Jalen Suggs

Jalen Rashon Suggs, born on June 3, 2001, is a well-regarded professional basketball player who represents the Orlando Magic in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He escalated to prominence after a successful tenure at Gonzaga University, proving his immense potential in the 2020-2021 season as a high-performing player for the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

Born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, he was raised in a sport-talented environment, with his father, Larry Suggs, being a local sporting figure. Encouraged by his father’s athletic inclinations, young Jalen began his basketball journey very early in life. He made his initial foray into competitive basketball in seventh grade at Minnehaha Academy, a renowned private Christian school located in Minneapolis, when he joined their junior varsity basketball team. His impressive performances quickly warranted a promotion to the varsity team.

In his eighth grade year, Suggs made a name for himself by averaging 17.5 points, 4.4 steals, and four assists per game as a full-time starter on the varsity team. This impressive trend continued throughout his high school years, with his freshman year culminating in 21.5 average points per game, eight rebounds, and five assists. With 22 points under his belt, including 15 in the second half, Suggs was instrumental in securing the Class 2A state championship victory against Crosby-Ironton High School. This early achievement was acknowledged with a spot on the MaxPreps Freshman All-American first team.

Suggs’ sophomore season also stood out, averaging 16 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, resulting in his team clinching another Class 2A state title. He was awarded first team All-State by the Associated Press (AP) and MaxPreps Sophomore All-American second team honors for his performance during this season.

As he transitioned into his junior year, his growth as a player was evident. He averaged an impressive 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, while winning a third straight Class 2A state championship. His relentless drive and excellence earned him spots on the AP All-State first team and MaxPreps Junior All-American third team.

His senior year not only saw him averaging 23.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, five assists and 3.9 steals per game, but also securing the school’s 2019-20 section title. However, the COVID-19 pandemic short-circuited his school’s promising season. Despite the abbreviated season, Suggs made his mark as the school’s all-time leading scorer, with a career total of 2,945 points. This achievement was duly recognized, earning him MaxPreps All-American first team and Minnesota Mr. Basketball honors, and the prestigious Minnesota AP Player of the Year title.

In paralleling his basketball prowess, Jalen also played football for SMB Wolfpack, a cooperative team representing Minnehaha Academy and three other private schools. Here, his quarterback skills shone, leading his team to a Class 4A football state championship during his junior year. His senior year saw him named Minnesota Mr. Football, solidifying his status as a top athlete in high school.

Securing a future for his basketball career, Suggs joined Gonzaga University’s basketball team after weighing offers from Florida, Florida State, Iowa State and Minnesota. He was a consensus five-star recruit and ESPN named him the fifth-best player in their 2020 class. His stint at Gonzaga shone through in the 2020-21 season, where he recorded outstanding statistics, including a career-high 27 points in a match against third-ranked Iowa.

Among several notable performances, Suggs was exceptional against UCLA in the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA tournament. His incredible 40-foot 3-point buzzer-beater made all the difference, driving Gonzaga to the championship game. After a remarkably successful freshman year with Gonzaga, in which he averaged 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game and received several prestigious recognition such as second-team All-American, he declared for the 2021 NBA draft, leaving behind college eligibility.

Once in the NBA, he was picked fifth overall in the 2021 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. He proved his worth within the first few games, showing remarkable skills and promise. However, his first season was disrupted by injuries including a right thumb fracture and a right ankle surgery following the 2021-22 season.

In the 2022 preseason, Suggs faced another setback, sustaining a left knee capsule sprain and bone bruise. However, he made a strong comeback, particularly memorable against the Chicago Bulls when he struck the game-winning three-pointer securing a 108-107 victory for the Magic.

Away from the court, Suggs’ has enjoyed considerable international success, securing gold medals in the 2017 FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship and at the 2018 FIBA Under-17 World Cup. Furthermore, he and his teammates clinched another gold medal at the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup in Greece.

Suggs comes from an accomplished family of athletes, which includes NFL player Terrell Suggs and three-time NBA All-Star Eddie Jones, and has a relationship with LSU Tigers women’s basketball player Hailey Van Lith, signifying her commitment not only to the sport but romance as well. His unwavering faith is central to him, identifying as a Christian.