Trey Jemison Iii Bio
Richard Lee “Trey” Jemison III, known professionally as Trey Jemison III, is an American professional basketball player for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA), competing on a two-way contract with the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League. Born on November 28, 1999, in Birmingham, Alabama, he stands 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) tall and plays the center position. Jemison is recognized for his defensive presence, rebounding, and shot-blocking ability at both ends of the floor.
After a college career split between the Clemson Tigers and the UAB Blazers, Jemison went undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft and built his professional path through the G League. He joined the New York Knicks organization in 2025 and contributed to the franchise’s championship run in 2026.
Early Life and Background
Jemison was raised in Birmingham, Alabama, the city where he was born and the community that continues to define his identity. During his high school years, he attended three different schools in the Birmingham area, a path shaped in part by family circumstances. He spent his freshman year at Ramsay High School in Birmingham before transferring to Homewood High School for his sophomore season.
At Homewood, Jemison was a member of the team that won the 2016 Alabama 6A state championship, an early taste of team success that foreshadowed his later career. He then transferred to Hoover High School for his senior year after his mother was hired by the school. As a senior, he averaged 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks per game and was named all-state honorable mention, earning recognition as a three-star prospect.
Path to Basketball
Jemison committed to play college basketball for the Clemson Tigers over offers from the Harvard Crimson and Alabama Crimson Tide, choosing the ACC program for the start of his collegiate career. He appeared in 20 games for the Tigers as a freshman and played in 30 games during his sophomore season, although his minutes were limited. Seeking a larger role, Jemison entered the transfer portal on May 6, 2020, and committed to join the UAB Blazers, his hometown program, on May 14, 2020. The NCAA granted him immediate eligibility for the 2020–21 season.
At UAB, Jemison blossomed into one of Conference USA’s most reliable interior defenders. He was named to the Conference USA All-Defensive team in 2021 and helped lead the Blazers to the sixth-best scoring defense in the NCAA during his junior year. UAB head coach Andy Kennedy affectionately gave him the nickname “Mr. Birmingham” in recognition of his loyalty to the school and the city.
Trey Jemison Iii Career
College Finale (2020–2023)
Jemison’s senior season at UAB cemented his reputation as a rebounding and shot-blocking force. He led the Blazers in total rebounds (252) and blocks (52) during the 2021–22 season and returned for a fifth year of eligibility in 2022–23. As a senior, he averaged 9.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, and his 329 rebounds set a single-season record for the Blazers program. He was selected to the All-Conference USA third team and the All-Defensive team in 2023, finishing his college career as one of the conference’s most decorated interior players.
Birmingham Squadron (2023–2024)
After going undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft, Jemison joined the Phoenix Suns for the 2023 NBA Summer League. On September 30, 2023, he signed with the New Orleans Pelicans but was waived on October 22. Eight days later, he joined the Birmingham Squadron, the Pelicans’ NBA G League affiliate, where he began his professional career in his hometown.
Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies (2024)
On January 20, 2024, Jemison signed a 10-day contract with the Washington Wizards, appearing in two games and recording one rebound and one turnover in two minutes of playing time. After his contract expired on January 30, he signed a 10-day deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. He registered his first NBA points with a five-point performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 2, and on February 4 he was moved into the Grizzlies’ starting lineup, tallying six points, four rebounds, and two blocks against the Boston Celtics. On February 6, he recorded a career-high 12 points and 6 rebounds against the New York Knicks, and three days later he signed a two-way contract with the Grizzlies. He set another career high with 24 points against the Washington Wizards on March 12 before being waived on July 24.
New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles / South Bay Lakers (2024–2025)
On July 26, 2024, Jemison’s two-way contract was claimed off waivers by the New Orleans Pelicans. He was waived by the Pelicans on January 9, 2025, and six days later, on January 15, 2025, he signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. In 22 appearances for Los Angeles, he averaged 2.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.3 assists before being waived by the Lakers on July 21.
New York / Westchester Knicks (2025–Present)
On September 16, 2025, Jemison signed a two-way contract with the New York Knicks, joining the parent club and the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League. On June 13, 2026, he won his first NBA championship with the Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals, beating the San Antonio Spurs 4–1. The title capped a steady climb from undrafted free agent to champion in three professional seasons.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jemison’s game is built on physical interior play, with rebounding and rim protection as his primary calling cards. His 6 ft 10 in frame and shot-blocking instincts allow him to anchor a defense, while his rebounding totals reflect consistent effort on the glass. Coaches have valued his dependability as a screen-setter and his willingness to do the unglamorous work around the basket.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jemison’s career is highlighted by his first NBA points against Cleveland in February 2024, a 24-point outburst against the Washington Wizards in March 2024, and an NBA Cup championship in 2025. His crowning moment came on June 13, 2026, when he helped the Knicks defeat the Spurs 4–1 in the NBA Finals to capture the franchise championship.
Trey Jemison Iii Career Wins
Jemison’s professional trophy case includes an NBA Cup championship in 2025 and an NBA championship in 2026 with the New York Knicks. He also earned two Conference USA All-Defensive team selections (2021 and 2023) and a third-team All-Conference USA nod in 2023 during his college career at UAB.
NBA Highlights
Jemison’s NBA journey began with brief stints on 10-day contracts before he earned a two-way deal with Memphis in February 2024. His first NBA points came against Cleveland on February 2, 2024, and his breakthrough performance, a 24-point game against the Washington Wizards on March 12, 2024, established him as a legitimate frontcourt contributor. After stops in New Orleans and Los Angeles, he joined the Knicks in September 2025 and won the 2025 NBA Cup and the 2026 NBA championship, the defining achievements of his young career.
Other Wins & Performances
Jemison was a member of the Homewood High School team that won the 2016 Alabama 6A state championship. At UAB, his 329 rebounds during the 2022–23 season set a single-season program record, a statistical milestone that underscores his impact at the collegiate level.
Trey Jemison Iii Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jemison’s family is rooted in Birmingham, Alabama, and his mother’s career influenced his high school path, as her hiring at Hoover High School prompted his transfer there for his senior year. The Birmingham community has remained central to his identity, earning him the “Mr. Birmingham” nickname at UAB from head coach Andy Kennedy.
Personal Life
Jemison is a devout Christian and regularly hosts Bible studies on his Instagram account, a routine that reflects the central role faith plays in his daily life. Public details about his personal relationships are limited.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year was a transitional period for Jemison, beginning with his release from the New Orleans Pelicans on January 9. He signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers on January 15 and made 22 appearances for the parent club, averaging 2.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.3 assists while splitting time with the South Bay Lakers of the G League. He was waived by the Lakers on July 21, closing the chapter on his Los Angeles stint.
On September 16, 2025, Jemison signed a two-way contract with the New York Knicks, joining both the NBA parent club and the Westchester Knicks. He contributed to the Knicks’ NBA Cup title run in 2025, adding a team trophy to his resume before the calendar year closed.
Looking ahead, Jemison’s role within the Knicks organization offers a path to expanded minutes and continued development as an interior defender and rebounder. With a two-way contract in hand and a championship culture now part of his environment, his outlook for the 2025–26 NBA season centers on consistency, defensive reliability, and carving out a longer-term NBA role.
