Damion Baugh Bio
Damion Baugh is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Valley Suns of the NBA G League. Born on August 3, 2000, in Nashville, Tennessee, Baugh developed into a versatile guard through a winding path that included multiple high schools and two college programs. After going undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft, he has built his professional resume across several G League affiliates and earned a brief NBA stint with the Charlotte Hornets. He is recognized for his playmaking, court vision, and defensive instincts, and he currently holds the all-time Basketball Africa League single-game assists record.
Early Life and Background
Damion Baugh was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, where he first picked up basketball and developed his early love for the game. He attended Cane Ridge High School in nearby Antioch for two seasons before transferring to Lincoln Academy in Suwanee, Georgia. For his senior year, Baugh moved again, this time to Tennessee Prep Academy in Memphis, a year that would prove pivotal in shaping his recruitment.
During his senior season at Tennessee Prep Academy, Baugh averaged 23.5 points and 10 rebounds per game, showcasing the all-around skill set that would define his career. His performance drew national attention, and Rivals.com ranked him as the No. 86 prospect in his recruiting class. With several college options available, Baugh committed to play for the Memphis Tigers, launching a college journey that would eventually take him to two programs.
Path to Basketball
Baugh’s path to professional basketball began in earnest at the University of Memphis, where he spent his first two collegiate seasons. As a freshman, he averaged 4.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, contributing as a young reserve guard. His sophomore year saw him post 3.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, as he continued to adjust to the speed and physicality of Division I basketball.
Following his sophomore season, Baugh decided to transfer in search of a larger role, eventually landing at Texas Christian University (TCU) to play for the Horned Frogs. After sitting out a season due to transfer rules, he emerged as a key contributor during his junior year, averaging 10.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. His development at TCU positioned him for a professional career, and he signed with an NBA-certified agent after his junior season, which also resulted in a six-game suspension to start his senior year.
Damion Baugh Career
Early Career (2023–2024)
After going undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft, Damion Baugh signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on September 7, 2023, hopeful of breaking into the league. He was waived on October 16, 2023, but his opportunity came quickly when he joined the South Bay Lakers, the Lakers’ G League affiliate, twelve days later. With the South Bay Lakers, Baugh gained valuable professional experience and continued to refine his game as a combo guard.
During his time with the South Bay Lakers, Baugh contributed as a reliable perimeter defender and developing playmaker. The 2023–24 season gave him the platform to adjust to the professional level, and his steady growth helped him earn a look from another NBA organization the following year.
G League Breakthrough (2024–2025)
On October 2, 2024, Baugh signed with the New York Knicks, only to be waived a week later on October 9. He quickly found a new home, joining the Westchester Knicks, the Knicks’ G League affiliate, on October 28, 2024. With Westchester, Baugh stepped into a more prominent role and showcased the playmaking ability that had defined his college career at TCU. He also spent time on assignment with the Greensboro Swarm during the 2024–25 season, expanding his exposure across multiple organizations.
The biggest breakthrough of Baugh’s professional career came on February 12, 2025, when he signed a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets. That same day, he made his NBA debut against the Orlando Magic, posting 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists off the bench in a 102–86 loss. Over 15 appearances with Charlotte during the 2024–25 NBA season, Baugh averaged 7.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, proving he could compete at the highest level.
Valley Suns Era (2025–Present)
On September 19, 2025, Baugh signed an Exhibit 10 training camp contract with the Phoenix Suns, providing him another pathway back to the NBA. He was waived on October 15, 2025, and on November 7, 2025, he was named to the Valley Suns’ opening night roster. The Valley Suns, the G League affiliate of the Phoenix Suns, gave Baugh a chance to take on a featured role within their rotation.
During the 2025–26 season with the Valley Suns, Baugh continued to develop as a lead guard, leaning on his experience from multiple G League stops. His performance with the team earned him recognition as the NBA G League steals leader for 2026, a testament to his defensive instincts and on-ball pressure. The Valley Suns era represented a step forward in his career trajectory, both statistically and in terms of leadership responsibilities.
Al Ahly Ly (2026–Present)
In 2026, Baugh joined Al Ahly Ly, the Libyan basketball champions, for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) season. His transition to international basketball added a new chapter to his professional journey. On April 1, 2026, Baugh delivered one of the most remarkable individual performances in BAL history, dishing out 18 assists in a 118–97 win over Dar City, setting a new all-time league record for most assists in a single game.
Driving Style and Strengths
Damion Baugh is best known as a playmaking guard whose strength lies in creating opportunities for his teammates. His court vision and passing instincts allow him to operate effectively as a primary facilitator, while his rebounding from the guard position gives his teams an extra edge on the glass. Defensively, Baugh uses his length and anticipation to generate steals, a skill that earned him the NBA G League steals title in 2026.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Baugh’s most significant milestones are his NBA debut with the Charlotte Hornets in February 2025, where he posted 16 points in his first game, and his BAL single-game assists record of 18 set on April 1, 2026. He was also a key contributor to an NBA G League Winter Showcase championship in 2024 and was named Second-team All-Big 12 in 2023 during his senior season at TCU.
Damion Baugh Career Wins
Damion Baugh has built a steady professional resume through consistent contributions across multiple teams and leagues. While he has not yet accumulated a large volume of championships, his trophy case includes the 2024 NBA G League Winter Showcase title won during his time in the G League. His individual accolades, including a Second-team All-Big 12 selection and an NBA G League statistical title, reflect the impact he has made wherever he has played.
G League and Professional Highlights
Baugh’s most memorable professional moment came with his NBA debut for the Charlotte Hornets on February 12, 2025, when he scored 16 points off the bench against the Orlando Magic. He went on to appear in 15 games for Charlotte that season, averaging 7.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. His transition to the Valley Suns and then to Al Ahly Ly has continued to provide him with new platforms to showcase his abilities, highlighted by his record-setting BAL performance in April 2026.
Other Wins and Performances
During his senior year at TCU, Baugh averaged 12.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, helping the Horned Frogs reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament. That season earned him Second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2023, cementing his status as one of the conference’s top guards and helping pave the way for his professional career.
Damion Baugh Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Damion Baugh was raised in Nashville, Tennessee, where his family supported his early basketball development. While specific details about his parents and family members are not widely documented in public sources, his upbringing in Tennessee provided a strong foundation for his athletic pursuits.
Personal Life
Damion Baugh keeps his personal life largely private and has not publicly shared details about a spouse or children. He continues to focus on his professional basketball career, balancing time between the NBA G League and international competition with Al Ahly Ly in the Basketball Africa League.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year proved to be a defining period in Damion Baugh’s professional career. He began the year with the Westchester Knicks, where he served as a primary playmaker, before receiving a two-way contract offer from the Charlotte Hornets in February 2025. His promotion to the NBA validated the work he had put in across multiple G League affiliates, including the South Bay Lakers and Westchester Knicks.
With the Hornets, Baugh appeared in 15 games during the 2024–25 NBA season, averaging 7.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He also spent time on assignment with the Greensboro Swarm, gaining additional experience within the Charlotte basketball system. His performance in Charlotte established him as a legitimate NBA-caliber guard capable of contributing meaningful minutes off the bench.
Looking ahead, Baugh joined the Valley Suns for the 2025–26 G League season and later signed with Al Ahly Ly for the 2026 BAL campaign, where he set the league’s all-time single-game assists record. These moves reflect his continued drive to compete at the highest levels and expand his game on an international stage.