Once a rising star, Paschall is now making a new home for his game overseas, a testament to his continued determination to play at a high level.
Eric Paschall, a talented Liberian-American forward, captivated NBA fans with a promising start to his career after being drafted by the Golden State Warriors. His trajectory, however, illustrates the swift highs and challenging lows that can define a professional basketball journey
Once a rising star, Paschall is now making a new home for his game overseas, a testament to his continued determination to play at a high level.
Drafted 41st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors, Eric Paschall quickly made an impact. During a season where the Warriors were rebuilding and riddled with injuries to their star players, Paschall seized the opportunity, showcasing his scoring ability and physical play. His strong performances earned him a well-deserved spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2020, a significant achievement that marked him as a player with a bright future in the league. He averaged an impressive 14.0 points and 4.6 rebounds in his rookie campaign, hinting at a potential long and impactful NBA career.
Despite his promising debut, Paschall’s NBA journey became more challenging. As the Warriors’ star players returned from injury, his role diminished, and he struggled to consistently find a niche that maximized his unique skillset. After two seasons with Golden State, he was traded to the Utah Jazz in 2021. While he played 58 games for the Jazz, his minutes and production saw a decline, averaging 5.8 points and 1.8 rebounds in the 2021-2022 season. Injuries and the constant demand for player evolution in the NBA meant that opportunities became scarcer, leading to his eventual departure from the league after a brief stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Undeterred by the winding path of his NBA career, Eric Paschall has since taken his talents overseas, demonstrating his passion for the game and his desire to continue competing professionally. After a period with Leones de Ponce in Puerto Rico in 2023, he made the move to Europe. He currently plays for Pistoia Basket 2000 in the Lega Basket Serie A (LBA), Italy’s top professional basketball league, having signed with them in August 2024. This move marks a significant chapter in his career, providing him with consistent playing time and a chance to re-establish his game.
In the 2024-2025 season with Pistoia, Eric Paschall has been a key contributor. As of the current reports (based on 20 games played), he is averaging 10.1 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. While these numbers are different from his NBA rookie breakout, they reflect his continued presence and impact on a professional European team. His journey stands as a testament to the perseverance required in professional sports, and for Liberian-American athletes like Paschall, finding a sustainable and impactful role, whether in the NBA or overseas, is a victory in itself.
