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"My parents did an amazing job teaching me about the severity of [sickle cell] disease without stripping me of any dreams or aspirations I possessed as a child," says Billy Garrett Jr., who became a professional basketball player despite having sickle cell disease. Photo courtesy of Billy Garrett Jr.
Throughout his basketball career, Billy Garrett Jr. has shattered barriers on and off the court. At DePaul University, he dominated as the team's top free throw shooter all four years and excelled academically, earning a finance degree with a 3.24 GPA — all while managing sickle cell disease, one of the most painful chronic conditions. As the first NBA player diagnosed with sickle cell disease, his talents have taken him from the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns' G League to international courts across France, Germany, Greece, Poland and beyond. Through every achievement, he proves that sickle cell disease isn't a limitation — it's fuel for his unstoppable drive to excel.
Diagnosed with sickle cell disease at birth, Billy's parents were told by doctors that their firstborn would "most likely fall behind in school due to hospitalizations, ... wouldn't be able to play recreational sports and would experience extreme pain crises."
"Little did they know that when you carry the last name that I do, sports being out of the question is actually what's out of the question," Billy writes in his book, "Ode to the Warrior".
Born into a basketball legacy — Billy's grandfather, Bill Garrett, made history in 1948 as the first African American to play basketball in the Big Ten Conference, breaking the Big Ten's ban on African American basketball players and the color barrier at Indiana University while becoming the school's all-time leading men's basketball scorer. Drafted by the Boston Celtics — as the third Black player selected in NBA history — Bill's professional career was placed on hold when he was drafted into the military during the Korean War. After two years in the army, Bill played basketball for the Harlem Globetrotters before returning to Indiana to become a high school educator and championship basketball coach.
"I believe that having sickle cell is one of the greatest things to happen to me," says Billy. "It has shown me that I possess a level of strength, discipline and perseverance that I otherwise wouldn't have known."
Born into a basketball dynasty, Billy Garrett Jr.’s grandfather, Bill Garrett broke racial barriers as the first Black basketball player in the Big Ten. He served in the Korean War and played for the Harlem Globetrotters before becoming a championship winning coach in Indiana. Photo courtesy of Shelby News.
"Knowing that I came from the bloodline of someone who overcame so much en route to his goals is inspiring," says Billy, whose father, Billy Sr., was a two-sport athlete who coached basketball collegiately for over 20 years. “[My parents] did an amazing job teaching me about the severity of sickle cell disease without stripping me of any dreams or aspirations I possessed as a child. My mom did a great job of meeting with all of my trainers and coaches … all of my coaches knew to allow water breaks whenever I needed.”
While Billy faced numerous sickle cell crises throughout his life, one of his most challenging moments came at age 12 during a basketball camp. The intense physical activity triggered splenic sequestration — a serious complication that occurs in children when sickled red blood cells become trapped in the spleen, causing painful swelling and blocked blood flow. To treat the crisis, improve blood flow and release trapped red blood cells from his spleen, Billy received his first blood transfusion, which helped speed up his recovery.
As one of the top players on the AAU circuit in his youth, Billy’s competitive nature often pushed him to his limits, leading to exertional sickling. Over time, he’s learned to adapt and thrive, developing a careful approach to training and health management with the support of his trainers and coaches.
"I've been fortunate enough to experience [pain crises] less frequently over the past few years,” shares Billy who is a lead shooting guard for ZTE Zalakeramia in Hungary. “Diet has played a major role for me in terms of staying healthy and in shape. I've incorporated primarily a plant-based diet and haven't had any complications with sickle cell since adding that to my regimen. I also work to keep my stress levels low through prayer and meditation."
Beyond his athletic achievements, Billy has become deeply involved in advocacy work, collaborating with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America and its state chapters in Illinois and Miami, and working with the American Red Cross to encourage eligible blood donors to roll up a sleeve in support of patients with sickle cell disease.
In the U.S., it is estimated that over 100,000 people have sickle cell disease and may require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lifetime — as many as 100 units of blood per patient each year. For patients with sickle cell disease, blood donors who are Black are almost three times more likely to be a match for the blood most commonly needed, compared with donors who are not Black or African American.
“The short amount of time it takes to give blood is nothing compared to the difference it can make in someone’s life,” says Billy.
His message to others living with sickle cell disease is clear: "I want to see people live happier, healthier lives with sickle cell. I've been fortunate enough to do something that no other person with sickle cell had done before me and the least I could do is detail the experience for the community. Writing my book, ’Ode to the Warrior,’ affirmed to me why I do what I do. It's to be an example for others who suffer from chronic ailments, particularly sickle cell, and let them know we're capable of anything."
Blood and platelet donations are vital in supporting patients with sickle disease undergoing gene therapies, stem cell transplants as well as those in need of regular blood transfusions to alleviate pain and help manage their disease. Commemorate Black History Month by rolling up a sleeve to give blood or putting on a Red Cross vest to volunteer. Make an appointment to donate blood on the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood. Sign up to become a Red Cross volunteer at RedCross.org/Volunteer or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Billy Garrett Jr. signs copies of his book, “Ode to the Warrior,” a memoir offering life lessons and inspiration to those battling sickle cell disease or any form of adversity. Photo courtesy of Billy Garrett Jr.