Tyrese Samuel Bio
Tyrese Samuel is a Canadian professional basketball player who most recently signed with JL Bourg of the LNB Pro A in France. Standing 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) and weighing around 239 lb (108 kg), he plays the power forward position and has built his career across the NBA G League, the Canadian Elite Basketball League, and European basketball. After going undrafted in the 2024 NBA draft, he began his professional career in 2024 and has steadily progressed through multiple competitive leagues.
Samuel developed his game through the American and Canadian high school systems before starring at the college level with the Seton Hall Pirates and the Florida Gators. His combination of size, scoring touch, and rebounding has allowed him to continue moving forward as a professional.
Early Life and Background
Tyrese Samuel was born on March 10, 2000, in LaSalle, Quebec, Canada. He is the son of Patricia Bynoe and John Samuel, and he grew up with two sisters. His Canadian roots and family support helped shape his early interest in basketball, a sport he pursued seriously from a young age.
As a young player, Samuel developed his game in both the United States and Canada, an experience that broadened his basketball foundation. His physical tools grew alongside his skills, and by the time he reached high school, he was already viewed as a promising frontcourt prospect.
Path to Basketball
Samuel initially attended Riverdale Baptist in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where he won a Maryland state championship. He then transferred to Orangeville Prep in Orangeville, Ontario, where he averaged 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block during his senior season, helping his team post a 19-2 record, the third-best mark in the country.
In 2019, Samuel attended the Basketball Without Borders camp, where he was named an All-Star, further raising his profile. He committed to Seton Hall and began his college career with the Seton Hall Pirates from 2019 to 2023, before finishing his senior season with the Florida Gators in 2023-24. Across 154 career college games, he totaled 1,315 points, 779 rebounds, 123 assists, 108 steals, and 107 blocks.
Tyrese Samuel Career
Early Career (2019-2024)
Samuel’s college journey began at Seton Hall, where he played from 2019 to 2023 and developed into a reliable interior presence. He contributed on both ends of the floor, showing the rebounding instincts and shot-blocking ability that became hallmarks of his game.
He finished his college career with the Florida Gators in 2023-24, playing 36 games and averaging 13.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 56.4 percent from the field. He recorded three 20-point games and 11 double-doubles, tying for the ninth-most in a single season in program history. His strong senior campaign earned him Second-team All-SEC honors in 2024.
NBA G League Breakthrough (2024-2025)
After going undrafted in the 2024 NBA draft, Samuel joined the Phoenix Suns for the 2024 NBA Summer League. On September 26, 2024, he signed with the organization, though he was waived the same day. He quickly bounced back when he joined the Valley Suns of the NBA G League on October 27, 2024, beginning his professional career with the team’s developmental system.
His time with the Valley Suns allowed him to adjust to the pace and physicality of professional basketball. Playing under the Phoenix Suns’ umbrella gave him access to high-level coaching and competition, helping him refine his offensive game and defensive rotations.
Valley Suns Era (2024-2026)
Samuel split his early professional career between stints with the Valley Suns and other teams. After his initial run with the Valley Suns in 2024-25, he signed with the Vancouver Bandits of the Canadian Elite Basketball League on April 7, 2025, returning to his home country for a stretch of the 2025-26 season.
He later returned to the Valley Suns and continued to show growth as a power forward. On June 5, 2026, Samuel signed with JL Bourg of the LNB Pro A in France, marking his move to European basketball and a new chapter in his professional journey.
Driving Style and Strengths
Samuel is a traditional power forward whose strengths include interior scoring, rebounding, and rim protection. He shot over 56 percent from the field during his final college season, demonstrating efficiency around the basket. His size and mobility allow him to defend multiple positions and finish through contact.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Samuel’s signature achievements are his Maryland state championship at Riverdale Baptist, his Basketball Without Borders All-Star selection in 2019, and his Second-team All-SEC honor in 2024. Reaching 1,315 career college points stands as a marker of his consistency and durability across 154 games.
Tyrese Samuel Career Wins
Tyrese Samuel’s career has been built more on steady development and versatility than on a long list of championships. His verified achievements include a Maryland state high school title and All-SEC recognition in college. As a professional, his wins are reflected in contract signings and progression through increasingly competitive leagues.
College and Professional Highlights
Samuel’s most notable college win was earning Second-team All-SEC honors in 2024 after a strong senior season with the Florida Gators. His professional milestones include signing with the Valley Suns in 2024, joining the Vancouver Bandits in 2025, and moving to JL Bourg in 2026, each step representing a new competitive level.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond team championships, Samuel was named an All-Star at the 2019 Basketball Without Borders camp, an early signal of his potential on an international stage. His 11 double-doubles in his final college season tied for the ninth-most in a single season in Florida program history.
Tyrese Samuel Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Tyrese Samuel was raised by his mother, Patricia Bynoe, and his father, John Samuel. He grew up alongside two sisters, and his family environment supported his basketball development from an early age. His upbringing across Quebec, Maryland, and Ontario reflects a family willing to support his athletic path.
Personal Life
Samuel’s Canadian heritage remains an important part of his identity, and his brief stint with the Vancouver Bandits allowed him to play professionally in his home country. He continues to focus on his basketball career while navigating opportunities in North America and Europe.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 calendar year, Samuel was active across multiple teams and leagues. He signed with the Vancouver Bandits of the Canadian Elite Basketball League on April 7, 2025, marking a meaningful return to Canadian basketball. His summer league work and continued development kept him on the radar of professional organizations.
His split time between the Valley Suns and the Vancouver Bandits showcased his adaptability to different styles of play. Whether competing in the structured NBA G League environment or the up-tempo Canadian Elite Basketball League, Samuel continued to log minutes and refine his craft.
Looking ahead, Samuel’s progression through these leagues positioned him for his next opportunity, which arrived in June 2026 when he signed with JL Bourg of the LNB Pro A. His 2025 performances helped lay the groundwork for that move to top-tier European basketball.