Shawn Travis Kemp Sr. was a renowned American professional basketball player who played for the Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Orlando Magic in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Kemp, who was affectionately called “Reign Man,” was a six-time NBA All-Star and a three-time All-NBA Second Team member.
He began his basketball journey at Concord High School in Elkhart, Indiana, where he was a four-year varsity starter and one of the top four or five players nationally in his senior year. He led his team to the state championship finals and ended his high school career as Elkhart County’s all-time leading scorer.
Despite his impressive achievements and accolades, Kemp was overlooked for the title of Indiana Mr. Basketball, which was awarded to Woody Austin that year. There has been some speculation that Kemp was passed over for the award because he committed to the University of Kentucky and did not show interest in playing college ball in-state, unlike Austin, who committed to Purdue University.
Kemp was selected to the 1988 McDonald’s High School All-American team, along with notable players such as Alonzo Mourning. However, he failed to score the minimum of 700 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and was forced to miss his freshman year under the NCAA’s Proposition 48 rules. Kemp enrolled at Kentucky but left the team in November 1988 after being accused of pawning two gold chains that had been reported stolen from his teammate. He transferred to Trinity Valley Community College in Texas and declared himself eligible for the 1989 NBA draft after a semester, starting his journey in professional basketball.
Shawn Kemp first wife, Marvena L. Thomas
Shawn Kemp’s first wife was Marvena L. Thomas, whom he married in 2001. The couple had three children together, including Shawn Kemp Jr. and Jamon Kemp, both of whom went on to play college basketball. Despite Kemp’s reputation as a womanizer, Thomas reportedly forgave him for his infidelities and still holds a special place in his heart.
Thomas was no stranger to basketball herself, as she used to be a co-director of the Northwest College Summer League and organized various pro-am basketball tournaments in Seattle. However, her true passion lies in the Marvin Thomas Foundation, which she founded and directs in honor of her father. The organization is dedicated to serving underprivileged children and youth in Seattle-based communities.
