Joakim Noah Defensive Player of the Year. Noah was born in New York City, to French singer and former world No. 3 tennis player Yannick Noah, winner of the French Open in 1983, and Cécilia Rodhe, Miss Sweden and fourth runner-up at Miss Universe 1978. His grandfather Zacharie Noah was a Cameroonian professional football player, winner of the Coupe de France in 1961. Noah lived in Paris, France from 1988 to 1998 and returned to New York City at age 13. He played high school basketball for the United Nations International School, Poly Prep Country Day School and Lawrenceville School. Considered a
Cécilia Rodhe Cécilia Rodhe Cécilia Catharina Björnsdotter Rodhe (surname sometimes spelled Rhode; formerly Rhodes-Noah; born 1 September 1961) is a former model, Miss Sweden 1978 and competed in the Miss Universe 1978 pageant, held in Mexico, 24 July. In the Miss Universe pageant, she finished fifth place. She is currently a sculptor. From her former marriage to French tennis player Yannick Noah, she has two children, Joakim and Yélena. The 6'11" Joakim played college basketball for the 2006 and 2007 NCAA national champions, the University of Florida Gators, was drafted by the Chicago Bulls of the NBA as the 9th overall pick,