Which country does Jaren Jackson Jr play for?

Jaren Jackson Jr. plays for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches tall, Jaren Jackson Jr, also known as 'JJJ' primarily plays as a power forward but often takes on the center role in small-ball lineups. On the defensive end, JJJ is a standout shot-blocker. He led the league in blocks per game during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. In the 2022-23 season, he averaged 3 blocks per game and was honored with the Defensive Player of the Year award. That same season, he earned his first NBA All-Star selection. On the offensive side, Jackson is equally skilled as he averages 18.1 points per game for his career, as of January 2025, per Basketball Reference. Jackson Jr also holds a career three-point shooting percentage of 34.5%, an impressive statistic for a player of his size and position. His ability to stretch the floor and contribute from beyond the arc adds another dimension to his game.

Before entering the NBA, Jackson played one season of college basketball at Michigan State. There, he averaged 10.9 points per game while shooting 51.3% from the field and 39.6% from three-point range. His defensive abilities were evident early, as he recorded 106 blocks during his lone collegiate season, demonstrating the skills that would later define his professional career. Jackson continues to be a critical player for the Grizzlies, impacting games with his defensive dominance and offensive versatility.

Jaren Jackson Jr. National Team

While Jaren Jackson Jr.'s primary focus has been on making his mark in the NBA, he has also had the honor of representing his home country on the international basketball scene. Jackson Jr. averaged 8.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in the seven games he played at the FIBA Men’s World Cup. The team ended up finishing fourth. (via USAB)

Jaren Jackson Jr. Career

Jaren Jackson Jr was born in New Jersey, United States. Having US citizenship, Jackson's journey on the international basketball scene showcases his commitment to his country and his aspiration to contribute to its success on the world stage.

His father, Jaren Jackson Sr., won an NBA championship in 1999 with the San Antonio Spurs franchise. He was an early inspiration behind JJJ’s passion for the game. This foundation of basketball knowledge and skills laid the groundwork for his future success in the sport. Before making his NBA debut, Jaren Jackson Jr had already made a huge name for himself at the collegiate level while playing for Michigan State.

Though Jaren played just one season with the Spartans, he showcased his remarkable defensive gameplay. Unlike his father, who was a shooting guard by position, taller Jackson Jr played a more forward role for his teams. With his shot-blocking abilities, three-point shooting, and defensive aptitude JJJ made a huge mark in just 33 games with the Spartans. His performances earned him many accolades including Freshman of the Year, Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year, Big Ten's All-Freshman Team, and the All-Big Ten's Third Team. Although he did not win the NCAA title with the Michigan team, JJJ proved himself worth entering the bigger league.

In the 2018 NBA Draft, he was selected as the fourth overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies.