Jalen Suggs isn’t your average NBA guard. He’s the kind of athlete who seems built for the big stage — not just because of his flashy plays or lockdown defense, but because of the story that got him here. Raised in Minnesota, shaped at Gonzaga, and now carving out his legacy in Orlando, Suggs is a name that’s starting to turn heads in the basketball world — and for good reason.
Jalen Suggs
Born on June 3, 2001, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Jalen Rashon Suggs was practically raised with a ball in his hand. His father, Larry Suggs, was a local sports figure and youth coach who helped shape Jalen’s foundation in both basketball and football. But it wasn’t just Dad in his corner — the whole family was built for competition.
Jalen’s bloodline is stacked. He’s a second cousin of NFL great Terrell Suggs, and he’s also related to NBA All-Star Eddie Jones and Indiana Pacers standout Tyrese Haliburton. That kind of athletic pedigree doesn’t guarantee success, but for Jalen, it seemed like destiny.
As a kid, he was intense but grounded. Coaches described him as a natural leader, someone who could motivate teammates without needing to say much. Whether it was on the court or the football field, Suggs had “it” — that spark that you just can’t teach.
At Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, Suggs made national headlines — not just for his skills but for his rare status as an elite athlete in two sports. Seriously, who dominates as both a starting quarterback and a basketball phenom in today’s age of hyper-specialization?
Led Minnehaha to three state basketball championships
Named Minnesota Mr. Basketball in 2020
Finished with 2,945 points — the school’s all-time leading scorer
Quarterbacked the SMB Wolfpack to a Class 4A state football title
Won Minnesota Mr. Football the same year
It’s worth pausing on that for a second: no one else in Minnesota history has ever won both Mr. Football and Mr. Basketball in the same year. Jalen Suggs did it — and with style.
Despite scholarship offers from major college football programs (including Ohio State), Jalen made a bold choice: he would bet on basketball.
He committed to Gonzaga University, becoming the highest-rated recruit the program had ever landed. In his lone season (2020–2021), Suggs was nothing short of electric.
He averaged 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, helping Gonzaga go undefeated until the national championship game. But the moment everyone remembers? That buzzer-beater against UCLA in the Final Four — a near-halfcourt dagger that sent fans (and the internet) into a frenzy.
He left Gonzaga after one unforgettable season, a certified March Madness legend.
The Orlando Magic snagged Suggs with the 5th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, banking on his playmaking, defensive intensity, and leadership.
His rookie season had ups and downs — flashes of brilliance mixed with a thumb injury that sidelined him for 20 games. Still, he finished the year with respectable numbers: 11.8 points, 4.4 assists, and a growing reputation as a two-way threat.
Suggs really started to find his rhythm in year three:
Averaged a career-best 12.6 PPG
Knocked down 39.7% of his threes
Earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors
He wasn’t just contributing — he was locking up elite guards, hitting timely shots, and becoming a heartbeat player for a young Magic squad that’s on the rise.
In October 2024, the Magic doubled down, signing him to a 5-year, $150.5 million extension. It was a major vote of confidence, and well-earned.
In early 2025, Suggs suffered a stress fracture in his ankle and underwent surgery, sidelining him for the rest of the season. He’s expected to make a full recovery and return with the same fire that’s defined his journey.
Jalen Suggs Orlando Magic
Jalen Suggs lives in Orlando, Florida, not far from the Magic’s practice facility. Off the court, he keeps things pretty grounded. He's close to his family, keeps a tight circle, and isn't one to chase the spotlight — though that doesn’t mean he’s not building something big behind the scenes.
He’s also in a relationship with Hailey Van Lith, one of the top women’s basketball players in the country. The two have been together for a few years and are known for supporting each other’s careers — whether it's courtside appearances or low-key Instagram shoutouts.
Hailey Van Lith, from Wenatchee, WA plays for TCU Horned Frogs
When he’s not training or playing, Jalen enjoys relaxing with video games (he’s a big Call of Duty guy), watching football, and showing up with surprisingly sharp fits on game day. He’s also deeply involved in youth basketball, running camps and events for kids — something he says helps him stay connected to the love of the game.
Jalen Suggs - Orlando Magic Shooting Guard
As of 2025, Jalen Suggs’ net worth is estimated between $10 million and $15 million. A big chunk of that came from his massive five-year, $150.5 million contract extension with the Magic, which he signed in late 2024. That deal locked him in as one of the franchise's cornerstone players and boosted his earnings significantly — around $30 million per season. On top of that, he’s picked up a few endorsement deals, mostly with sportswear and lifestyle brands that line up with his clean-cut image. He’s not flashy with his money, but insiders say he’s been smart — investing in real estate and quietly building a solid financial base for life after basketball. True to form, he’s focused more on the work than the flex.
Jalen Suggs Stats, NBA News, Bio and More
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Age | 23 |
| Height/Weight | 6'5", 205 lbs |
| From | Saint Paul, MN |
| College | Gonzaga University |
| NBA Team | Orlando Magic |
| Position | Shooting Guard / Point Guard |
| Years in NBA | 3 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10–15 million |
Where did Jalen Suggs play college basketball?
He played one season at Gonzaga University, where he helped lead the team to the NCAA championship game in 2021.
Is Jalen Suggs in a relationship?
Yes, he’s dating Hailey Van Lith, a star in women’s college basketball.
What position does Jalen Suggs play in the NBA?
Suggs plays as a combo guard — both shooting guard and point guard — for the Orlando Magic.
What is Jalen Suggs’ salary?
He signed a five-year, $150.5 million contract extension in 2024 with the Orlando Magic.
Why is Jalen Suggs famous?
He’s known for his buzzer-beating shot in the 2021 NCAA Final Four, his two-sport high school career, and his rapid rise in the NBA.
Jalen Suggs
Jalen Suggs’ story isn’t just about numbers or highlights — it’s about grit. From dominating Minnesota’s high school scene in two sports to delivering one of the most iconic March Madness moments of all time, to becoming a defensive anchor for an emerging Magic team, he’s proving that greatness isn’t given — it’s earned, moment by moment.
With his best years still ahead of him, Jalen Suggs is just getting started.
