‘He’s the one’: Former Shocker Fred VanVleet elected NBPA president
Fred VanVleet’s story has always been about defying expectations.
From going undrafted to becoming an NBA All-Star, from crashing in dorm rooms at Wichita State to signing a $130 million contract, VanVleet has built a legacy by proving people wrong.
Now, the underdog story has taken another turn: VanVleet has earned the trust of the entire NBA.
The former Shocker was recently elected by his peers to serve a four-year term as president of the National Basketball Players Association, becoming the first Wichita State alum to hold the position.
As the union’s top player-elected official, VanVleet will help shape the NBA’s future — negotiating labor deals, advising on issues like player rights, mental health, social justice and league policy and serving as the primary voice for players in high-level talks with league executives.
It’s a role of immense influence and responsibility. And for those who knew VanVleet at Wichita State, it comes as no surprise.
“When you’re around Fred enough, you understand what he’s about and just how much of a great person he is,” said former teammate J.R. Simon. “People want to listen to him because of how intelligent he is and the advice he gives and ultimately the leader he is. You can’t teach that. That’s just in him.”
Now 30, VanVleet has spent nine seasons in the NBA, starting in the G League and winning a championship before becoming a key piece of the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 title run. He became an All-Star in 2022 and signed one of the richest contracts ever for an undrafted player, earning more than $165 million in his career. He’s also a father of three, known as much for his thoughtful leadership and community efforts as his on-court production.
His new role adds another dimension to an already remarkable résumé. As NBPA president, he replaces C.J. McCollum and follows a line of respected leaders, including Chris Paul and Derek Fisher. The position demands intellect, diplomacy, and the full trust of his peers. By all accounts, VanVleet checks every box.
“Anytime he walks in a room, people just gravitate toward him,” Simon said. “He controls it every time, whether you’ve known him for a long time or don’t know him at all. I think it says a lot that he was voted president by his peers—it speaks to what guys in the NBA think about him too.”
Wichita State fans remember VanVleet as the poised floor general who helped turn Gregg Marshall’s Missouri Valley juggernaut into a national powerhouse. But his impact stretched beyond wins. Former teammates say his leadership left a lasting imprint on everyone around him.
“It’s not surprising because we all know Fred,” said Markis McDuffie. “We all know about his leadership at WSU, but it’s still crazy everything he’s done. His life is amazing right now. He’s living the American dream, doing the right thing with a beautiful family and I’m just so happy for him. He’s an inspiration.”
“Even back in college, he kept all of us poised,” added Rashard Kelly. “He was such a good leader. And it’s special because we know he comes from where we come from, as far as the grind that we had to go through in Wichita. They definitely got the right person for the job.”
Those who knew him earliest describe him the same way his NBA peers do now: with an uncommon mix of maturity, composure, and self-assuredness.
“He’s like Neo from The Matrix, he’s the one,” said Zach Bush, a walk-on during VanVleet’s time at WSU. “He’s always been that way. I knew it from freshman year in the dorms when I first met him. He’s just a special dude with the way he carries himself and the way he handles himself. And now you see the respect the league has for him. He’s just so unique. I’ve never been around another person like him.”
VanVleet has always embraced the “Bet on yourself” mantra. Now, it’s the league betting on him.
And for those who knew him before the fame and the championships, they can’t think of a better bet.
“I’m just incredibly proud of him, the quality of human, the type of player and the type of leader that he is,” Bush added. “And the even cooler part is that he has not changed. He may be a little bougier, has a little better taste in clothes and what he buys and his vacations, but as a person, he is exactly the same and it’s pretty cool to be able to be friends with a guy like that.”
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