Carter Bryant is comfortable with his family’s history of deafness. The Arizona basketball star is a GODA, Grandchild of Deaf Adults, and has been open about his experience.
Bryant’s grandfather, Mike “Doc” Torres, had an impressive basketball career of his own, having earned Hall of Fame status with the USA deaf basketball association. The forward’s grandmother, Shelly Freed, gave back to her community as an educator and administrator at the California School for the Deaf.
Bryant’s parents are not deaf, but they also played a part in their local deaf community while he was growing up. His mother worked as a sign language interpreter, while his father coached the women’s basketball team at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside.
The Arizona freshman discussed his experience growing up with deaf grandparents with KVOA-TV.
“A lot of people seeing being deaf as a disability … I see it as a superpower,” Bryant said. “I have so much love and respect for that community.”
Bryant showed off his American Sign Language skills in an Instagram reel in collaboration with Gallaudet. He reflected on the impact of his family’s support on his basketball journey.
”Now, basketball is my platform, and through it, I carry my family and the Deaf community with me,” Bryant signed.
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What does Carter Bryant bring to the NBA draft?
Carter Bryant is a projected first-round pick in Wednesday’s 2025 NBA draft after serving as an essential depth piece for Arizona this season.
In his sole college season, the 6’7” forward recorded 6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game. He showed his defensive potential with 1.0 block and 0.9 steals per game. Bryant shot 46%, including 37.1% from three.
Bryant’s athleticism and professional potential make him stand out in the 2025 NBA draft class. He has a good size and is an impressive shot blocker and rim finisher.
The Arizona star has strength and speed, and a positive pre draft process has made him a Top 15 prospect. He has generated interest from a number of teams with late lottery picks and will look to bring his guard skills to a program that provides him the development to become a reliable NBA contributor.
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