Writer  /  Pat Carlini

It’s hard to believe the laid back, almost shy Thaddeus Young that I sat down with one day after practice is actually the aggressive 6’8”power forward for the Indiana Pacers, and not only is he new to the team, he is also our new neighbor here in Geist.

“A realtor took us all over,” says Thaddeus, who moved here in June. “But we just kept coming back to the house on Geist —we just love it!”

At first he feared it may be too far from downtown, but soon learned it is not a bad commute, and a few fellow teammates also enjoy their homes on Geist.

“What I enjoy is just looking out at the water,” laughs Thaddeus. “I don’t like going out there when it gets a little cold.”

While he was born in warm New Orleans, his career has taken him to teams based in colder locations, such as the Philadelphia 76ers from 2007 to 2014, Minnesota Timberwolves in 2014 and 2015 and, most recently, the Brooklyn Nets in 2015 and 2016.

“Brooklyn was tough, “ says Thaddeus, shaking his head. “There was so much to do all around you, but it seems like it takes two to three hours to get anywhere.”

His wife, Shekinah, has been by his side all the way. The couple met in high school in Memphis, where she is the founder and owner of a successful beauty shop/blow out bar. They have two young boys, and Thaddeus says he enjoys his downtime with his family.

“I’m a pretty simple guy,” laughs Thaddeus. “I enjoy my time on the couch before the kids get home.”

Thaddeus says his favorite dinner is pasta and he prefers a drink now and then, but not really wine or beer.

“My dad used to say beer is an acquired taste, and for some reason, at 28 years old, I still haven’t acquired the taste for beer,” laughs Thaddeus.

He has, however, acquired a taste for lakeside living, and now he and his family are enjoying their new home on Geist reservoir.

Welcome Thaddeus Young and family!