Frank Kaminsky
A skilled, modern big man who led Wisconsin to back-to-back Final Fours and became a first-round NBA draft pick with his versatile offensive game.
Born 1993 (age 33)·American basketball player·Birthday: April 4·Millennials
Biography
Frank Kaminsky's rise from a lightly-recruited prospect to National College Player of the Year is a story of patient development and skill triumphing over expectations. At Wisconsin, he transformed his body and game under coach Bo Ryan, evolving into a center who could score in the post, drain three-pointers, and pass with savvy. His senior year was a masterpiece: he powered the Badgers to the national championship game, breaking the program's single-season scoring record and captivating fans with his celebratory 'Frank the Tank' persona. Selected in the NBA's first round, he carved out a professional niche as a stretch-five, using his intelligence and shooting touch to contribute for several teams. His journey later took him to international leagues, where his adaptable style continued to find success.
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.
Frank was born in 1993, 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 Frank Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Frank's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
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
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
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
2009Could drive
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
2011Could vote
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
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Naismith College Player of the Year, John R. Wooden Award, and Associated Press Player of the Year awards in 2015.
- Led the Wisconsin Badgers to consecutive NCAA Final Four appearances in 2014 and 2015, including the national championship game in 2015.
- Set the Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball single-season scoring record with 732 points during his 2014-15 senior campaign.
- Selected 9th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2015 NBA Draft.
Did You Know?
In high school, he was also a standout volleyball player and considered pursuing it collegiately.
His father was a professional basketball player in Europe, and Frank was born in Lisle, Illinois, while his father was playing there.
He famously had a friendly rivalry with fellow college star Jahlil Okafor, trading jerseys with him after their 2015 NCAA championship game.
““I wasn't highly recruited. I wasn't a big-time prospect. I just worked hard and tried to make the most of my opportunity.””
