Jake LaRavia

Jake LaRavia's Biography

Jacob Glen LaRavia, born on November 3, 2001, has made quite a name for himself in the world of basketball. Currently, he holds the esteemed position of a professional basketball player for the renowned team, the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Despite his youth, Jacob boasts a rich history and a deep-rooted connection with basketball that precedes his professional career and stretches back to his college and high school days.

Born in Pasadena, California, Jacob, along with his parents, Jeff and Becky LaRavia, moved eastwards to Indianapolis when he was just five years old. It was in Indianapolis that he cultivated his flourishing fascination with basketball, particularly during his time at Lawrence Central High School. Teaming up with cohorts Nijel Pack and Dre Davis, the young man astonishingly led his high school team to its first sectional title since 2012. With a performative streak that stood out even in those days, he averaged an incredible 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.3 steals per game as a senior, earning him Indiana All-Star honors.

As his high school career drew to a close, LaRavia initially committed to playing college basketball for SIU Edwardsville. However, following a change in the coaching staff, he decided to reopen his recruitment and subsequently committed to Indiana State. During his freshman year at the University, LaRavia maintained his reputation as a force to be reckoned with, averaging 9.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. This impressive performance earned him a spot on the All-Newcomer and All-Freshman Teams in the Missouri Valley Conference.

In his second year, LaRavia elevated his game further, delivering an average contribution of 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. His dedication and skill placed him firmly on the second-team All-MVC. Following the departure of coach Greg Lansing, Jacob transferred to Wake Forest. His arrival there was marked by an astounding display of skill, with him recording a career-high 31 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists in a single game against North Carolina. Over the entirety of his junior season, LaRavia averaged 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, earning him a well-deserved designation in the second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference.

On the eve of his graduation from college, LaRavia’s hard work and dedication bore fruit. He declared for the 2022 NBA draft while maintaining his eligibility for college. Testifying to his caliber, he was selected as the 19th overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2022 draft. Later on, however, his draft rights were traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, along with a future second-round pick, in exchange for the 22nd and 29th picks in the draft. With the Grizzlies, LaRavia scored 13 points in his Summer League debut and recorded five points and two rebounds in his NBA debut. Never one to stagnate, even as an established professional, Jacob keeps pushing his limits. In March 2023, he began his stint with the Memphis Hustle of the NBA G League.

All in all, LaRavia’s journey, from the school courts to becoming the crown jewel of the Memphis Grizzlies, is testament to his spirit, grit, and the unwavering dedication he possesses towards the game of basketball. A true embodiment of the adage, “success is where preparation and opportunity meet,” LaRavia continues to accelerate his upward trajectory in the world of professional basketball, and there seem to be no signs of him slowing down any time soon.