Fredderick Edmund VanVleet Sr. is a basketball player who plays for the Houston Rockets in the NBA as of April 2025. He was born on February 25, 1994, in Rockford, Illinois, U.S. He completed his high school basketball at Auburn High School. He played college basketball at Wichita State University from 2012 to 2016. During his college career, he was named the MVC Player of the Year twice (2014, 2016).
Following the 2016 NBA Draft, in which he went undrafted, VanVleet joined the Toronto Raptors. During the 2016–17 season, he split his time between the Raptors and their G League affiliate, Raptors 905. In the 2019 NBA season, he helped the Raptors secure their first championship in franchise history, playing as a backup guard and contributing significantly on defense. For his outstanding performance, he finished second in NBA Finals MVP voting, behind Kawhi Leonard.
Who are Fred VanVleet brothers?
Fred VanVleet has three brothers: Darnell VanVleet, J.D. Danforth, and J.D., as per Forbes. Both of his brothers have earned college scholarships.
Darnell VanVleet
According to reports, Darnell VanVleet was a high school basketball player who played for the Rockford Auburn Varsity Basketball team and graduated from Rockford Auburn High School in 2009.
Darnell VanVleet, a seasoned professional in the sports industry, joined Green Mountain's Special Advisory Board on July 27, 2022, as per their website. In his role, he represents professional athletes, bringing valuable experience and insight to the company. As per his Instagram bio, he is based in Kaleden/Okanagan Falls, British Columbia. He has a daughter named "Nellie" with whom he has shared the pictures on her first birthday.
J.D. Danforth
J.D. Danforth is Fred VanVleet's stepbrother. He is a basketball trainer who lives in Houston, Texas, according to his Instagram bio. His Instagram handle is @joebuckets_sensei.
Fred VanVleet trains with his brothers every offseason, staying focused on improving his game with their support. This year, he’s been working with his brother, @joebuckets_sensei, on developing downhill counters and refining his balance from different shooting pockets as per a video posted by the NBA.
Fred VanVleet sisters
Fred VanVleet has two sisters named Alexis and Aaliyah, as per his college profile.
Fred VanVleet parents
Fred VanVleet was born to a Black father, Fred Manning, and a white mother, Susan VanVleet. His father tragically passed away in 1999 when Fred was just five years old. Afterwards, his mother remarried Joe Danforth, a Rockford police detective, as per Marc J. Spears of ANDSCAPE magazine.
FAQs on Fred VanVleet
A. Fred VanVleet plays as a point guard for the Houston Rockets as of April 2025.
A. Fred VanVleet will make $42,846,615 in the 2024-24 season as per Hoopshype.
A. Fred VanVleet is 6-foot tall.
A. Fred VanVleet’s wingspan is 6 foot 1.5 inches.
