30 Facts About Jaylon Tyson

Early Life and High School Career

Jaylon Tyson's journey to basketball stardom began in Plano, Texas. His early years were marked by dedication and support from his family.

1. Jaylon Tyson was born on December 2, 2002, in Plano, Texas.
2. He grew up in a family that supported his athletic pursuits, with his father, John Tyson, and mother, Sandra Brown, encouraging him to excel in sports.
3. Tyson attended John Paul II High School in Plano, Texas.
4. During his junior year, he helped the team win their first-ever TAPPS Class 6A state championship, averaging 23.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
5. In his senior year, Tyson led John Paul II High School to the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) Class 6A state semifinals.
6. He was named the district most valuable player and a first-team all-state selection, averaging 22.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.1 steals per game.

College Recruitment and Career

Tyson's high school success caught the attention of top college programs, leading to a highly competitive recruitment process.

7. Tyson was highly recruited out of high school, ranked as the No. 34 prospect in the nation by Rivals, No. 35 by 247 Sports Composite, and No. 42 by ESPN.
8. He began his college basketball career at the University of Texas.
9. Tyson played in eight games as a freshman in the 2021-22 season, averaging 1.8 points and 1.1 rebounds in 7.0 minutes per contest.
10. He entered the NCAA transfer portal in December 2021 and eventually committed to play for Texas Tech.
11. Tyson started 31 games for the Red Raiders in the 2022-23 season, averaging 10.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game while shooting 40.2% from three-point range.
12. He left Texas Tech after the 2022-23 season due to racist comments made by head coach Mark Adams, which led to Adams' suspension and eventual resignation.
13. Tyson committed to play for the California Golden Bears in the 2023-24 season.
14. Despite initial denial of his eligibility waiver by the NCAA, he was eventually granted eligibility on November 9, 2023, and started 30 of 31 games for Cal.

Achievements and Performance

Tyson's college career was marked by impressive performances and numerous accolades.

15. In his first season with the Golden Bears, Tyson averaged 19.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
16. He shot .465 from the field, .360 from three-point range, and .796 from the free throw line, improving all shooting splits in Pac-12 play.
17. Tyson was voted onto the All-Pac-12 First Team and the NABC All-District 19 First Team.
18. He became the first Golden Bear since Ivan Rabb in 2016-17 to earn those honors.
19. Tyson was also a top-10 finalist for the Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award.
20. He had a remarkable Pac-12 season, starting with six consecutive 20-point games.
21. Tyson scored a career-high 30 points in wins against Colorado and Washington State.
22. He posted eight double-doubles, five of which were 20-point, 10-rebound performances.

Transition to the NBA

Tyson's collegiate success paved the way for his entry into the professional basketball world.

23. On June 26, 2024, Tyson was selected with the 20th overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2024 NBA draft.
24. He officially signed with the Cavs on July 3, 2024.
25. Tyson stands at 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 210 pounds, making him a versatile player who can play both shooting guard and small forward positions.
26. He is primarily a shooting guard but can also play small forward.
27. Throughout his collegiate career, Tyson has shown consistent shooting percentages, with a career free throw percentage of .776.
28. Tyson is a strong rebounder, averaging 6.1 rebounds per game at Texas Tech and 6.8 rebounds per game at California.
29. He has shown good passing skills, averaging 1.3 assists per game at Texas Tech and 3.5 assists per game at California.
30. Tyson's ability to bounce back from adversity showcases his resilience and determination, essential qualities for any athlete looking to succeed at the highest levels.

Jaylon Tyson's Bright Future

Jaylon Tyson's journey from Plano, Texas to the NBA showcases his talent and determination. From leading John Paul II High School to state championships to excelling at Texas Tech and California, his skills have only grown. Despite facing challenges like racist comments from a coach and NCAA eligibility issues, Tyson's resilience shone through. His impressive stats, including averaging 19.6 points per game at California, earned him a spot in the 2024 NBA Draft with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Standing at 6'7" and weighing 210 pounds, Tyson's versatility as a shooting guard and small forward makes him a valuable asset. With strong rebounding, shooting, and defensive skills, he's poised to make a significant impact in the NBA. Tyson's story of perseverance and hard work continues to inspire young athletes, and his future in professional basketball looks incredibly promising.