Ty Jerome Bio
Ty Jerome is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A skilled guard known for his passing, shooting, and basketball IQ, Jerome first gained national attention as the starting shooting guard on the University of Virginia team that won the 2019 NCAA Championship. Since turning professional, he has suited up for the Phoenix Suns, Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Memphis Grizzlies.
Born on July 8, 1997, in New York City, New York, Jerome was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2019 NBA draft before being traded to the Phoenix Suns. He has continued to build a reputation as a reliable perimeter shooter and creative playmaker throughout his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Ty Jerome was born in New York City and raised in a basketball-oriented household. His parents are Mark Jerome and Melanie Walker, and both of his parents played college basketball, with his mother playing at Brandeis and his father at Lafayette. Jerome grew up alongside two brothers and two sisters, including his brother Kobe, who later played college basketball at UC Riverside and Delaware.
During his early childhood, Jerome played AAU basketball for Riverside Church alongside future NBA star Donovan Mitchell. He later attended The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, New York, for middle school before moving on to Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle, New York, where he played varsity basketball for all four years. After his junior season at Iona Prep, he was named first-team All-Conference, All-Metropolitan, and All-State. His senior year was cut short due to a hip injury, but he had already established himself as one of the top high school guards in the region.
Path to Basketball
On September 2, 2014, Jerome committed to playing college basketball at the University of Virginia, joining a program coached by Tony Bennett. The decision set the stage for a successful college career that would culminate in a national championship. While at Virginia, Jerome majored in American Studies and developed into one of the most well-rounded guards in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
During his freshman year, Jerome served as the backup point guard behind London Perrantes and averaged 4.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. As a sophomore, he took over as the Cavaliers’ starting point guard and broke out with a career-high 31 points against Boston College on December 30, 2017, earning a spot on the All-ACC Third Team. Heading into his junior season, he was selected to the pre-season All-ACC Second Team and was later named one of ten finalists for the Bob Cousy Award, given to the nation’s top college point guard.
Ty Jerome Career
Early Career (2019)
Ty Jerome’s college career peaked during the 2018–2019 season, when he averaged 13.6 points and 5.5 assists per game while leading Virginia to a number-one seed in the 2019 NCAA tournament. In the national championship game, he delivered 16 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds to help the Cavaliers defeat the Texas Tech Red Raiders 85–77 and claim the program’s first national title. He was subsequently named Second-team All-ACC for his junior-season performance.
Following the championship run, Jerome announced his intention to forgo his final year of collegiate eligibility and declared for the 2019 NBA draft, hiring an agent in the process. He was widely projected as an early second-round pick after his outstanding postseason play.
Phoenix Suns (2019–2020)
On June 20, 2019, the Philadelphia 76ers selected Jerome with the 24th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. His draft rights were later traded twice, first to the Boston Celtics alongside the 33rd pick for the rights to Matisse Thybulle, and then to the Phoenix Suns alongside Aron Baynes for a future first-round pick. The Suns officially signed Jerome on July 6, 2019.
Jerome’s rookie season was interrupted by injuries, beginning with a right ankle sprain on October 21, 2019, that kept him out indefinitely. He spent time developing with the Northern Arizona Suns of the NBA G League and made his NBA debut on December 2, 2019, in a 109–104 win over the Charlotte Hornets, recording four points, four assists, three rebounds, and three steals in 12 minutes. On December 21, 2019, he scored a season-high 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting in a 139–125 loss to the Houston Rockets.
Oklahoma City Thunder (2020–2022)
On November 16, 2020, Jerome was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder alongside Kelly Oubre Jr., Ricky Rubio, Jalen Lecque, and a 2022 first-round pick in exchange for Chris Paul and Abdel Nader. Still recovering from a severe left ankle sprain, he was assigned to the Thunder’s G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, where he made his debut on February 11, 2021.
Jerome made his Thunder debut on February 26, 2021, against the Atlanta Hawks, finishing with nine points, five rebounds, and seven assists in 22 minutes during a 118–109 win. His seven assists set a Thunder franchise record for the most assists in a debut game. On March 8, 2022, he underwent season-ending groin surgery, and on September 30, 2022, he was traded to the Houston Rockets before being waived the following day.
Golden State Warriors (2022–2023)
Jerome signed with the Golden State Warriors on October 4, 2022, for the remainder of preseason before being signed to a two-way contract that also allowed him to play with the Santa Cruz Warriors of the NBA G League. His time with Golden State gave him valuable experience within a championship-contending organization.
Cleveland Cavaliers (2023–2025)
On July 6, 2023, Jerome signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but his season was cut short after he suffered a right ankle impingement on October 27, 2023, against the Oklahoma City Thunder. On January 25, 2024, he underwent successful right ankle surgery and missed the remainder of the season.
Jerome returned healthy for the 2024–2025 campaign and quickly reminded fans of his scoring ability. On November 20, 2024, he scored 27 of a season-high 29 points in the first half of a 128–100 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. On January 24, 2025, he set a new career high with 33 points, including a perfect 8-of-8 from three-point range, off the bench in a 129–132 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, becoming the first Cavaliers player in franchise history to make eight three-pointers without missing a single attempt. On April 19, 2025, he made his playoff debut in Game 1 of the first round against the Miami Heat, scoring 28 points with five rebounds and three assists in a 121–100 win.
Memphis Grizzlies (2025–Present)
On July 14, 2025, Jerome signed a three-year, $28 million contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, joining a young team looking to build a contending roster. His arrival in Memphis marked a fresh chapter in his career and brought an experienced playmaker and perimeter shooter to the Grizzlies’ backcourt.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ty Jerome is widely regarded as a crafty, high-IQ guard whose strengths lie in his perimeter shooting, court vision, and decision-making. He has consistently demonstrated an ability to score efficiently from beyond the arc, including his historic 8-of-8 performance from three-point range with the Cavaliers. His basketball instincts, developed under Tony Bennett at Virginia, allow him to read defenses and create opportunities for teammates.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Jerome’s career came during the 2019 NCAA Championship game, where his 16 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds helped Virginia capture the national title. In the NBA, he has recorded a career-high 33 points, set the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise record for assists in a debut, and became the first Cleveland Cavaliers player to make eight three-pointers without a miss.
Ty Jerome Career Wins
Ty Jerome’s most celebrated win came at the collegiate level when he helped the Virginia Cavaliers capture the 2019 NCAA Championship. In the NBA, he has earned several individual milestones and notable team victories, including a Thunder franchise-record debut performance and standout scoring games with the Cavaliers.
NCAA Highlights
Jerome’s top achievement was the 2019 NCAA Championship, where he served as Virginia’s starting shooting guard and delivered a stellar all-around performance in the title game. He was also named Second-team All-ACC in 2019 and Third-team All-ACC in 2018 during his time with the Cavaliers.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond the NCAA title, Jerome has produced multiple standout NBA performances, including a career-high 33 points with the Cavaliers in January 2025 and a 28-point playoff debut against the Miami Heat in April 2025. His consistent three-point shooting and playmaking have made him a valuable contributor across multiple franchises.
Ty Jerome Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Ty Jerome comes from a deeply athletic family. Both of his parents played college basketball, with his mother Melanie Walker playing at Brandeis and his father Mark Jerome playing at Lafayette. His paternal grandmother was active in the Civil Rights Movement with the Congress of Racial Equality, while her husband Fred was a photographer who covered the movement. Jerome has two brothers and two sisters, including his brother Kobe, who played college basketball at UC Riverside from 2021 to 2023 and at Delaware from 2023 to 2025.
Personal Life
Jerome majored in American Studies during his time at the University of Virginia. Growing up, his favorite NBA player was Hall of Fame point guard Steve Nash, a choice that reflected his admiration for skilled passers and creative playmakers. Off the court, Jerome continues to maintain close ties to his family, who have been a steady source of support throughout his basketball journey.
2025 Season Performance
Ty Jerome’s 2025 season has been defined by his move to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he signed a three-year, $28 million contract on July 14, 2025. After wrapping up a strong run with the Cleveland Cavaliers, including a career-high 33-point performance in January 2025 and a 28-point playoff debut in April 2025, Jerome joined Memphis looking to bring veteran leadership and perimeter scoring to a youthful roster.
During the early portion of the 2025–2026 NBA season, Jerome is expected to play a key role in the Grizzlies’ backcourt, providing shooting, playmaking, and experience alongside the team’s core young players. His ability to space the floor and create for teammates should remain central to his contributions in Memphis.
Looking ahead, Jerome’s blend of efficiency, basketball IQ, and shooting touch positions him as a valuable piece of the Grizzlies’ long-term plans. With his contract running through 2028, the organization is betting on his continued development and consistency as a contributor at both ends of the floor.