Willie Cauley-Stein is an American professional basketball player known for his athleticism, defensive prowess, and highlight-worthy dunks and blocks. He is best recognized for his role as a shot-blocking center with a strong presence on the court.
Willie Trill Cauley-Stein was born on August 18, 1993, in Spearville, Kansas. He was raised by his mother, Marlene Stein, a dental assistant, who relied on help from her parents to care for Willie and his sibling. His father, Willie Cauley, was not significantly involved in his upbringing. Despite this, both parents appeared at his basketball games as he grew up, supporting his early athletic development.
Cauley-Stein attended the University of Kentucky, where he played collegiate basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats. Starting his college career as a backup to Nerlens Noel, he quickly made his mark. In his first 20 games, he averaged 7.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 1.0 assists, and 0.8 steals, showcasing his potential as a defensive anchor and rim protector.
Willie Cauley-Stein was selected as the 6th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings. He signed his rookie contract with the team on July 16, 2015. He made his NBA debut in a season-opening game against the Los Angeles Clippers, where he recorded 2 points and 2 rebounds. In his first career start, he tallied 17 points and 9 rebounds in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers. He later secured his first career double-double—12 points and 10 rebounds—also in a victory against the Lakers.
While his tenure with the Kings showed moments of promise, he struggled to consistently dominate at the professional level. Nevertheless, his versatility and defensive skills kept him relevant in team rotations.
In July 2019, Cauley-Stein signed a one-year contract with the Golden State Warriors as a free agent. This move marked a fresh opportunity for the then 25-year-old center to reinvigorate his career and contribute to a playoff-caliber team.
Willie Cauley-Stein has been in a relationship with Kelsey Brooks, a former standout college basketball player from Arkansas. Brooks, an aspiring WNBA player, shares a passion for the sport with Cauley-Stein. He has spoken publicly about their shared experiences with injury setbacks, including when Brooks had to sit out due to a torn ACL. Their mutual understanding of the physical demands of basketball has been a strong point in their relationship, with Cauley-Stein crediting her and her mother for their support during his own time away from the game due to injury.
| Birth Date: | 18 Aug, 1993 |
| Age: | 27 yrs |
| Occupations: | Basketball player |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Spearville |
| Education: | Olathe Northwest High School University of Kentucky |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American basketball player |
