Jason Preston

Jason Preston's Biography

Jason Preston: From Tragic Beginnings to NBA Success

Born on August 10, 1999, in Orlando, Florida, Jason Preston has turned adversity into strength and become an American professional basketball player. Currently, he stands tall as the National Basketball Association’s (NBA’s) Utah Jazz’s point guard under a two-way contract with the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G League. Preston’s tenacity and hard work have played a major role in molding him into the resilient player he stands today.

Jason’s passion for basketball grew while he was a student at William R. Boone High School in Orlando. Disappointingly, his high school career saw him averaging just two points per game over two years. Undeterred, the 6-feet tall, 140-pound Preston planned to major in journalism at the University of Central Florida while pursuing his basketball aspirations in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circuit.

Seeing an opportunity to develop his skills further, Jason decided to join the Believe Prep Academy in Athens, Tennessee, post high school. This bold step saw him sprout up four inches and gain crucial experience as a point guard on the court. At the prep school, he paved his path leading the team to a 31–8 record, averaging 12 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds per game. Connected bouts of strong performances saw him alternate between the B team and the A team at Believe Prep Academy.

Preston’s turning point came when he posted his highlight reel on Twitter, which garnered him basketball offers from Ohio and Longwood. Deciding to commit to Ohio, he embarked upon a journey that changed his life forever.

His academic years at Ohio University witnessed him transforming into a promising player. During his freshman year, he achieved an average of six points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. This brilliant performance garnered him the ‘MAC All-Freshman Team’ honors. In the following years, his prowess on the court only magnified.

During his sophomore season, he recorded a season-high of 27 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists in an 81–72 win over Iona on November 13, 2019. He continued to showcase his skills, with several high-scoring games throughout the season. This remarkable form earned him a place as a Second Team All-MAC selection, leading the MAC, and ranking second nationally in assists.

The year 2020 witnessed Jason hitting his career-high 31 points in a match against Illinois. His impressive performance put him in the limelight garnering national attention. Eventually, Jason led the Ohio University to a MAC tournament title that year. His outstanding form extended to his junior year with an average of 15.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game.

As Jason’s dream to play in the NBA became clearer, he declared for the 2021 NBA draft while retaining college eligibility. Eventually, he decided to go all the way, staying in the draft. This leap of faith saw Jason being selected as the 33rd overall pick by his home team, the Orlando Magic.

However, in an unexpected turn of events, Preston was traded to the LA Clippers amid injury concerns. After missing his entire rookie season due to surgery in his right foot, Preston made his highly anticipated NBA debut on October 23, 2022. His 2022–23 season saw him featuring in only 14 games, adjusting to the pace and intensity of the NBA.

After a short stint with the Clippers and the Memphis Grizzlies, Preston found his footing with the Utah Jazz on a two-way contract, starting 2024. This stabilized his place in the competitive world of professional basketball.

Apart from his commitment to the game, Jason is a devout Christian and has faced personal sagas that left him emotionally wounded. Jason’s mother, Judith Sewell, passed away due to lung cancer during his junior year in high school. Moreover, his father was absent, leaving him to be raised by his aunt and uncle in Jamaica. His mother’s friend’s son became his companion in the United States.

Jason also harbors a passion for writing about his favorite team, the Detroit Pistons, moving his readers with his in-depth knowledge of the game. In 2023, he became the subject of an AT&T commercial, highlighting his journey from adversity to acclaim. The poignant ad reiterates how a highlight video he produced resulted in a Division I scholarship with Ohio, propelling him to his professional career.

Jason Preston’s journey is a true testimony of resilience, highlighting how relentless grit, determination, and faith can turn adversities into opportunities, from tragic beginnings to NBA success.