Jeff Withey
A defensive anchor whose towering presence and shot-blocking prowess made him a cornerstone of Kansas basketball and a formidable NBA journeyman.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American basketball player·Birthday: March 7·Millennials
Biography
Jeff Withey's path to basketball was unconventional; he was a highly-ranked volleyball player in high school before focusing solely on the court. His defensive instincts, honed at the net, translated seamlessly to basketball. At the University of Kansas, he evolved into one of the nation's most feared rim protectors. His long arms and impeccable timing made the paint a no-fly zone, leading the Jayhawks to a national championship game appearance in 2012. Drafted in the second round, Withey brought his defensive specialty to the NBA for several seasons, most notably with the Utah Jazz, where he provided reliable minutes off the bench. His professional journey later extended to leagues in Europe, Asia, and Australia, showcasing the global demand for a player who mastered the singular, disruptive art of the blocked shot.
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.
Jeff 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 Jeff Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Jeff'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
- Set the University of Kansas single-season record for blocked shots with 146 during the 2012-13 season.
- Helped lead the Kansas Jayhawks to the NCAA National Championship game in 2012.
- Finished his college career as the Big 12 Conference's all-time leader in blocked shots.
- Recorded a triple-double with points, rebounds, and blocks while playing for the New Orleans Pelicans' G League affiliate.
Did You Know?
He was a standout volleyball player in high school in San Diego and had college offers for the sport.
He wears a size-19 shoe.
He transferred to Kansas after beginning his college career at the University of Arizona.
His 31 blocks during the 2012 NCAA tournament are one of the highest totals in tournament history.
“My goal is to protect the rim and change the game on the defensive end.”
