Garrison Mathews

Garrison Mathews's Biography

Garrison Mathews, born on October 24, 1996, has established himself as an American professional basketball player known for his impressive play style and scoring capabilities. He is currently active in the National Basketball Association (NBA), playing for the Atlanta Hawks. Before his NBA journey, Mathews grew his love for the game and refined his skills while playing college basketball for the Lipscomb Bisons. He is best remembered for his extraordinary performance in 2019, which earned him the title of the ASUN Conference Player of the Year.

Growing up in Franklin, Tennessee, Mathews attended Franklin High School, where he was a dual-sport athlete, playing both basketball and football. It was during his tenure at Lipscomb University, however, that Mathews chose to exclusively focus on basketball, a decision that proved fruitful for his career. He excelled on the court, setting the school’s Division I-era records in single-game scoring, career scoring, and three-pointers made, achievements that propelled him to being recognized as one of the top players in the program’s history.

In his junior year, Mathews’ exceptional performance led the Bisons to their first-ever participation in the NCAA tournament. Mathews carried his excellent form into his senior year, when he was recognized as Atlantic Sun Player of the Year and chosen for the first-team All-Atlantic Sun. He guided Lipscomb to a runner-up finish at the 2019 NIT, courtesy of his high-scoring performances. Mathews scored 44 and 34 points in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, ultimately helping the Bisons reach the championship game. However, despite their valiant efforts, Lipscomb was defeated by Texas. Throughout his senior year, Mathews had an impressive average of 20.8 points per game and amassed a total of 2,478 career points in college.

Following his college career, Mathews wasn’t selected in the 2019 NBA draft, but his determination didn’t falter. He signed a two-way contract with the Washington Wizards, playing for both the NBA team and their NBA G League affiliate, the Capital City Go-Go. Garrison Mathews made his NBA debut on October 23, 2019, as a substitute in a match against the Dallas Mavericks, contributing an assist in the 100-108 loss. By the end of December, Mathews displayed his scoring prowess when he scored a career-high 28 points with four rebounds leading the Wizards to a 123-105 win over the Miami Heat.

In September 2021, Mathews further ventured on his NBA journey and signed up with the Boston Celtics. Despite signing, he was waived at the end of training camp and was claimed off waivers by the Houston Rockets on October 18. His contract was later converted to a two-move deal with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the Rockets’ G League affiliate. By December 18, the Rockets recognized his worth and converted his two-way deal into a standard contract.

However, a new chapter awaited Mathews in February 2023, where he and Bruno Fernando were traded to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Justin Holiday, Frank Kaminsky, and two future second-round draft picks.

Throughout his basketball journey, from Franklin High to Lipscomb, and the various teams within the NBA, Garrison Mathews has proven himself to be a dedicated and robust player. His ability to break records and make significant contributions to both his college and professional teams underlines his talent and intent. He is a basketball player who dedicates his craft to scoring and helping his team succeed, and the story of his career journey serves as an inspiration to emerging athletes.