Jaden Shackelford facts for kids
Shackelford with Alabama in 2022
|
|
| No. 23 – Valley Suns | |
|---|---|
| Point guard / shooting guard | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | February 14, 2001 Hesperia, California, U.S. |
| High school |
|
| Listed height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Listed weight | 200 lb (91 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Alabama (2019–2022) |
| NBA Draft | 2022 / Undrafted |
| Pro career | 2022–present |
| League | NBA G League |
| Career history | |
| 2022–2024 | Oklahoma City Blue |
| 2024–present | Valley Suns |
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
|
Jaden Shackelford (born February 14, 2001) is an American professional basketball player. He currently plays for the Valley Suns in the NBA G League. Before turning pro, Jaden played college basketball for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Contents
Jaden's High School Journey
Jaden Shackelford started his high school basketball career at Oak Hills High School. This was in Oak Hills, California. After two years there, he moved to Hesperia High School in Hesperia, California. This was for his junior year.
During his senior year, Jaden was amazing on the court. He scored about 34 points in each game. He also grabbed 11 rebounds and made 5.5 assists. Plus, he had four steals per game. Because of his great play, he was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Mojave River League. He also won the Daily Press Basketball Athlete of the Year award. Many colleges wanted Jaden to play for them. But he chose to play college basketball for Alabama.
College Basketball Highlights
Jaden had a fantastic time playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Freshman Year Success
On February 12, 2020, Jaden scored 28 points in a game against Auburn. He also got eight rebounds and made seven three-pointers. A few days later, he was named the USBWA National Freshman of the Week. As a freshman, Jaden averaged 15 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. He was even named to the SEC All-Freshman Team. This means he was one of the best new players in the conference.
Sophomore and Junior Seasons
In his sophomore year, Jaden continued to play well. He averaged 14 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. He was also named to the Second Team All-SEC. After this season, he thought about joining the 2021 NBA draft. He also considered moving to a different college team. But in July 2021, Jaden decided to return to Alabama.
His junior year was also very strong. On February 9, 2022, he had his best game ever. He scored 30 points and made eight 3-pointers against Ole Miss. Jaden was again named to the Second Team All-SEC. He averaged 16.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game that season.
On April 3, 2022, Jaden announced he would enter the 2022 NBA draft. This meant he would not play any more college basketball.
Professional Basketball Career
Jaden Shackelford started his professional career after college.
Playing for Oklahoma City Blue (2022–2024)
Jaden was not chosen in the 2022 NBA draft. But he still signed a contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder on June 24, 2022. Later, on November 3, 2022, he joined the Oklahoma City Blue. This team is part of the NBA G League.
On October 20, 2023, Jaden signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder again. But he was waived (released) the same day. On October 31, he rejoined the Oklahoma City Blue. During his second season with the Blue, Jaden and his team won the 2024 NBA G League championship! This was a big achievement for him.
Joining the Valley Suns (2024–present)
On September 19, 2024, Jaden signed a contract with the Phoenix Suns. However, he was waived by them on September 26. Then, on October 27, he joined the Valley Suns. He continues to play for them in the NBA G League.
Personal Life
Jaden Shackelford's father, Anthony, works as a youth mentor. He helps young people at the Abundant Living Family Church. Jaden has a mixed background, with both African American and Dutch heritage.
