Dante Exum Nationality

Known for his off-the-bench 3-and-D game as well as his clutch shot-making, Dante Exum plays as a point guard for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. As a 6 foot 5 inch tall defensive-minded combo guard, Exum was a highly rated prospect in the 2014 NBA Draft, where he was selected fifth overall by the Utah Jazz. In his rookie season, Exum displayed raw potential as he played all 82 games, becoming the only 10th rookie in Jazz history to do so.

Many Jazz fans looked at Exum as a franchise player, but all those hopes came crashing down when he tore his ACL in August 2015. This injury led to a tough time in Exum’s career as he struggled to regain his form. For some time, NBA teams gave up on Exum, but in 2021, found an opportunity to play in the Euroleague when Barcelona signed him. After a promising season for the Barcelona Basket, Serbian giants, Partizan NIS Belgrade signed Exum and made him their starting point guard.

The 2022-23 Euroleague season proved to be a comeback season for Exum as he averaged 13.2 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game. He also led Partizan to the Euroleague playoffs where they lost in a close series against Real Madrid 3 games to 2. However, Exum did lead Partizan to the ABA championship when they beat Crvena Zvezda in the ABA Finals.

Exum's outstanding performances in the Euroleague and ABA League during the 2022/23 season caught the attention of the Dallas Mavericks, who signed him as backup point guard behind Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Embracing his role as a 3-and-D combo guard, Exum showcased improved shooting and defensive abilities and is an important part of the Mavs bench.

Throughout the 2023/2024 NBA season, Exum made several clutch 3-point shots, including a career-high seven made 3-pointers against the LA Lakers. He also hit one game-tying buzzer-beating 3-pointer against the Houston Rockets, the game which the Mavericks eventually won in OT and solidified their position in the 2024 playoffs.

Overall, Exum's evolution into a versatile combo guard has now made him an invaluable asset for the Mavericks.

Dante Exum Nationality

Dante Exum is an Australian national. He was born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, on July 13, 1995, to American parents.

Dante Exum Ethnicity

Australian professional basketball player Dante Exum is of mixed ethnicity. His father, Cecil Exum, is African-American, and his mother, Desiree Exum, is of Slovenian descent.

Dante Exum Early Basketball Career

Dante Exum’s basketball journey began at Keilor Basketball Association. He also attended Lake Ginninderra Secondary College in Canberra, where he simultaneously participated in the Australian Institute of Sport program which develops standout athletes to reach their maximum potential and become professional athletes.

In April 2013, Exum showcased his skills on the international stage, representing the World Select Team at the Nike Hoop Summit. He delivered an impressive performance, contributing 16 points, three rebounds, and two assists in a victory over the USA Junior Select Team made of several highly acclaimed prospects. Following his graduation from Lake Ginninderra in October 2013, Exum had the option to pursue college basketball in the United States but opted to forgo that path.

Exum continued to excel in the Australian basketball scene, competing for Lake Ginninderra in the Australian National High School Basketball Championships in December 2013. His contributions were instrumental in securing the championship title for his team. This title win and especially Exum’s leadership qualities further solidified his status as a rising star in Australian basketball, and he was eventually drafted by the Utah Jazz fifth overall in 2014.