-pointers made. The Los Angeles Clippers selected him in the first round of the 2014 draft, valuing his potential as a floor-spacing specialist. His professional path, however, became a battle against opportunity and health. Stuck behind established guards on deep rosters with the Clippers and later the Orlando Magic, Wilcox struggled to find consistent minutes. A leg fracture in 2017 significantly hampered his progress. While his NBA stat line remained modest, those who watched him in college or practice never doubted the caliber of his shooting talent, which he later showcased in stints overseas and in the NBA G League before retiring.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
C. was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When C. Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
C.'s Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the University of Washington's all-time leader in three-point field goals made (with 301).
- Selected in the first round (28th overall) of the 2014 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers.
- Scored a career-high 15 points in an NBA game for the Orlando Magic against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017.
- Averaged 12.2 points per game over his four-year collegiate career with the Huskies.
Did You Know?
His full name is Brian Craig Wilcox, with 'C.J.' coming from his first and middle initials.
He was a track and field standout in high school, competing in the high jump and long jump.
He played his final professional basketball season for Promitheas Patras B.C. in Greece.
“My job is to make shots, and I work at it every day.”
