Nik Stauskas
A sharpshooting Canadian guard whose 'Nik Rocks' NCAA tournament moment launched him into the NBA, where he became a valued journeyman sniper.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Canadian basketball player·Birthday: October 7·Millennials
Biography
Nik Stauskas arrived on the national stage with a swagger that was as memorable as his jump shot. At the University of Michigan, he was a key component of the high-flying offense that reached the 2013 NCAA championship game. His sophomore year catapulted him into the lottery pick conversation, thanks to a deadly three-point stroke and a now-famous moment of taunting a rival fan. Drafted eighth overall by the Sacramento Kings, the pressure of being a high pick in a struggling franchise was immense. While he never became a star, Stauskas carved out a six-year NBA career as a specialist, a player teams coveted for his shooting touch. His journey took him to seven different franchises, a testament to the league's constant demand for floor-spacers and his own professional adaptability in a transient role.
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.
Nik 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 Nik Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Nik'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
- Named the Big Ten Conference Player of the Year in 2014 after averaging 17.5 points per game and shooting over 44% from three-point range for Michigan.
- Selected 8th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2014 NBA Draft, the highest-drafted Canadian guard at that time.
- Played in the 2013 NCAA National Championship game as a starter for Michigan, scoring 11 points in the loss to Louisville.
Did You Know?
During the 2014 NCAA tournament, he famously taunted a University of Texas fan by saying 'Nik Rocks!' after hitting a three-pointer, a clip that went viral.
He holds dual citizenship in Canada and Lithuania and has represented Canada in senior international competition.
He is an accomplished saxophone player and has been playing since childhood.
“"I’ve always played with a chip on my shoulder. I think that’s what’s gotten me to this point."”
