Gary Chivichyan (born July 17, 1996) is an Armenian-American professional basketball player who has made historic contributions to the sport and is recognized as a pioneer for Armenian athletics, achieving numerous "firsts" in the field. He made history by becoming the first Armenian to be drafted, selected with the 7th pick in the second round of the 2021 NBA G League draft. Chivichyan was also the first Armenian nominated for an ESPN ESPYS award. He played college basketball for the Pacific Tigers under former NBA star Damon Stoudamire and attended Idaho State University, both Division I programs where he received full athletic scholarships.

Gary Chivichyan
Free agent
PositionGuard
Personal information
Born (1996-07-17) July 17, 1996 (age 28)
Los Angeles, California
NationalityAmerican / Armenian
Listed height6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Listed weight200 lb (91 kg)
Career information
High schoolMiddlebrooks Academy
(Los Angeles, California)
College
NBA draft2020: undrafted
Playing career2021–present
Career history
2021Stockton Kings
2021Agua Caliente Clippers
2022Agua Caliente Clippers
2023Seattle Super Hawks
2023-Homenetmen Beirut

College career

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Nicknamed the "Armenian Sniper", he was one of the most prolific long-range shooters in Idaho State history, ranking fourth all-time in made three-point field goals (175) and three-point attempts (433), while finishing seventh all-time with a 40.4 three-point field goal percentage. He sank 62 three pointers in 2018–19 while shooting 41.1 percent from beyond the arc, and averaged 2.1 made three-pointers per game, while shooting 41.8 percent from the field for his career, and 70.3 from the free throw line.

Chivichyan was ranked sixth in the West Coast Conference in threes per game (1.88) and fourth on the team with a .387 three-point percentage while with the Tigers. He was the second leading scorer on a deep 13 man roster team and made 32 appearances as a tiger while shooting 38.3 percent from the floor. Known for his timely perimeter shooting, he sank a deep three to force a third overtime in an instant classic against Saint Mary's (1/4) as part of a season-high 19-point performance.[1]

Professional career

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Stockton Kings (2021)

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After going undrafted in the 2020 NBA draft, Chivichyan was selected 35th overall by the Lakeland Magic in the 2021 NBA G League draft[2] and subsequently traded to the Iowa Wolves.[3] However he was waived on November 4.[4] On November 22, he signed with the Stockton Kings,[5] but was waived on December 6 after one game.[6]

Agua Caliente Clippers (2021)

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Three days later, he was claimed off waivers by the Agua Caliente Clippers.[7] He was then later waived on January 30, 2022.[8]

Return to Agua Caliente Clippers (2022)

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On February 23, 2022, Chivichyan was reacquired via available player pool by the Agua Caliente Clippers.[9] He was then later waived on February 28, 2022.[10]

National team career

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Chivichyan plays for the Armenia national basketball team.[11]

Career Statistics

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Idaho State University (BIG SKY) - Head Coach Bill Evans

  • Freshmen of the year runner up
  • Fourth all time in 3pt FG made
  • Top 50 in NCAA TS%
  • 40%+ 3PT For Career
  • Led Idaho State to its first winning season in over a decade

Pacific University (WCC) - Head Coach Damon Stodaumire

  • Top 10 in WCC 3pt Made ‘2020
  • Second Leading Scorer on team
  • Led Pacific to most wins in regular season (23 wins)

Awards & Honor

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  • First Armenian Nominated For an ESPY Award[12]
  • First Armenian drafted into the NBA G - League[13]
  • First Armenian to have his jersey sold by an NBA Organization (Clippers)
  • 4th in 3pt FG made in Idaho State (D1) History
  • Historical Game Tying Shot against ST. Mary's
  • Signing 6 figure deals overseas
  • Sold Out Multiple NBA G League games
  • Widely considered the most notable and prominent Armenian basketball player of all time.

Personal life

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Chivichyan's father is Gokor Chivichyan a judo, submission grappling, and mixed martial arts instructor who has trained Ronda Rousey, Karo Parisyan, Manvel Gamburyan and others.

References

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  1. ^ "Gary Chivichyan". pacifictigers.com. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
  2. ^ "2021 NBA G League Draft Board". NBA.com. October 23, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  3. ^ "Iowa Wolves Announce Training Camp Roster and Finalize Coaching Staff". OurSportsCentral.com. October 26, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  4. ^ "Iowa Wolves Waive Two Players". OurSportsCentral.com. November 4, 2021. Retrieved December 19, 2021.
  5. ^ "Stockton Kings Add Gary Chivichyan". NBA.com. November 22, 2021. Retrieved December 19, 2021.
  6. ^ "2021–2022 Stockton Kings Transactions History". RealGM.com. Retrieved December 19, 2021.
  7. ^ "Gary Chivichyan: Claimed by Agua Caliente". CBSSports.com. December 11, 2021. Retrieved December 19, 2021.
  8. ^ "2021–22 NBA G League Transactions". gleague.nba.com. January 29, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  9. ^ "2021-22 NBA G League Transactions". gleague.nba.com. February 23, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
  10. ^ "2021-22 NBA G League Transactions". gleague.nba.com. February 28, 2022. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
  11. ^ Malik, Saqib (20 March 2020). "Gary Chivichyan: Armenia's Rising Basketball Icon". Yahoo!News. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
  12. ^ "Armenian Basketball Star Gary Chivichyan Nominated for ESPYS Award". www.asbarez.com/. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  13. ^ ""Armenian Sniper" Gary Chivichyan drafted into NBA G League". en.armradio.am/. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
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