How Josh Giddey’s sister, Hannah helped NBA star bounce back

Hannah Giddey always had young brother Josh’s back during his dramatic rise to NBA superstardom, even when the fruits of that fame soured. Now, she’s a star on the court in her own right and Josh is her biggest fan.

US college basketball star Hannah Giddey and her little brother, NBA superstar Josh Giddey. Picture: Supplied

NBA superstar Josh Giddey has had his share of brutal competitors in his stellar career so far, but none more than the force he faced in his Melbourne backyard.

“It would always get heated, it would either end in tears or if I won we would have to play again until he won because Josh would get angry,” revealed Hannah, the much less famous basketballer with the same surname.

“Me and Josh were always pretty competitive, we were always mucking around playing games in the back yard,” says the big sister by sixteen months.

“Now when I’m with him in public I do forget that people do know who he is, which is still crazy to me.”

Josh burst into the limelight when he became the sixth overall pick in the 2021 National Basketball Association draft after being selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC).

Hannah Giddey won’t rely on her famous surname for success.

Hannah Giddey leading the charge in US college basketball.

He spent three years with the Thunder before moving to six-time winners Chicago Bulls, where he’s on a salary of $8 million plus a year.

“Draft night is something I’ll always remember. I was sitting on the table with mum, dad and Josh when his name got called for the 6th pick and I couldn’t have been more happy for him,” said Hannah who was already playing ball and studying at Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma.

“Seeing how successful his first three seasons playing in the NBA were, really motivated me to want to be great at my college basketball.

“I never felt pressured by my family or anyone to be like my brother or to live up to what he has done, yet I myself wanted to carve my own way and be spoken about the basketball player I am and not just Josh Giddey’s sister.

“I obviously still put pressure on myself to want to be the best I can be to show people I wasn’t just given an opportunity from my last name but because I am good enough and earned it.”

Hannah Giddey at one of her little brother Josh’s NBA games.. Picture: Supplied

Hannah was there for every step of her young brother’s dramatic rise to international fame. He quickly became a household name and featured on the cover of every sports magazine.

She was also there when the fruits of that fame temporarily turned sour.

Josh navigated intense public scrutiny off the court when both the police and NBA launched probes into allegations had an inappropriate relationship with an underage girl. Both investigations found no criminal activity and were closed.

“I’m glad I was able to be there for him during that time because he was going through a lot,” Hannah recalls.

“I think he was thankful for having me there which relieved some stress off him and he wasn’t isolated. Everyone in OKC including my coaching staff and teammates were very supportive.”

NBA star Josh Giddey with his sisters Ella, Neve and Hannah.

These days the pair try to get to as many of each other’s ball games as their busy schedules permit.

Hannah, who is completing her masters in sports management, is now the star of the Southern Nazarene University team where she has been playing since 2022.

“Honestly moving there was the best decision I have ever made. This season I have had to step into a bigger role as a player and a leader.”

She is currently leading the team in scoring, rebounds, and assists per game and leads the conference in blocks per game.”

Hannah lived with her little brother throughout her junior and senior years of college.

“I loved it, we became really close,” she said.

Having been around the game for her entire life - her dad a Melbourne Tigers legend and coaching gun - basketball was always going to be a big part of her future.

“I got to watch a lot of Josh’s junior basketball career and see how much he had improved year in and year out,” Hannah said.

Hannah Giddey making her own way.

Rising star Hannah Giddey.

“I was always so proud of him and knew that he could far in basketball, I was just not sure what direction. A few years go by and he had been at the AIS then he played a year in the NBL. His way to the NBA seemed to become more of a reality. “

The humble sibling who stands at six foot, two inches tall, says that for now she’s focused on college ball and when asked where she has her sights set on the WNBA - America’s premier women’s league - she says she’s focused on making the Australian WNBL.

“I love to pass like Josh,” she says of her brother’s skilful offloads. “However, I’m a post player. I like to play inside more and shoot the mid range. I also love to block shots.”

As for navigating the complexities of fame, Hannah says she largely unscathed.

“I would say we get left alone most of the time. People might recognise me at Josh’s games and come up and ask for a photo, or even when I play home or away teams at college people will recognise my last name,” she said.

“It is cool but I still find it weird when people approach me for a photo.”