Garrison Brooks

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    Image of Player Garrison Brooks

    Garrison Brooks Bio

    Garrison O’Neal Brooks is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Birmingham Squadron of the NBA G League. Standing 6 feet 9 inches tall, he plays the center position and has built his career across multiple leagues in the United States, South Korea, and Europe. After a decorated college career with the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Mississippi State Bulldogs, he entered professional basketball in 2022 and has continued to develop his game at the professional level.

    Born on June 29, 1999, in Meridian, Mississippi, Brooks emerged as a reliable interior presence known for his rebounding and improving perimeter skill. His journey from a high school standout in Alabama to a G League professional reflects steady development, perseverance through injury, and adaptability across leagues.

    Early Life and Background

    Garrison O’Neal Brooks was born on June 29, 1999, in Meridian, Mississippi, and grew up with strong ties to the sport of basketball. He attended Auburn High School in Auburn, Alabama, where he developed into one of the most productive big men in the program’s recent history. Across his four seasons at Auburn, Brooks steadily increased his production, building a reputation as a rebounder and shot blocker.

    During his high school career, Brooks averaged 6.6 points and 9.2 rebounds as a freshman before elevating his game to 14.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks as a sophomore. As a junior, he posted 16.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks, and he closed his senior year with 14.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. He finished his Auburn High School career with 1,457 points and 1,116 rebounds, becoming only the second player in school history to reach 1,000 in both categories, and he set the school’s career blocks record with 334. His efforts earned him first-team all-state, all-region, and all-area honors.

    Path to Basketball

    Brooks’ path to collegiate and professional basketball was shaped by his high school success and recruiting attention from major programs. He enrolled at the University of North Carolina, where he was recruited by head coach Roy Williams and assistant Hubert Davis, joining a Tar Heels program with a long tradition of developing frontcourt players.

    His development at North Carolina was gradual and reflected the patience required to grow into a featured role. As a freshman, Brooks averaged 4.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game, providing depth behind more experienced players. He expanded his game during his sophomore season, raising his averages to 7.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, while dedicating significant time to refining his mid-range jumper. His willingness to improve his perimeter shot ultimately led to a wrist injury, but the work helped lay the foundation for his breakout junior year.

    Garrison Brooks Career

    Early Career (2017–2022)

    Brooks’ college career took a major leap during his junior season at North Carolina in 2019–2020, when he averaged 16.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. His strong play earned him selection to the Second Team All-ACC and the ACC Most Improved Player award. Entering his senior year, he was named to preseason watch lists for the John R. Wooden Award, Naismith Trophy, and Karl Malone Award, and was selected by the conference media as the preseason ACC Player of the Year. He averaged 10.2 points and 6.9 rebounds as a senior before electing to transfer to Mississippi State for his final season of eligibility, where his father served as coach.

    After completing his college career, Brooks entered the 2022 NBA draft but went undrafted. On October 23, 2022, he joined the Westchester Knicks training camp roster, beginning his professional career in the NBA G League.

    Westchester Knicks Era (2022–2023)

    Brooks began his professional career with the Westchester Knicks, the G League affiliate of the New York Knicks. Joining the team as an undrafted free agent in October 2022, he worked to establish himself in the league during the 2022–2023 season. Although detailed individual statistics from his Westchester tenure are limited, his time with the organization gave him his first sustained exposure to professional-level play and helped him adjust to the speed and physical demands of the G League.

    Wonju DB Promy Era (2023)

    On July 27, 2023, Brooks signed with Wonju DB Promy of the Korean Basketball League, marking his first professional experience outside the United States. He made his debut on October 22 in the team’s season opener, recording 3 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist in just 4 minutes of play before suffering a knee injury. The injury limited his role, and on November 3, he was replaced on the roster by Jeff Withey, ending his brief Korean league stint.

    Wolves Twinsbet Era (2023–2025)

    Following his release from Wonju DB Promy, Brooks signed with BC Wolves of the Lithuanian Basketball League on December 3, 2023, where he also competed in the EuroCup. His performance with the Wolves earned him a return invitation, and on July 31, 2024, he rejoined the team for the 2024–25 season. Across his Wolves Twinsbet tenure, Brooks gained valuable experience in one of Europe’s top second-tier competitions, expanding his professional game while continuing to develop as a center.

    Birmingham Squadron Era (2025–Present)

    Brooks’ G League rights changed hands during his time overseas. On June 13, 2024, he was selected by the Valley Suns with the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA G League expansion draft, with his rights acquired from the Westchester Knicks. On September 26, 2024, his rights, along with those of Jahlil Okafor, were traded to the Indiana Mad Ants in exchange for the returning player rights of David Stockton. He later joined the Birmingham Squadron, where he currently wears jersey number 8 and competes in the NBA G League.

    Driving Style and Strengths

    At 6 feet 9 inches and 230 pounds, Brooks combines size with mobility, allowing him to play both inside and on the perimeter. His game is built around rebounding, interior defense, and a developing mid-range shot, an area he focused on extensively during his college years. His international experience in Lithuania and South Korea has added tactical versatility to his approach, while his G League return places him back in a familiar competition structure where he can refine his skills against NBA-affiliated talent.

    Notable Events and Milestones

    Among Brooks’ most notable career milestones are his Second Team All-ACC selection and ACC Most Improved Player award in 2020, following a junior season in which he averaged 16.8 points and 8.5 rebounds. He also earned his high school’s career blocks record with 334 rejections and became one of only two Auburn High players to surpass 1,000 career points and rebounds. His selection as the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA G League expansion draft further underscored his value within the league’s developmental structure.

    Garrison Brooks Career Wins

    While Garrison Brooks has not captured a major professional championship, his career is marked by consistent progression and notable team-level contributions across multiple leagues. His college accolades, including All-ACC recognition, remain the most distinguished honors of his playing career to date.

    College Highlights

    Brooks’ most celebrated win came during his junior season at North Carolina, when his standout play earned him Second Team All-ACC and ACC Most Improved Player honors. His senior season added further distinction through preseason ACC Player of the Year recognition from the conference media. His high school career also featured significant accomplishments, including first-team all-state honors and Auburn High’s career blocks record.

    Other Wins and Performances

    At the professional level, Brooks has contributed as a rotational center with the Westchester Knicks, Wonju DB Promy, Wolves Twinsbet, and Birmingham Squadron. His selection as the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA G League expansion draft stands as a notable professional milestone.

    Garrison Brooks Family

    Family Background and Basketball Lineage

    Garrison Brooks comes from a basketball family, with his father serving as a coach at Mississippi State during Garrison’s final collegiate season. That connection influenced his decision to transfer to Mississippi State for his last year of eligibility, allowing him to play under his father’s guidance. Details about his parents and any siblings are not widely documented in public sources.

    Personal Life

    Brooks focuses much of his public life on basketball, and limited public information is available about his personal relationships. He maintains a presence on social media, where fans can follow updates about his career.

    2025 Season Performance

    Heading into the 2025 NBA G League season, Garrison Brooks is positioned with the Birmingham Squadron as a center wearing jersey number 8. His recent experience with Wolves Twinsbet in the Lithuanian Basketball League and EuroCup provides a strong foundation of professional seasoning as he returns to the G League system. The Birmingham Squadron offers a familiar platform for him to showcase his interior scoring and rebounding skills.

    Brooks’ mid-range shooting development, a focus since his college years, remains a key element of his offensive profile. His combination of size, rebounding ability, and expanding perimeter game could make him a reliable contributor in the Squadron’s rotation throughout the 2025 campaign.

    With continued health and consistent minutes, Brooks will look to build on his expansion-draft pedigree and international experience to carve out a longer professional career in the NBA G League and beyond.