- ith the 59th pick in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets selected University of Tennessee standout Jahmai Mashack, a name synonymous with grit, heart, and lockdown defense. But in a swift post-draft trade, the pick was sent to the Memphis Grizzlies—ensuring Mashack won’t be leaving the Volunteer State anytime soon. In fact, he’s staying right at home, in a state that has shaped his identity both on and off the court.
- Mashack’s journey to the NBA wasn’t defined by gaudy scoring numbers or viral highlights, but rather by consistency, leadership, and elite defense. A four-year player under Rick Barnes at Tennessee, Mashack built a reputation as one of the toughest perimeter defenders in college basketball. His motor never stopped. His discipline never wavered. And opponents across the SEC knew exactly how difficult life would be with Mashack hounding them for 94 feet.
- In 2025, his defensive dominance was formally recognized when he was named the Field of 68 National Defensive Player of the Year. Whether guarding point guards or wings, Mashack’s tenacity, quick hands, and impeccable positioning turned him into a coach’s dream and a scorer’s nightmare. But his contributions extended well beyond the stat sheet.
- Mashack was awarded Tennessee’s Torchbearer award this past year, the highest honor given to a student at the university. The award recognizes academic excellence, leadership, and service—three pillars that defined Mashack’s collegiate career. He embodied what it meant to be a student-athlete, balancing the rigors of Division I basketball while actively leading in his campus community.
- A key part of one of the winningest classes in Tennessee basketball history, Mashack tied with teammate Zakai Zeigler for the most wins by a four-year player in program history. From deep NCAA tournament runs to iconic SEC battles, Mashack’s name is etched into Tennessee lore. Fans in Knoxville will remember his passion, his humility, and his refusal to take plays off.
- Now, that same energy is headed to Memphis. The Grizzlies, a franchise already known for its defensive identity and blue-collar mentality, may have found a perfect cultural fit in Mashack. He joins a team led by Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., and could thrive in a role that allows him to do what he does best: hound the ball, energize the second unit, and spark momentum with hustle.
- For Memphis fans, it’s a homegrown story to celebrate. A Tennessee Volunteer staying in Tennessee. From the orange and white to the Beale Street blues, Mashack’s journey remains rooted in the same soil. His next chapter will unfold in a familiar place—with new challenges, new goals, and the same relentless mindset that made him beloved in Knoxville.
- Congratulations, Jahmai Mashack. The Volunteer State isn’t done watching you just yet.
- Graphic Credit: Dallas Bowlin.
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Friday, June 27
