Cole Aldrich
A dependable NBA center who carved out a decade-long career with relentless rebounding and shot-blocking grit.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American basketball player·Birthday: October 31·Millennials
Biography
Cole Aldrich's basketball journey was defined by a blue-collar ethos. At the University of Kansas, he transformed from a raw prospect into a defensive anchor, leading the Jayhawks to a national championship in 2008. Drafted in the lottery, his NBA path wasn't one of stardom but of essential utility. Standing 6'11" with a wide frame, he made his living in the league's trenches, setting bone-crushing screens, chasing loose balls, and protecting the rim in limited minutes. He was the kind of player coaches trusted to provide energy and physicality off the bench for teams like the Thunder, Clippers, and Timberwolves. His career is a testament to the value of mastering the unglamorous fundamentals that help winning teams function.
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.
Cole was born in 1988, 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 Cole Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Cole's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won an NCAA National Championship with the Kansas Jayhawks in 2008.
- Recorded a triple-double with points, rebounds, and blocks in an NBA game for the New Orleans Hornets in 2014.
- Led the Big 12 Conference in rebounds and blocks during his final collegiate season.
Did You Know?
He wore jersey number 45 in the NBA as a tribute to his college number, 45, which he chose because it was Michael Jordan's baseball number.
He was a McDonald's All-American in high school.
After retiring, he became a co-owner of the Iowa Wolves, the NBA G League affiliate of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“My job was to set screens, rebound, and protect the paint.”
