Jalen McDaniels facts for kids
![]() McDaniels with San Diego State in 2018
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No. 6 – Capital City Go-Go | |
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Small forward | |
Personal information | |
Born | Seattle, Washington, U.S |
January 31, 1998
High school | Federal Way (Federal Way, Washington) |
Listed height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
Listed weight | 190 lb (86 kg) |
Career information | |
College | San Diego State (2017–2019) |
NBA Draft | 2019 / Round: 2 / Pick: 52nd overall |
Selected by the Charlotte Hornets | |
Pro career | 2019–present |
League | NBA G League |
Career history | |
2019–2023 | Charlotte Hornets |
2019–2021 | →Greensboro Swarm |
2023 | Philadelphia 76ers |
2023–2024 | Toronto Raptors |
2024–present | Capital City Go-Go |
Career highlights and awards | |
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Jalen Marquis McDaniels (born January 31, 1998) is an American professional basketball player. He currently plays for the Capital City Go-Go team in the NBA G League. Before becoming a professional, he played college basketball for the San Diego State Aztecs. Jalen is also the older brother of another basketball player, Jaden McDaniels.
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High School Basketball Star
Jalen McDaniels grew up in Federal Way, Washington. He went to Federal Way High School, where he played both basketball and football. During his senior year, he was ranked as one of the top basketball players in the country.
Jalen had an amazing senior season. He averaged 19 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocked shots per game. His team, Federal Way, had a perfect record of 29 wins and no losses. They even won the Class 4A state championship!
College Journey
Jalen McDaniels started his college basketball career at San Diego State University. He spent his first year, the 2016–2017 season, as a "red-shirt" player. This means he practiced with the team but did not play in games. It allowed him to develop his skills.
Freshman Year Success
In his freshman season (2017–2018), Jalen played in 33 games, starting 21 of them. He averaged 10.5 points per game. His strong performance earned him the "Mountain West Conference Player of the Week" award in February 2018.
After his freshman year, Jalen thought about entering the 2018 NBA draft. He even worked out for the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, he decided to return to San Diego State to play another year.
Sophomore Year and NBA Draft
As a sophomore, Jalen continued to improve. He averaged 15.9 points per game and led his team in rebounding with 8.3 rebounds per game.
In March 2019, Jalen decided to enter the 2019 NBA draft. He was one of 66 players invited to the NBA Draft Combine, where players show off their skills to professional teams.
Professional Basketball Career
Charlotte Hornets (2019–2023)
The Charlotte Hornets picked Jalen McDaniels as the 52nd overall player in the 2019 NBA Draft. He officially signed with the Hornets in October 2019.
Jalen made his NBA debut on October 25, 2019. He scored two points and grabbed one rebound in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. During his time with the Hornets, he also played for their G League team, the Greensboro Swarm.
He had some great games with the Hornets. On April 7, 2021, he scored a season-high 21 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Later, on January 16, 2023, he scored a career-high 26 points in a game against the Boston Celtics.
Philadelphia 76ers (2023)
In February 2023, Jalen was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers as part of a big trade involving four teams. He made his debut for the 76ers on February 11, scoring five points and grabbing five rebounds in a win against the Brooklyn Nets.
Toronto Raptors (2023–2024)
On July 6, 2023, Jalen signed a multi-year contract with the Toronto Raptors. He played for the Raptors for one season.
In June 2024, Jalen was traded to the Sacramento Kings. However, he was traded again in October 2024 to the San Antonio Spurs, but was then released shortly after.
Capital City Go-Go (2024–Present)
On November 22, 2024, Jalen signed with the Memphis Hustle. The very next day, he was traded to the Capital City Go-Go, where he currently plays.
Personal Life
Jalen McDaniels comes from a family of basketball players. His younger brother, Jaden McDaniels, is also a professional basketball player and plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jaden was a highly-rated player in high school and was even named a McDonald's All-American.
Jalen is also the cousin of former NBA player Juwan Howard.
See also
In Spanish: Jalen McDaniels para niños