Raised by a strong mother! This is what one can say about Daniel Gafford’s story, as you know it. His family is his biggest source of support from the time he grew up till today. But, why was he linked to representing Slovenia alongside Luka Doncic in 2024? Is he Slovenian? What are his family’s roots? While a lot of questions spring to mind, for these answers, you will have to read further.

What is Daniel Gafford’s nationality? Where was he brought up?

Daniel Gafford was born on October 1, 1998, in El Dorado, Arkansas, U.S. Thus making his nationality American. But, with no reports available on his ethnicity and family background, let’s not assume anything to be on the safer side. Talking about his religion, again, it’s unclear. But he has faith, as he once said in an interview, “It just shows that you always have to have faith at the end of the day.”

“Faith is like the biggest thing when it comes to life, basketball, whatever you put your mind to, in my opinion.” So this gives us indications that he is religious. Going back to his family, he grew up in a supportive household, raised by his parents, Teresa Frazier and Wayne Gafford.

His mother, Teresa, was his backbone. A strong and resilient woman- she was a constant source of inspiration throughout his childhood. She raised him alongside his 4 siblings, by which he learned the value of family and love.

Growing up in El Dorado, he saw his mother trying not to give up on her kids’ dreams, as she worked tirelessly to support the family. She stands 6 feet 3 inches tall while being a strong mother to her kids. You will see Daniel often credit his mother as the driving force behind his success. In interviews, he’s spoken about how her sacrifices shaped his work ethic and desire to succeed.

His father, Wayne Gafford, though a quiet presence in his life, was still a part of his foundation. At 6 feet 4 inches, he and Teresa passed on the gift of height to him, contributing to his athletic build. However, it was his mother who took on the brunt of raising the family. Her determination to provide for her children became Daniel’s motivation to chase his own dreams.

On Mother’s Day, the hoopster had plans to make his followers emotional as he took to social media to honor Teresa with an emotional post. ” Mother’s Day isn’t the only chance I get to let my mom know how much I appreciate her. I let her know when I’m on the floor playing night in and night out. She is my why. She is the biggest inspiration for me in my life and I will always let her know,” he wrote. ” My Mother Teresa Frazier. Love you like crazy mamma. Forever and Always. 🥰🥰 #happymothersday❤️.”

These words were not just a tribute, but a reflection of the bond they shared.

Daniel Gafford’s journey to the NBA was not easy. He worked tirelessly, always keeping his mother’s example in mind. Her sacrifices became his fuel, pushing him through challenges. The love and admiration he holds for Teresa is evident in every game he plays. Her influence continues to guide him as he carves his own path. Well, she can be a proud mom, as Gafford is already reaping the fruits of success. However, now that we know about his family and their roots, let’s look into some of his other interests.

Daniel Gafford wants to represent the Slovenian National Team alongside Luka Doncic

Daniel Gafford has been open to the idea of representing Slovenia, alongside his Mavericks teammate, Luka Doncic. After joining the Mavs from the Wizards, his connection with Doncic grew stronger, leading to speculation about a possible partnership on the international stage. This idea gained momentum when, in an interview with Grant Afseth, Gafford didn’t rule out playing for Slovenia.

“It was something that was like consideration, but it’s pretty much a timing thing for me,” he said. “I like to spend the majority of my time with my family, so it’ll just depend, for sure.” The hoopster’s words reflect the internal tug-of-war between pursuing a potential international opportunity via the naturalization process and prioritizing family time during the non-NBA months.

Daniel Gafford also expressed how beneficial it would be to play alongside Luka Doncic for Slovenia. He noted, “I think it’d be great. We already have a good relationship, but doing something like that could take it to the next level. It would give me a chance to see his background, learn about where he came from, and understand how he started his professional career. That would help us connect more.” This showcases his genuine desire to understand Luka’s journey and deepen their bond, personally and professionally.

However, the possibility was complicated because of the timing. Daniel Gafford admitted that the summer of 2024 wouldn’t be the right moment. He had other commitments, including personal training programs and individual agendas that required his attention. This left the door open, but he made it clear- joining the Slovenian national team was not something he could commit to right away.

Further complicating matters, the federation showed intense interest in Daniel Gafford. According to Matej Erjavec, the President of the Slovenian Basketball Federation, he was the first choice to join Slovenia’s roster for the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Sasa Doncic, Luka’s father and the sports director, along with the head coach Aleksandar Sekulic, had high hopes for the partnership. But, as Erjavec explained, the timing just didn’t align.

“He was really surprised at first, but he quickly reacted very positively,” Erjavec recalled.

“He said that he is honored, that he is flattered by the initiative, and that he needs time to think.” Daniel Gafford’s thoughtful response showcased his respect for the opportunity, but also his need for personal reflection.

When Gafford ultimately decided that the summer of 2024 wasn’t the right time, the Slovenian Federation turned to Josh Nebo, who was also considered a top choice. Despite Gafford’s decision, his interest in representing Slovenia in the future remains, leaving a glimmer of hope for the national team and its fanbase.

With his commitment to family and his growing bond with Luka Doncic, will Daniel Gafford ultimately take the plunge and represent Slovenia in the future?