JaKeenan Gant facts for kids
Gant in January 2023
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| Esenler Erokspor | |
|---|---|
| Power forward | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | May 6, 1996 Savannah, Georgia, U.S. |
| 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 |
| League | Basketbol Süper Ligi |
| 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 |
| 2025–present | Esenler Erokspor |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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JaKeenan Tyelle Gant, born on May 6, 1996, is an American professional basketball player. He currently plays for Esenler Erokspor in Turkey's top basketball league, the Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL). Before becoming a pro, he played college basketball for both 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 Springfield, a nearby city. He went to Effingham County High School there.
During his junior year, Gant was a star player. He scored about 18 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and blocked 4 shots per game. He was named the best player in his region and state. His team, the Rebels, made it to the state semifinals.
In his senior year, he continued to excel. He averaged 21 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 4 blocks per game. He was again named the best player in his state. He also earned the title of Mr. Georgia Basketball. 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 at the University of Missouri. As a freshman, he played in 23 games. He averaged nearly 5 points and 2 rebounds per game. He was suspended for some games due to breaking team rules.
In his second year, he continued to play mostly as a substitute. He averaged 5.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. He was suspended again later in the season for more team rule violations. After this season, Gant decided to leave Missouri. He wanted to be closer to his family because his mother had a health issue.
Playing for Louisiana
Gant then transferred to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He had to sit out one year due to NCAA rules. After that, he became a key player for the Ragin' Cajuns.
In his first season with Louisiana, he was named the Sun Belt Conference Newcomer of the Year. He also won Defensive Player of the Year. He was recognized as a third-team All-Conference player. He averaged 13.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game.
As a senior, Gant had an even better season. He was named first-team All-Sun Belt. He also won Defensive Player of the Year again. He averaged 20.5 points per game, which was one of the highest in the conference. He led the conference in rebounds with 8.7 and blocked shots with 2.6 per game.
Professional Basketball Journey
Starting in the G League
After college, JaKeenan Gant hoped to join the NBA. He worked out for several teams but was not chosen in the 2019 NBA draft. He then signed a contract with the Indiana Pacers. However, the Pacers later released him.
Gant then joined the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. This team is part of the NBA G League, which is like a development league for the NBA. In his first professional season, he averaged 8.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.
Playing in Korea
In June 2020, Gant signed with Ulsan Mobis Phoebus. This team plays in the Korean Basketball League. He played 25 games there. He averaged 9.4 points and 4.0 rebounds in about 13 minutes per game.
Return to Fort Wayne
In January 2021, Gant returned to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. He played in 3 games during this second time with the team.
Canadian and French Leagues
Later in 2021, Gant signed with the Saskatchewan Rattlers. This team is part of the Canadian Elite Basketball League. In July 2021, he moved to France. He signed with Chorale Roanne Basket in the LNB Pro A, which is France's top basketball league. He played there until 2023.
Recent Teams
In June 2023, Gant joined the Ottawa BlackJacks again in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. In July 2023, he signed with Hapoel Be'er Sheva B.C. in the Israeli Basketball Premier League. He played there until 2024. He returned to the Ottawa BlackJacks in 2024.
As of July 2025, JaKeenan Gant plays for Esenler Erokspor in the Basketbol Süper Ligi in Turkey.
See also
In Spanish: JaKeenan Gant para niños
