Jermaine Samuels Jr.

Jermaine Samuels Jr.'s Biography

Jermaine Samuels Jr., born on November 13, 1998, is a profound figure in the world of professional basketball. Currently adding his prowess to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers team of the NBA G League, his journey in the sports world is one that inspires many.

Hailing from Franklin, Massachusetts, Samuels is the son of Taihish and Jermaine Samuels Sr. His initial interest in basketball emerged at a tender age of 13 when he began dunking the basketball. A significant sprout in his height from 5’9 to 6’3 played a crucial role in fostering his skills.

Samuels’ High School years were spent at The Rivers School. Under the mentorship of coach Andrew Mirken, he was able to hone his skills on the court. Simultaneously, he played in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) as a part of expressions Elite, further developing his esteemed game skills.

Right from his freshman season at The Rivers School, Samuels’ talent was palpable. He maintained an impressive average of 19 points per game. However, his burgeoning success was briefly interrupted when he suffered a knee injury during his sophomore year that required surgery. This setback necessitated a six-month-long recovery period. Rising from adversity, Samuels gave a remarkable performance as a senior with an average of 17.5 points and 12.1 rebounds per game. This feat earned him the title of First Team All-USA Massachusetts by USA Today.

Samuels moved on to play college basketball for Villanova in November 2016, declining offers from several prestigious institutions. ESPN ranked him 52nd best in his class, a testament to his sportsmanship. His decision to pick Villanova was heavily influenced by the comfortable and friendly environment he perceived during his campus visit. Today, he is recognized as the top athlete from his hometown, Franklin, MA.

During his stint with Villanova, he reached an astounding season-high of 11 points during a game against DePaul. Despite fracturing his left hand during the game, he persevered and returned to the court in February 2018. During his freshman year, he contributed significantly to Villanova’s victory in the 2018 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Game.

Emerging stronger in 2019, he scored a season-high of 29 points in a game against Marquette. That same year, Villanova won the Big East Conference, a victory attributed in part to Samuels’ performance. His college years culminated with an average of 12 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on his senior year, earning an All-Big East Honorable Mention recognition.

Transitioning to professional basketball, Samuels went undrafted in 2022 NBA draft but was signed by the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. His professional journey continued with a contract with Houston Rockets and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of NBA G League by 2023. After a short break, he recommitted to the Vipers in 2024.

Apart from his college and professional exploits, Samuels has also represented the United States on the international front. In 2019, he played a key role in securing a bronze medal for his country in the Pan American Games in Peru, where he averaged 9.4 points per game.

Whether in college basketball or the professional arena, Jermaine Samuels Jr.’s journey continues to inspire and awe many, paving the way for his legacy as a prominent figure in professional basketball. With his persistence and determination, he continues to make Franklin, MA proud.