About
Biography
Tom Hess is a retired professional basketball player renowned for his dynamic playing style and scoring ability. Born on July 15, 1985, in Chicago, Illinois, he played college basketball at the University of Illinois, where he earned All-American honors and led the team to the NCAA Tournament during his sophomore year. Following his successful college career, Hess declared for the NBA Draft and was selected in the first round by the New York Knicks in 2007.
Throughout his professional career, Hess played for several teams in the NBA and overseas, including stints with the Toronto Raptors and the Los Angeles Clippers. He gained recognition for his exceptional three-point shooting and clutch performances in critical games, culminating in a career-high of 35 points in a single game during the 2010 season. Hess was also a member of the USA Basketball National Team, contributing to their gold medal victory at the FIBA World Cup in 2014.
After retiring from professional play in 2018, Hess transitioned into coaching and basketball development, helping to nurture young talent in Chicago. He was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020, reflecting his significant impact on the sport at both the collegiate and professional levels. Tom Hess is remembered not only for his on-court achievements but also for his contributions to the growth of basketball in his community.