About
Biography
Ned Franke is a retired professional basketball athlete, known for his exceptional skills as a shooting guard during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Born on April 15, 1975, in Chicago, Illinois, Franke developed a passion for basketball at a young age, showcasing his talent at Northeastern University, where he earned All-American honors. Following a successful collegiate career, he was selected in the second round of the 1997 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Franke's professional career spanned over a decade, during which he played for various teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers, the Atlanta Hawks, and the Los Angeles Lakers. He became known for his sharpshooting ability and tenacity on the court, averaging 18.5 points per game during his peak seasons. Notably, Franke was a key contributor to the Lakers' deep playoff runs in the early 2000s, underscoring his reputation as a clutch performer in high-pressure situations.
After retiring from professional basketball in 2008, Franke transitioned into coaching, focusing on developing young talent in grassroots basketball programs. His legacy includes not only his impressive on-court achievements but also his commitment to mentoring the next generation of players. As an influential figure in the basketball community, Franke continues to inspire aspiring athletes through various philanthropic efforts and sports clinics.