Jermaine Samuels Jr. Bio
Jermaine Samuels Jr. is an American professional basketball player for the San Pablo Burgos of the Spanish Liga ACB. He played college basketball for the Villanova Wildcats, contributing to their 2018 NCAA Championship victory. Over his collegiate career, he established himself as a key player and was named the South Region Most Outstanding Player in 2022. Following his college career, Samuels went undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft but began his professional journey with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. He has since played for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers and is currently with San Pablo Burgos, showcasing his talents in international competition.
Early Life and Background
Jermaine Samuels Jr. was born on November 13, 1998, in Franklin, Massachusetts, to parents Jermaine Samuels Sr. and Taihish. Growing up in Franklin, he began playing basketball at a young age and showed promise early on. By the age of 13, he had grown significantly, reaching a height of 6 feet 3 inches, which allowed him to start dunking the basketball. Samuels attended The Rivers School in Weston, Massachusetts, where he was coached by Andrew Mirken. He also played basketball in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) for Expressions Elite. During his freshman season at The Rivers School, he averaged 19 points per game. However, a knee injury during his sophomore year required surgery and a six-month recovery period. Despite this setback, he excelled as a senior, averaging 17.5 points and 12.1 rebounds per game, earning recognition as First Team All-USA Massachusetts by USA Today. In November 2016, he committed to play college basketball for Villanova, turning down offers from several prestigious programs, including Indiana, Duke, and Kansas.
Path to Basketball
Jermaine Samuels Jr. began his collegiate career at Villanova in the 2017-2018 season. He had a promising start, scoring a season-high 11 points in a game against DePaul, but suffered a fractured left hand that sidelined him for several weeks. Despite limited playing time, he was part of the Villanova team that won the 2018 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. As a sophomore, he averaged 6.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, contributing to Villanova’s success in the Big East Conference. Samuels continued to develop his skills and was named to the Preseason Second Team All-Big East before his junior season. He had several standout performances, including a crucial three-point play that helped secure a victory against Georgetown. By the end of his junior year, he averaged 10.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game and earned Second Team All-Big 5 honors. In his senior year, he averaged 12 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, receiving All-Big East Honorable Mention recognition. In his fifth and final season at Villanova in 2022, he delivered a standout performance, averaging 11.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, leading the team in rebounds and ranking third in scoring.
Jermaine Samuels Jr. Career
Early Career (2022-2023)
After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, Jermaine Samuels Jr. signed with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants on October 24, 2022. He began his professional career in the NBA G League, where he showcased his skills and continued to develop as a player. During this time, he gained valuable experience and made significant contributions to his team.
Breakthrough (2023-2025)
On August 2, 2023, Samuels signed a two-way contract with the Houston Rockets of the NBA and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA G League. This opportunity allowed him to gain exposure at the highest level of basketball. He later signed a standard contract with the Rockets on July 4, 2024, but was waived on October 19. Shortly after, he re-joined the Vipers, continuing to hone his skills in the G League.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jermaine Samuels Jr. has achieved several notable milestones throughout his career. He was part of the Villanova team that won the NCAA Championship in 2018 and was named the South Region Most Outstanding Player in 2022. Additionally, he participated in the NBA G League Next Up Game in 2024.
Jermaine Samuels Jr. Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jermaine Samuels Jr. has received recognition for his performances, including being named the South Region Most Outstanding Player in 2022.
Jermaine Samuels Jr. Awards Won
Jermaine Samuels Jr. has won several awards during his basketball career, including being part of the NCAA Championship-winning team in 2018. He has also been recognized for his outstanding performances in various tournaments and competitions.