Matthew Cleveland Bio
Matthew Nathaniel Cleveland is an American basketball player who is currently a free agent. Born on September 15, 2002, in Atlanta, Georgia, he rose to prominence as a high school standout in the greater Atlanta area before carving out a productive college career split between the Florida State Seminoles and the Miami Hurricanes. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches and weighing around 207 pounds, Cleveland earned recognition for his scoring ability, versatility, and knack for performing in pressure moments. After declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, he briefly signed with the Dallas Mavericks before being waived, leaving him as an unrestricted free agent.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Nathaniel Cleveland grew up in the Atlanta metropolitan area, where basketball is woven into the fabric of local culture. He attended Cambridge High School in Milton, Georgia, during the early part of his high school journey, where he began to attract attention from scouts and recruiters for his combination of size, athleticism, and scoring instincts. His family environment, situated in one of the most competitive basketball regions in the country, helped him develop the work ethic and competitive mindset that would later define his career.
For his junior season, Cleveland transferred to Pace Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, a move that allowed him to compete against stronger competition and showcase his abilities on a bigger stage. He averaged 22.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.9 steals per game as a junior, while leading Pace Academy to the Class 3A state championship. His performance earned him the Georgia 3A Player of the Year award, establishing him as one of the most promising young players in the state.
Path to College Basketball
Cleveland continued his ascent as a senior at Pace Academy, posting averages of 22.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and two steals per game. He guided his team to a 28–2 record and the Class 2A state championship, securing both Georgia 2A Player of the Year and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Atlanta/South Fulton Player of the Year honors. His play at the prep level drew national attention, and he was selected to the United States team for the prestigious 2021 Nike Hoop Summit, an event that traditionally showcases the country’s top high school talent.
Ranked as a five-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals and a four-star recruit by ESPN, Cleveland became one of the most sought-after prospects in his class. On July 21, 2020, he committed to Florida State over offers from Kansas, Michigan, Stanford, and NC State, choosing to develop under the Seminoles’ coaching staff. His decision reflected both his confidence in his abilities and his desire to contribute immediately at the collegiate level.
Matthew Cleveland Career
Early Career at Florida State (2021–2023)
Cleveland arrived at Florida State and quickly earned a role in the rotation. On November 24, 2021, he scored 17 points and delivered a put-back basket with 2.1 seconds remaining in overtime to seal an 81–80 victory over Boston University, a moment that foreshadowed his ability to thrive in late-game situations. He continued to build on that performance throughout his sophomore campaign, including a 20-point effort on February 26, 2022, that featured a buzzer-beating three-pointer in a 64–63 win against Virginia.
His contributions off the bench were significant enough that he was named ACC Sixth Man of the Year in 2022, becoming one of the first Florida State players to earn the distinction in recent memory. Following that season, Cleveland decided to transfer, announcing his move to the University of Miami in the summer of 2023 to begin his junior season as a Miami Hurricane.
Hurricanes Era and Draft Decision (2023–2025)
At the University of Miami, Cleveland continued to develop within a competitive Atlantic Coast Conference environment. He used his remaining college eligibility to refine his perimeter scoring, defensive versatility, and ability to play multiple positions. His experience with two of the conference’s premier programs gave him exposure to different offensive systems and coaching philosophies, broadening his overall game.
After completing his college career, Cleveland declared for the 2025 NBA Draft. Listed at 6 feet 7 inches with a frame suited for small forward or wing positions, he entered the professional ranks as a versatile scorer and defender.
Professional Transition (2025–Present)
In July 2025, Cleveland signed with the Dallas Mavericks, taking his first step into the NBA. The opportunity provided him with a chance to compete at the highest level and showcase the skills he had sharpened over four collegiate seasons. However, his tenure with the Mavericks was brief, and on October 17, 2025, he was waived, returning him to the open market as a free agent.
Playing Style and Strengths
Cleveland is recognized as a versatile wing who can score from multiple areas of the floor. His height and length allow him to defend multiple positions, while his rebounding averages at both the prep and collegiate levels suggest an ability to contribute on the glass. He has demonstrated a reliable perimeter jumper, particularly in high-pressure moments such as his buzzer-beater against Virginia, and his steal totals in high school highlight an active, disruptive defensive presence.
Notable Events and Milestones
Cleveland’s career has been defined by several signature moments, including his overtime winner against Boston University, his game-winning three-pointer versus Virginia, and his selection to the 2021 Nike Hoop Summit. His ACC Sixth Man of the Year award in 2022 stands as a prominent individual honor, while his two state championships at Pace Academy underscored his leadership and ability to perform when it matters most.
Matthew Cleveland Career Wins
Matthew Cleveland’s trophy collection centers on team championships and individual recognition rather than professional league victories. His résumé features two Georgia state titles at the high school level and conference-level recognition in college, marking him as a winner throughout each stage of his development.
High School Highlights
Cleveland led Pace Academy to the Georgia Class 3A state championship during his junior season, following that with a Class 2A state championship as a senior while pacing a 28–2 squad. He earned Georgia 3A Player of the Year and Georgia 2A Player of the Year honors across those two seasons, along with Atlanta/South Fulton Player of the Year recognition.
College Recognition
At Florida State, Cleveland’s standout sophomore campaign was rewarded with the ACC Sixth Man of the Year award in 2022, capping a season that included multiple game-winning plays. He did not capture a conference tournament or NCAA championship during his time with either the Seminoles or the Hurricanes.
Matthew Cleveland Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Cleveland’s family background is rooted in the Atlanta area, a region known for producing elite basketball talent. While specific details about his parents and immediate relatives are not widely documented, the basketball environment of Atlanta clearly played a significant role in shaping his development as a player.
Personal Life
Cleveland has largely kept his personal life out of the public eye. He is focused on his basketball career, and there are no confirmed public details regarding a spouse or children at this stage of his life.
2025 Season Performance
Matthew Cleveland’s 2025 calendar year marked his transition from the collegiate ranks to the professional level. After completing his eligibility at the University of Miami, he declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, where he ultimately went undrafted. His free agent status did not last long, as the Dallas Mavericks signed him in July 2025, offering a pathway into the NBA.
His stint with the Mavericks provided Cleveland with an opportunity to compete in training camp and the preseason, allowing him to demonstrate his skills in an NBA context. Ultimately, on October 17, 2025, Dallas elected to waive him, returning him to the open market as an unrestricted free agent heading into the 2025–26 NBA season.
As a free agent, Cleveland now faces the task of securing another opportunity, whether through another NBA roster, a two-way contract, or an international option. His combination of size, shooting, and defensive versatility, along with his proven ability to deliver in clutch moments, suggests that interest around the league could grow as teams assess their depth and frontcourt needs. The coming months will be pivotal in determining the next chapter of his professional career.