Rakeem Christmas
A powerful Syracuse big man who carved out a global professional journey, finding stardom in Indonesia after his NBA chapter.
Born 1991 (age 35)·American basketball player·Birthday: December 1·Millennials
Biography
Rakeem Christmas built his reputation at Syracuse University as a defensive anchor, a shot-blocking force whose physical presence in the paint defined the Orange's interior for four seasons. Drafted in the second round in 2015, his NBA tenure was brief, consisting of scattered minutes with the Indiana Pacers. Unwilling to let that define his career, Christmas embraced the global basketball circuit, becoming a star in leagues from Turkey to South Korea. His most significant impact came in Indonesia, where his dominant play for Amartha Hangtuah made him a fan favorite and a central figure in the Indonesian Basketball League. His path reflects the modern basketball diaspora, where success is measured not just by NBA accolades but by adaptability and becoming a cornerstone in thriving international markets.
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.
Rakeem was born in 1991, 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 Rakeem Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Rakeem's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
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
2009Could vote
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
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played four seasons for Syracuse University, starting 100 games and finishing as a key defensive leader.
- Selected 36th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2015 NBA Draft (rights traded to Cleveland, then Indiana).
- Named to the All-Indonesian Basketball League First Team in 2023 as a center for Amartha Hangtuah.
- Led the IBL in rebounds during the 2023 season, averaging over 14 per game.
Did You Know?
He was a highly touted high school recruit, playing in the 2011 McDonald's All-American Game.
His full name is Rakeem Haleek Christmas.
He is cousins with former NBA player James “Flight” White.
He played for the Indiana Pacers' G League affiliate, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, during his time with the organization.
“I'm just trying to be the anchor, be the defensive presence for my team.”
