JaKeenan Gant facts for kids
Gant in January 2023
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|
| Free agent | |
|---|---|
| Power forward | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | May 6, 1996 Savannah, Georgia |
| Nationality | American |
| High school | Effingham County (Springfield, Georgia) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
| Listed weight | 216 lb (98 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College |
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| NBA Draft | 2019 / Undrafted |
| Pro career | 2019–present |
| Career history | |
| 2019–2020 | Fort Wayne Mad Ants |
| 2020 | Mobis Phoebus |
| 2021 | Fort Wayne Mad Ants |
| 2021 | Saskatchewan Rattlers |
| 2021–2023 | Chorale Roanne Basket |
| 2023 | Ottawa BlackJacks |
| 2023–2024 | Hapoel Be'er Sheva |
| 2024 | Ottawa BlackJacks |
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
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JaKeenan Tyelle Gant, born on May 6, 1996, is an American professional basketball player. He plays as a power forward. He most recently played for the Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). Before becoming a professional, JaKeenan played college basketball for the Missouri Tigers and the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns.
Contents
Early Life and High School Basketball
JaKeenan Gant was born in Savannah, Georgia. He grew up in the nearby city of Springfield. He attended Effingham County High School there.
During his junior year, Gant was a star player. He scored about 18 points and grabbed over 9 rebounds per game. He also blocked about 4 shots per game. He was named the best player in his region and in Georgia's Class 5A. His team, the Rebels, made it to the state semifinals.
In his senior year, Gant continued to excel. He averaged 21 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 4 blocks per game. He was again named the Class 5A Player of the Year. He also received the prestigious Mr. Georgia Basketball award. Experts considered him one of the top college basketball players in his age group. He chose to play college basketball at Missouri.
College Basketball Career
Playing for Missouri
Gant started his college career with the Missouri Tigers. As a freshman, he played in 23 games. He averaged nearly 5 points and 2 rebounds per game. He shot well, making over half of his shots.
In his second year, as a sophomore, Gant continued to play for Missouri. He averaged 5.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. After this season, Gant decided to leave the team. He wanted to be closer to home because his mother was dealing with a health issue.
Transferring to Louisiana
Gant then transferred to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He had to sit out one year because of NCAA transfer rules. This means he couldn't play in games for a season.
When he started playing for the Ragin' Cajuns, he became a starter right away. In his first season with Louisiana, he was named the Sun Belt Conference Newcomer of the Year. He also earned the Defensive Player of the Year award. He was recognized as a third-team All-Conference player. He averaged 13.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game.
In his final year, Gant had an amazing season. He was named first-team All-Sun Belt. He also won the Defensive Player of the Year award again. He averaged 20.5 points per game, which was one of the highest in the conference. He also led the conference in rebounds with 8.7 per game and blocked shots with 2.6 per game.
Professional Basketball Career
Starting with Fort Wayne Mad Ants (2019–2020)
After college, JaKeenan Gant hoped to be drafted into the NBA. He worked out for several teams. However, he was not chosen in the 2019 NBA Draft. He then signed a contract with the Indiana Pacers.
Later, he joined the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. This team is part of the NBA G League. The G League is like a minor league for the NBA. In his first professional season, Gant averaged 8.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.
Playing in South Korea (2020)
In June 2020, Gant signed with Ulsan Mobis Phoebus. This team plays in the Korean Basketball League in South Korea. He played 25 games there. He averaged 9.4 points and 4.0 rebounds in about 13 minutes per game.
Return to Fort Wayne (2021)
In January 2021, Gant went back to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. He played in 3 games during this second time with the team.
Canadian Elite Basketball League (2021, 2023, 2024)
In May 2021, Gant signed with the Saskatchewan Rattlers. This team is part of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).
He later joined the Ottawa BlackJacks in the CEBL in June 2023. He returned to play for the Ottawa BlackJacks again in 2024.
Playing in France (2021–2023)
In July 2021, Gant signed with Chorale Roanne Basket. This team plays in the LNB Pro A, which is a top basketball league in France. He played for them until 2023.
Playing in Israel (2023–2024)
In July 2023, Gant signed with Hapoel Be'er Sheva B.C.. This team plays in the Israeli Basketball Premier League. He played there until 2024.
See also
In Spanish: JaKeenan Gant para niños
