A lot of NBA stars get noticed because of their stats. Others earn respect through survival. Torrey Craig is one of those players who’s had to prove himself again and again; and yet, he never folded. From going undrafted to hooping across continents, his path to the NBA wasn’t paved in gold. It was carved out of grit. And deeper still, it was grounded in something more personal: identity, culture, and belief.

As fans cheer him on during the postseason, many are starting to wonder: Who really is Torrey Craig, the man behind the hustle? What shaped him? Where does his unshakable resolve come from? Let’s dive into the life behind the jersey, from his roots in South Carolina to the quiet strength that defines his journey.

Where is Torrey Craig from, and what is his nationality?

Torrey Craig didn’t exactly come up through the traditional NBA pipeline. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, he was raised in the tiny rural town of Great Falls; a place with one stoplight and more trees than neighbors. His father wasn’t in the picture, and when Craig was just five, his mother, Teresa Mays, was incarcerated. That left him under the care of his grandmother Daisy Mays, and later, his older sister, Sacha.

Life wasn’t easy. At a young age, he was mowing lawns, chopping wood, and handling responsibilities well beyond his years. But there was one escape: a makeshift hoop nailed to a wooden streetlight outside his home. That rim, rusty and fraying, became his sanctuary. He spent countless hours imagining a future far from Great Falls, writing letters to his mom promising he’d make it to the NBA. “I am still trying to get to the NBA and I know it’s going to be hard work, but I am going to do whatever it takes to get there,” a 12-year-old Craig once wrote.

He eventually starred at Great Falls High School, earning Class 1A Player of the Year honors before heading to USC Upstate. Despite dominating in college, the NBA didn’t come calling. So, Craig packed up and went overseas; first to Australia and New Zealand; until finally, in 2017, the Denver Nuggets gave him a shot.

So yes, Torrey Craig is American by nationality. But his story? It’s the stuff of legends; a Southern kid with nothing handed to him who refused to let circumstance define his ceiling.

What is Torrey Craig’s ethnicity?

Torrey Craig is African-American, and that identity is deeply woven into the way he plays and lives. Raised in the South, in a region where faith, family, and community are tightly knit, Craig developed more than just basketball skills; he built resilience.

He’s never been one to chase headlines or the spotlight. Instead, he’s the guy who’ll lock up your favorite scorer, dive for loose balls, and take charges without hesitation. That “do the dirty work” mentality? It’s not just about basketball; it’s about heritage. About growing up with a chip on your shoulder, with something to prove, and doing it with pride.

Whether it was honoring his grandmother’s teachings or the sacrifices his sister made, Craig’s roots run deep. His story is one of honoring where he came from while pushing far beyond it.

Is Torrey Craig Christian?

While Torrey Craig doesn’t frequently discuss his faith in public, there are subtle signs that Christianity plays a quiet but significant role in his life. Growing up in South Carolina; where churches are often the heart of the community, it’s likely that Christian values were instilled in him early on.

In past interviews, he’s spoken about staying grounded and keeping faith during tough times, especially during his overseas grind and while raising a son of his own. He once told GoUpstate, “My ultimate goal is just to be a role model, especially for my son. I just want to make sure I do everything the right way.”

So while he’s not overtly vocal about religion like some NBA peers, Craig’s humility, strength, and perseverance seem rooted in something spiritual; something that carried him through years of doubt and detours.

Who is Torrey Craig dating? Megan Thee Stallion rumors explained

In 2023, Craig found himself in the spotlight for something outside the basketball court. He was rumored to be dating Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion after the two were seen leaving a concert together in NYC. The buzz picked up when ELLE Magazine featured a deep dive into Megan’s dating life and included Craig in the mix of potential suitors.

While neither of them has publicly confirmed the relationship, fans quickly picked up on their chemistry, and Instagram posts only added fuel to the fire. It’s a surprising crossover, sure, but one that’s turned heads and introduced Craig to a whole new audience beyond hoops.