Jake Layman

Jake Layman's Biography

Jake Douglas Layman, born March 7, 1994, is an eminent figure in the world of basketball known for his towering figure, agile performance and captivating skill set. Hailing from Norwood, Massachusetts, Layman has graced several prestigious platforms in his professional career, from being a part of the NBA to playing in Japan’s B.League, representing SeaHorses Mikawa.

Layman’s journey to stardom began in Massachusetts, where despite being a late bloomer at his high school, King Philip Regional, his ambition to excel in basketball was unwavering. While at school, Layman, blessed with a remarkable height of 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m), tended to favor playing on the perimeter. His talent and commitment, even amidst little initial recognition, could not be kept under wraps for long.

On the cusp of his athletic journey, Layman, played AAU basketball under the guidance of Leo Papile for the Boston Amateur Basketball Club (BABC). Graduating as a senior, he stunned audiences, averaging 26 points, five blocks, and four assists per game. His feats won him accolades, including being rated by ESPN as the 17th-best small forward nationally and the 3rd-best player in his home state.

In 2012, Layman was felicitated as the HockomockSports.com Boys’ Basketball Player of the Year. Further, the Hockomock League deemed him the Most Valuable Player for boys’ basketball, adding another feather to his already burgeoning cap.

Layman’s ultimate opportunity came under the mentorship of Massachusetts native and then Maryland assistant basketball coach, Scott Spinelli. With Maryland Terrapins, he started 17 games and averaged 5.5 points per game as a freshman. His skill set ripened during his sophomore year when he increased his average to 11.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.

As his progression was evident, Layman’s precocious talent was recognized during his junior year, winning him selection as the Third-team All-Big Ten by the media, even though the coaches regarded him only as an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten.

Layman’s career took an exceptional turn upon his selection in the 2016 NBA draft with the 47th overall pick by the Orlando Magic. However, Layman’s journey with the Magic was transient; he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers on draft night itself, launching the trailblazer phase of his career.

In the subsequent years, Layman was dealt to the Timberwolves as part of a sign-and-trade deal and was signed by the Boston Celtics in free agency in September 2022. Nevertheless, his contract was short-lived as he was waived off the team the following month.

In a surprising turn of events, Layman’s career crossed paths with Japanese basketball. He first signed with Baxi Manresa of the Liga ACB in November 2022, but owing to a herniated disc, he had to withdraw. Surmounting this challenge, Layman joined SeaHorses Mikawa of the Japanese B.League by the end of June 2023, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career.

Layman’s contribution to basketball extends far beyond his professional accomplishments. He represented the United States under-18 national team that clinched the gold medal in the 2012 FIBA Americas Championship against Brazil. Despite being a substitute for Sam Dekker, Layman made the most of his opportunity, playing 12 minutes per game and averaging nearly eight points and four rebounds per game.

Layman, cherishing a fruitful comparison with Chandler Parsons, mirrored his playing style, boasting an unparalleled shooting ability. His signature playing style— hanging out in the perimeter, shooting 3-pointers, and slashing to the basket whenever needed— riveted spectators worldwide and helped him make a significant impact in NBA games.

Off the court, Layman leads a blissful personal life. Born to Tim and Claire, alumni of the University of Maine at Orono, Layman grew up alongside his four brothers: Connor, Jimmy, Ryan, and Kyle. In July 2019, he tied the knot with his longstanding girlfriend, Jasmine, merging his pinnacle of personal happiness with his professional zenith. Through all of this, Layman continues to etch an indelible mark on basketball history, emphasizing his journey’s endurance, resilience, ambition, and passion.