50 Facts About Jalen Suggs

Early Life and Family Background

Jalen Suggs' journey to basketball stardom began in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he was born into a family with a rich athletic heritage.

1. Birth and Early Life: Jalen Suggs was born on June 3, 2001, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Larry Suggs and Molly Manley.
2. Family Background: His father, Larry Suggs, is an accomplished local athlete, and his mother, Molly Manley, has been supportive throughout his career.
3. Siblings: Suggs has two younger sisters. His family's athletic background has influenced his passion for sports from an early age.
4. Cousins in Sports: Jalen is the second cousin of NFL player Terrell Suggs, a two-time Super Bowl champion. He is also a cousin of Eddie Jones, a three-time NBA All-Star, and Tyrese Haliburton, a guard for the Indiana Pacers.

High School Achievements

Jalen Suggs made a name for himself at Minnehaha Academy, excelling in both basketball and football.

5. High School Career: Suggs attended Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he excelled in both basketball and football. He was named the National MaxPreps Male Athlete of the Year in 2020.
6. High School Basketball: At Minnehaha Academy, Suggs was a standout basketball player. He started playing varsity basketball as an eighth-grader and averaged 17.5 points, 4.4 steals, and four assists per game.
7. High School Football: Suggs was also a talented football player. He was considered a four-star dual-threat quarterback by ESPN and had more than a dozen college football offers. He passed for 2,213 yards and 25 touchdowns while rushing for 978 yards and 12 touchdowns.
8. High School Football Achievements: In high school football, Suggs passed for 2,213 yards and 25 touchdowns while rushing for 978 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also intercepted nine passes, including two touchdowns.
9. High School Basketball Achievements: At Minnehaha Academy, Suggs led his team to three consecutive 2A state titles. He was the first athlete in Minnesota history to be named both Mr. Basketball and Mr. Football in the same year.

College Career at Gonzaga

Suggs' decision to commit to Gonzaga University marked a significant step in his basketball career.

10. College Commitment: On January 3, 2020, Suggs committed to play college basketball for Gonzaga University. He chose the Bulldogs over offers from Florida, Florida State, Iowa State, and Minnesota.
11. College Recruiting: Suggs was a consensus five-star recruit, with ESPN considering him the fifth-best player in the 2020 class. He was the highest-ranked player to commit to Gonzaga at that time.
12. College Career: During his only season (2020-21) at Gonzaga, Suggs played and started in 30 games. He averaged 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting .503 from the floor.
13. College Stats: Suggs' impressive college stats include a career-high 27 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in a 99-88 win over third-ranked Iowa on December 19, 2020.
14. College Awards: Suggs was named the 2021 WCC Tournament Most Outstanding Player after recording 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists in an 88-78 win against BYU on March 9, 2021.
15. College Honors: He was a consensus All-America Second Team selection and named to the 2020-21 All-West Coast Conference First Team. Suggs also won the WCC Newcomer of the Year award.
16. College Final Four: In the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA tournament, Suggs banked in a 40-foot, game-winning buzzer beater to defeat No. 11 seed UCLA 93-90 in overtime, advancing Gonzaga to the championship game.

Transition to the NBA

Suggs' transition to the NBA was marked by his selection in the 2021 NBA draft and his subsequent performance with the Orlando Magic.

17. NBA Draft: Suggs was selected by the Orlando Magic with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft.
18. Professional Career: In his professional career, Suggs has played in 176 career NBA regular-season games (139 starts) for the Orlando Magic, averaging 11.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.32 steals per game.
19. NBA All-Defensive Second Team: Suggs was named to the 2023-24 NBA All-Defensive Second Team, recognizing his defensive prowess in the league.
20. Playoff Performance: In seven career NBA playoff games, Suggs averaged 14.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.29 steals per game while playing 33.2 minutes per game.
21. Injury History: Suggs has faced several injuries throughout his career, including a sore left knee, right ankle strain, left wrist sprain, sore right groin, and right thigh contusion. These injuries have caused him to miss multiple games.

Athletic Background and Skills

Suggs' athletic background extends beyond basketball, showcasing his versatility and talent in multiple sports.

22. Athletic Background: Suggs' athletic background extends beyond basketball. He won three gold medals with USA Basketball at the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup, 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup, and 2017 FIBA Americas U16 Championship.
23. Height and Weight: Suggs stands at 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm) tall and weighs 205 pounds (92 kg).
24. College Football Offers: Despite his focus on basketball, Suggs received over a dozen college football offers and was considered a four-star dual-threat quarterback by ESPN.
25. College Basketball Awards: Suggs was one of five finalists for the 2020-21 Bob Cousy Award, given to the nation’s top point guard. He was also a finalist for the 2020-21 USWBA National Freshman of the Year award.
26. College Basketball Stats: In his college career, Suggs shot .503 from the floor, .337 from three-point range, and .761 from the free throw line. He averaged 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.
27. Professional Basketball Stats: In his professional career, Suggs has shot .422 from the field, .333 from three-point range, and .753 from the free throw line. He averages 11.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.32 steals per game.
28. Leadership Skills: Suggs is known for his leadership skills on the court. He has been praised for his ability to read the game at an elite level on both offense and defense.
29. Clutch Performances: Suggs is one of the most clutch players in college basketball. His game-winning buzzer beater against UCLA in the NCAA Final Four is a notable example of his ability to perform under pressure.
30. Athleticism: Suggs' athleticism allows him to turn any miss into a coast-to-coast layup. He has great feel for when to attack the basket and a strong mix of dribble moves to blow past defenders.
31. Defensive Abilities: Defensively, Suggs can play either guard spot due to his length, quickness, and strength. He excels at understanding what the offense is running and positioning himself to limit easy buckets.
32. Steals and Turnovers: Suggs is excellent at forcing turnovers, averaging 1.9 steals per game in college. He is smart and decisive on when to double, help, or go for steals.

Memorable Moments and Achievements

Suggs' career has been filled with memorable moments and significant achievements that highlight his talent and dedication.

33. College Schedule: During his college career, Suggs and the Gonzaga Bulldogs played numerous games against top-25 teams. They suffered a loss only to Baylor in the championship game but dominated the West Coast Conference.
34. Physical Attributes: Suggs measured 6’3 barefoot, 6’4 in shoes, 194 lbs, with a 6’5 wingspan, and an 8’3 standing reach in mid-2018.
35. USA Basketball Experience: Suggs has participated in several USA Basketball programs, including the 2018 Underclassman All-American Game and multiple FIBA World Cup tournaments.
36. Social Media Presence: Suggs is active on social media platforms, including Twitter (@jalensuggs) and Instagram (@jalensuggs).
37. Community Involvement: In 2023, Suggs participated in the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he engaged with young basketball players and promoted the sport globally.
38. High School Awards: As a high school senior, Suggs was named the state’s Mr. Basketball and Mr. Football in Minnesota. He was also one of five finalists for the Naismith High School Boys National Player of the Year award.
39. College Capsule: Suggs' college career was marked by his consistent performance. He was a key player in Gonzaga's 31-1 record, with their only loss coming to Baylor in the 2021 NCAA Championship game.
40. Game-Winning Shot: Suggs' game-winning three-pointer against UCLA in the NCAA Final Four is one of the most memorable moments in recent college basketball history. The shot helped Gonzaga advance to the championship game.
41. Draft Status: Suggs was drafted with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, making him one of the top prospects in that year’s class.
42. Professional Debut: In his professional debut, Suggs played 20 games for the Orlando Magic in the 2021-22 season, averaging 12.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game while shooting .361 from three-point range.
43. Career Progression: Over his career, Suggs has shown steady improvement. In the 2022-23 season, he averaged 12.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game while shooting .419 from the field and .327 from three-point range.
44. Current Season Performance: In the 2023-24 season, Suggs has continued to excel. He has averaged 14.1 points, 2.8 assists, and 6.6 rebounds per game while shooting .471 from the field and .397 from three-point range.
45. Leadership Role: Suggs has taken on a leadership role with the Orlando Magic. His ability to read the game and make decisive plays has been crucial to the team’s success.
46. Community Engagement: Beyond his basketball career, Suggs is involved in various community programs. He has participated in charity events and has been an advocate for youth sports development.
47. Net Worth: As of 2024, Suggs has made at least $20,767,320 playing professional basketball. His salary for the 2024 season is $7,252,080.
48. Career Milestones: Suggs has achieved several career milestones, including being named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team and participating in the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program.
49. Personal Life: Suggs is a Christian and has spoken publicly about the importance of his faith in his life and career. He also values his family and has been open about the support he receives from them.
50. Future Prospects: With his continued growth and performance, Suggs is expected to remain a key player in the NBA. His athleticism, leadership skills, and clutch performances make him a valuable asset to any team.

Jalen Suggs: A Rising Star

Jalen Suggs has quickly become a standout in basketball. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, his journey from high school star at Minnehaha Academy to a key player for the Orlando Magic showcases his incredible talent. Suggs excelled in both basketball and football, earning accolades like Mr. Basketball and Mr. Football in Minnesota. His college career at Gonzaga was marked by clutch performances, including a memorable game-winning shot against UCLA in the NCAA Final Four.

Drafted fifth overall by the Orlando Magic in 2021, Suggs has shown steady improvement in the NBA. His defensive skills earned him a spot on the 2023-24 NBA All-Defensive Second Team. Beyond the court, Suggs engages in community programs and charity events, making him a well-rounded athlete. With his athleticism, leadership, and clutch performances, Suggs is set to remain a key player in the NBA for years to come.