JT Thor

JT Thor's Biography

Jokhow Panom, commonly known as “JT” Thor, is an accomplished professional basketball player who has put not just his impressive skills but also his relentless spirit and ambition on display while making strides in the world of basketball. Born on August 26, 2002, to South Sudanese parents in Omaha, Nebraska, JT’s passion for the sport began to ignite during his growing years. At just five years of age, he moved to Anchorage, Alaska, carrying with him the dreams that would later shape his career.

It wasn’t long before JT made his first foray into the world of basketball. He kick-started his journey in the seventh grade, and it was evident that the young man had an exceptional talent. He rapidly distinguished himself on the court while playing for West Anchorage High School, brushing his skills with early exposure.

At 14, JT left the familiar surroundings of Alaska to venture into the heartlands of West Virginia, living with his brother and attending Huntington Prep School. These years shaped him significantly, not just as a player but also as an individual. While JT devoted his two seasons impressively at West Virginia, he developed a burning desire to broaden his horizons and transferred to Norcross High School in Norcross, Georgia. At this point, he reclassified to the class of 2020.

During his senior year, JT’s performance soared to new heights. He averaged 14.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, a testament to his relentless spirit. His extraordinary performance led to him being honored with all-state honors, marking a significant milestone on his basketball journey. With a consensus four-star recruit title to his credit, JT chose Auburn over Oklahoma State, marking the beginning of his college basketball stint for the Auburn Tigers.

The date February 13, 2021, is etched in JT’s memory as he attained a freshman season high of 24 points and nine rebounds. This was in an intense game against Kentucky that ended with a score of 82–80. In his freshman year at Auburn, he boasted an average of 9.4 points, five rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game.

On March 23, 2021, JT made a bold decision to declare for the 2021 NBA draft while keeping his college eligibility intact. This move spoke volumes of his confidence in his skills, which he had honed for years. Choosing to sign with an agent, JT opted to forgo his remaining college eligibility.

JT’s career took a significant turn when he was picked 37th overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2021 NBA draft. A month later, on August 6, he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets along with Mason Plumlee for the 57th overall pick. The Hornets officially signed Thor the same day. His stint at the Hornets saw him getting assigned to the Greensboro Swarm of the NBA G League. His debut in the G League resulted in an impressive score of 34 points off of 14-of-22 shooting and 12 rebounds.

However, JT’s journey with the Hornets came to an end on June 28, 2024, when he was released along with guard Seth Curry. Undeterred by these events, JT embraced the next lap of his journey on September 9, 2024, by signing a two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Basketball seems to run in the Thor family, as JT’s older cousin, Jal Rial, had played basketball for Phoenix College and Howard College. In addition, JT has seven siblings: four brothers and three sisters. JT Thor’s career has been an inspiring journey of a person born with a deep-seated love for basketball and who nurtured it, leading him to etch his name among the revered figures of the NBA. Currently, he plays as a professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers while also having a two-way contract with the Cleveland Charge of the NBA G League.