Kendall Cedric Gill is an American former professional basketball player, television basketball analyst, and former professional boxer who enjoyed a successful 15-year NBA career before transitioning into sports broadcasting. Selected fifth overall in the 1990 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, Gill established himself as one of the league’s most athletic shooting guards and small forwards, known for his scoring ability, defensive instincts, and versatility. Over the course of his NBA career, he played for seven franchises, averaged 13.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 1991, and led the NBA in steals during the 1998–99 season.
Following his retirement from professional basketball in 2005, Gill built a second career in sports media. He has worked as a television basketball analyst for regional sports networks, NBA programming, and ESPN-related broadcasts, offering expert analysis of professional and college basketball. His transition from elite athlete to broadcaster has allowed him to remain a respected voice within the basketball community.
Beyond basketball, Gill also pursued professional boxing after retiring from the NBA, demonstrating the competitive drive that defined his athletic career. His diverse accomplishments in sports, broadcasting, and entertainment have made him one of the more recognizable former NBA players of his generation.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Kendall Cedric Gill |
| Date of Birth | May 25, 1968 |
| Age | 58 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former NBA Player, Basketball Analyst |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 216 lbs (98 kg) |
| College | University of Illinois |
| NBA Draft | 1990, Round 1, Pick 5 (Charlotte Hornets) |
| NBA Career | 1990–2005 |
| Current Role | Basketball Analyst |
Early Life and Family
Kendall Gill was born on May 25, 1968, in Chicago, Illinois, and was raised in nearby Matteson, Illinois. From an early age, he displayed exceptional athletic ability, particularly in basketball, and quickly emerged as one of Illinois’ top high school prospects.
He attended Rich Central High School in Olympia Fields, where he became one of the state’s premier players. As a senior, he led Rich Central to the IHSA Class AA state tournament and earned All-Tournament honors after an outstanding postseason performance. His high school success attracted national attention and numerous college scholarship offers.
Although Gill has spoken publicly about his upbringing, he has generally kept information about his parents and siblings private. Their names and occupations have not been widely disclosed, reflecting his preference to keep certain aspects of his family life out of the spotlight.
Education
Gill attended the University of Illinois, where he played four seasons for the Fighting Illini men’s basketball team under head coach Lou Henson.
During his collegiate career, he developed into one of the nation’s top players. As a junior, he helped lead Illinois to the 1989 NCAA Final Four, one of the most memorable seasons in school history. By his senior year, Gill was among the Big Ten’s leading scorers and earned Consensus Second-Team All-American honors. He also won the NCAA Slam Dunk Championship during the 1990 Final Four festivities.
Gill finished his Illinois career as one of the program’s all-time leading scorers and was later named to the Illini Men’s Basketball All-Century Team, recognizing his lasting impact on the university’s basketball program.
NBA Career
The Charlotte Hornets selected Kendall Gill with the fifth overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft. He made an immediate impact during his rookie season, averaging 11.0 points per game and earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
During his second season, Gill elevated his game by averaging more than 20 points per game, establishing himself as one of the NBA’s rising stars. His athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive versatility made him a valuable contributor throughout the 1990s.
Over his 15-year NBA career, Gill played for:
- Charlotte Hornets
- Seattle SuperSonics
- New Jersey Nets
- Miami Heat
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Chicago Bulls
- Milwaukee Bucks
One of the finest seasons of his career came with the New Jersey Nets in 1996–97, when he averaged 21.8 points per game, the highest scoring average of his career. Two seasons later, during the shortened 1998–99 season, he led the entire NBA in steals and tied the league’s single-game steals record with 11 steals against the Miami Heat.
Gill retired following the 2004–05 season, finishing his career with nearly 13,000 points, more than 3,900 rebounds, and over 1,500 steals, cementing his reputation as one of the NBA’s most versatile two-way players of his era.
Kendall Gill Age
Kendall Cedric Gill was born on May 25, 1968, in Chicago, Illinois, United States. As of 2026, he is 58 years old. His zodiac sign is Gemini. Gill’s longevity in basketball and sports media has made him one of the most recognizable former NBA players from the 1990s.
Kendall Gill Wife
Kendall Gill is married to Wendy Gill. The couple married on August 2, 2006, and have maintained a relatively private family life despite Gill’s public career. Wendy rarely appears in the media, and the couple has chosen to keep much of their personal life out of public view.
Although Kendall occasionally shares family moments, he generally focuses his public appearances on basketball analysis, charitable work, and fitness rather than his private life.
Kendall Gill Children
Kendall and Wendy Gill are proud parents of two sons, Phoenix Gill and Kota Gill. Gill has often spoken about fatherhood as one of the most rewarding aspects of his life.
While he has introduced his sons during occasional public appearances and interviews, he has intentionally shielded them from excessive media exposure, allowing them to grow up outside the spotlight.
Kendall Gill Parents and Family
Kendall Gill was raised in Matteson, Illinois, a suburb south of Chicago.
Despite enjoying a lengthy NBA career and media presence, Gill has disclosed very little about his parents. Their names and occupations have never been widely publicized, reflecting his longstanding preference to keep extended family matters private.
Growing up in the Chicago area helped shape his competitive mindset. The city’s rich basketball culture played an important role in his development as an elite high school and collegiate athlete.
Kendall Gill Height
Kendall Gill stands 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters) tall and played at approximately 216 pounds (98 kilograms) during his NBA career. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism enabled him to excel at both shooting guard and small forward while defending multiple positions.
ESPN and Broadcasting Career
Following his retirement from the NBA in 2005, Gill transitioned smoothly into sports broadcasting.
Over the years, he has served as a basketball analyst for:
- NBC Sports Chicago (formerly Comcast SportsNet Chicago)
- NBA TV
- ESPN (guest analyst and contributor on basketball programming)
- Various national and regional basketball broadcasts
His experience as a former NBA steals leader and high-level scorer gives him valuable insight into player development, defensive strategy, and game analysis. Gill is especially respected for breaking down guard play, transition offense, and defensive matchups.
Professional Boxing Career
One of the most unique chapters of Gill’s athletic career came after basketball. Rather than stepping away from competition, he pursued professional boxing, making his debut on June 25, 2005, at the age of 37. Boxing served as both a personal challenge and a means of maintaining elite physical conditioning after his NBA retirement.
Although his boxing career was relatively brief compared to his basketball career, it demonstrated the competitiveness and work ethic that had defined him throughout his life.
Television and Entertainment
Beyond basketball broadcasting, Kendall Gill has appeared in several television programs.
His entertainment credits include:
- MTV Cribs, where viewers toured his Illinois home.
- Nickelodeon’s My Brother and Me.
- Pros vs. Joes on Spike TV.
- Various sports documentaries and basketball specials.
These appearances introduced Gill to audiences beyond basketball fans and highlighted his engaging personality.
Kendall Gill Salary
Because sports analysts often work under private contracts, Gill’s exact compensation has never been publicly disclosed.
Based on industry estimates for experienced NBA analysts working across regional and national sports networks, his annual broadcasting income is generally estimated to range between $70,000 and $140,000.
Kendall Gill Net Worth
After a successful 15-year NBA career, followed by years in television broadcasting and other business ventures, Kendall Gill has accumulated significant wealth.
Gill has an estimated net worth of $18 million. This estimate reflects:
- NBA career earnings.
- Television analyst work.
- Endorsements.
- Media appearances.
- Other business and investment activities.
Interesting Facts About Kendall Gill
- He was selected 5th overall in the 1990 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets.
- He earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 1991.
- He averaged 20.5 points per game during his second NBA season.
- He led the NBA in steals during the 1998–99 season.
- He tied the NBA single-game record with 11 steals in one game.
- He competed as a professional boxer after retiring from basketball.
- His home was featured on MTV Cribs.
- He remains active as a respected basketball analyst and commentator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kendall Gill?
Kendall Gill is a former NBA player, television basketball analyst, and former professional boxer. He played 15 seasons in the NBA before transitioning into sports broadcasting.
How old is Kendall Gill?
He was born on May 25, 1968, making him 58 years old as of 2026.
Who is Kendall Gill’s wife?
Kendall Gill is married to Wendy Gill. They married in 2006 and have two sons together.
How tall is Kendall Gill?
He is 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters) tall.
Did Kendall Gill work for ESPN?
Yes. Following his NBA retirement, Gill has appeared as a basketball analyst on ESPN and has also worked with NBA TV and NBC Sports Chicago, providing commentary and game analysis.
What is Kendall Gill’s salary?
His broadcasting salary has not been publicly disclosed. Industry estimates place it between $70,000 and $140,000 annually, though these figures are unofficial.
What is Kendall Gill’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is approximately $18 million, based on third-party estimates. Kendall Gill has not publicly confirmed this figure.