Josh Harrellson
A Kentucky fan favorite turned unlikely NBA contributor, his hustle and blue-collar play carved out a professional career across three continents.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American basketball player·Birthday: February 12·Millennials
Biography
Josh Harrellson’s basketball journey is a testament to persistence. A late bloomer from St. Charles, Missouri, he arrived at the University of Kentucky as a little-used junior college transfer. Under coach John Calipari, he transformed his body and game, becoming a crucial starter on the 2011 Wildcats team that reached the Final Four. His relentless rebounding and surprising three-point touch made him a cult hero. Drafted in the second round, he brought his trademark energy to the New York Knicks during the electrifying 'Linsanity' era, providing solid minutes as a stretch big. When his NBA window closed, Harrellson embarked on a global basketball odyssey, playing in China, Puerto Rico, Japan, and the Philippines, proving his game had a place anywhere hard work is valued.
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.
Josh 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 Josh Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Josh'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
- Key starting center for the 2011 Kentucky Wildcats team that reached the NCAA Final Four.
- Played 37 games for the New York Knicks during the 2011-12 'Linsanity' season.
- Selected 45th overall by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2011 NBA Draft.
- Played professional basketball in over six countries across Asia and the Americas.
Did You Know?
He famously lost over 30 pounds before his senior season at Kentucky after a challenge from coach John Calipari.
His nickname, 'Jorts,' originated from a viral photo of him wearing jean shorts (jorts) at Kentucky.
He recorded a triple-double in a 2015 Philippine Basketball Association game with 65 points, 22 rebounds, and 10 three-pointers.
He played for the Saga Ballooners in Japan, a team named for the city's history of hot-air balloon manufacturing.
“I wasn't a star, but I outworked everyone to earn my spot on that floor.”
