Joe Ragland
A lightning-quick point guard from New York who became a European basketball star, leading underdog teams to championships with his fearless playmaking and clutch shooting.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American-Liberian basketball player·Birthday: November 11·Millennials
Biography
Joe Ragland's story is a classic basketball odyssey, taking him from the Bronx to beloved status in European arenas. Undersized but undaunted, his college career at Wichita State was a prelude to his professional identity: a jet-fueled playmaker with a knack for big moments. He found his true home in Europe, where his speed, vision, and scoring bursts made him a fan favorite. Ragland's legacy was forged in Serbia with Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade), where he orchestrated a historic domestic double and became the heart of a team that captured the Adriatic League. His career, which also included representing Liberia, is a testament to the impact a determined floor general can have far from the NBA spotlight.
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.
Joe was born in 1989, 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 Joe Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Joe's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led Crvena Zvezda to the ABA League (Adriatic League) championship and the Serbian League title in 2015, earning Finals MVP honors.
- Named to the All-EuroCup First Team in 2017 while playing for Unicaja Málaga.
- Represented the Liberian national basketball team in FIBA AfroBasket qualification tournaments.
Did You Know?
He played junior college basketball at North Platte Community College in Nebraska before transferring to Wichita State.
He holds both American and Liberian citizenship.
During his time in Serbia, he became known for his intense on-court demeanor and leadership.
“My game is built on speed and making the right pass at the right time.”
