Lindy Waters III: stats, last game & news

When Lindy Waters III steps onto the court, he carries far more than a jersey on his shoulders. Born in Boulder, Colorado and raised in Norman, Oklahoma, this shooting forward embodies a rare cultural pride within elite basketball: that of the Native American communities from which he descends.

An enrolled member of the Kiowa tribe with Cherokee heritage, Waters grew up surrounded by three sisters in a family that nurtures both its cultural roots and its athletic ambitions. His Kiowa name "Pao," meaning "three," resonates like a foreshadowing of his basketball destiny. At Norman North High School, his journey took an unexpected turn: temporarily suspended over a photo, he came back more determined than ever to lead his team all the way to the state championship final.

At Oklahoma State University, Waters built his reputation on consistency: more than 100 games started, more than 1,000 points scored, and the status of a reliable starter. But it is off the court that his impact takes on a particularly meaningful dimension. In 2018, the American Indian Exposition named him "Indian of the Year," a recognition that foreshadowed his future commitment.

A finalist for the NBA Social Justice Champion award in 2023-24, Waters transforms his visibility into a mission. His eponymous foundation works to promote sports, health, and wellness in indigenous communities, offering young Native Americans role models in a world where they have historically been underrepresented.

In a professional basketball landscape in search of diversity and authenticity, Waters III carves out a unique path, proving that athletic excellence and social commitment can flourish hand in hand.