Armenian-American professional basketball player Gary Chivichyan will be honored at Intuit Dome, the home of the Los Angeles Clippers, on April 7, 2026 during Armenian Heritage Night, in front of 20,000 fans and a national television audience, with the tribute taking place right before the Clippers’ 7:30 PM PDT game against the Dallas Mavericks, recognizing his groundbreaking achievements as an Armenian in the NBA pipeline and a historic NBA run that includes multiple firsts for an Armenian in the NBA system, reports Zartonk Media.
Chivichyan, a 6’4” guard from Los Angeles. He played Division I college basketball at Idaho State University before transferring to the University of the Pacific, where he competed under former NBA player Damon Stoudamire.
“What I’ve achieved is bigger than my own story. This day belongs to our community and to every kid watching, wondering what’s possible. A signal to the next generation that they can go even further. The path is now open,” said Gary Chivichyan to Zartonk Media.
At the collegiate level, Chivichyan’s resume was equally impressive:
- Freshman of the Year runner-up
- 4th all-time in Division I school history in three-pointers made
- Top-10 in the WCC in three-point field goals
- Second-leading scorer on a 23-win, tournament-bound team
- Recipient of an Honorary College Basketball Player of the Year
Chivichyan also competed in international leagues across Dubai, Lebanon, and beyond, where he averaged 16 points per game and earned International All-Star honors, before being selected by the Milwaukee Bucks for NBA Summer League play.
Chivichyan’s journey has included multiple historic milestones, including several firsts already etched into Armenian sports history:
- First Armenian drafted into the NBA system
- First Armenian nominated for an ESPY Award
- The only Armenian to have his jersey sold in the NBA Store
- A full-season Los Angeles Clippers G League
- A signee to a 10-day G League contract with the Sacramento Kings
- A member of the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2025 NBA Summer League roster
- Participated in a two-week NBA Training Camp with the Milwaukee Bucks
- A five-time pre-draft workout participant with five different NBA teams
- A sellout draw at the Lakers facility vs. South Bay Lakers
With thousands in attendance and the moment broadcast nationally, the recognition at Intuit Dome will spotlight Chivichyan’s impact and the significance of his accomplishments for the Armenian community.
The April 7 tribute will mark a historic Armenian Heritage Night celebration, honoring one of the most accomplished Armenian basketball players.
