Diante Garrett
A steady-handed point guard whose professional journey across global leagues paved the way for a return to his alma mater as a coach.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American basketball player·Birthday: November 3·Millennials
Biography
Diante Garrett's basketball story is one of persistence and global hustle. At Iowa State, he evolved into a floor general known for his poise and playmaking, leaving a lasting mark in Ames. His professional path, however, was not a straight line to the NBA. After going undrafted, he carved out a career across Europe and in the NBA's developmental league, honing his game in Greece, Italy, and Russia. This grind was rewarded with brief but meaningful NBA stints, including time with the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz, where his role was to provide smart, backup minutes. His understanding of the game, forged through diverse basketball cultures, made a natural transition to coaching inevitable. He returned to Iowa State, the place where his identity as a leader was first solidified, now tasked with developing the next generation of Cyclones.
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.
Diante 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 Diante Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Diante'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
- Played 51 games in the NBA for the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz across two seasons.
- Had a prolific college career at Iowa State, ranking in the top 10 in school history for assists and steals.
- Played professionally in top leagues across Europe, including in Greece, Italy, and Russia.
Did You Know?
He is the son of former NBA player Dickey Garrett.
He led the Big 12 Conference in minutes played during his senior season at Iowa State.
He won an Italian League championship with Olimpia Milano in 2016.
“You control the tempo, you find the open man—that's how you earn your spot every day.”
