Where did Jaren Jackson Jr. play college ball?

Jaren Jackson Jr. plays for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. Since being drafted with the fourth overall pick in 2018, JJJ is celebrated for his defensive skills and an imposing presence in the paint. Jackson Jr. has been twice named to the All-NBA defensive team. He became the Defensive Player of the Year in the 2022-23 season while also getting a nod as a first-time All-Star.

Along with great defense, Jackson Jr. is a great shooter with a soft touch around the basket as he has averaged 18.1 points per game throughout his career, as per Basketball Reference. Due to his shot-blocking ability, NBA fans have nicknamed him 'Block Panther’! During the 2022-23 NBA season, Jackson Jr. averaged a solid 3 blocks per game.

Jaren Jackson Jr.'s college career

Jaren Jackson Jr. played college ball with the Michigan State Spartans. In his one season with the Spartans in 2017-18, the entire basketball world took notice of his defensive prowess and shot-blocking abilities. He once recorded eight blocks in a single game. He also registered 21 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocks in a game against Illinois University.

Even in college, JJJ wasn’t just about athleticism. He showcased a versatile game that included not only shot-blocking prowess but also an impressive ability to score from both inside and beyond the arc. This versatility, especially his 3-point shooting, set the stage for his future success in the NBA.

His outstanding performances in college earned him multiple accolades, including the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year and a spot on the All-Big Ten Third Team.

When was Jaren Jackson Jr born?

Jaren Jackson Jr. was born on September 15, 1999. His father Jaren Jackson Sr. was a former professional basketball player who played for many NBA teams including the San Antonio Spurs team that won the 1999 NBA championship. JJJ’s mother Terri Carmichael Jackson olds the position of Executive Director at the Women's National Basketball Players Association.