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Jeremy Tyler

Jeremy Tyler (born June 21, 1991) is an professional basketball player who primarily plays as a and , standing at 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 m) tall and weighing 260 pounds (118 kg). A native of , , Tyler gained early notoriety in 2009 when, as a junior at , he decided to forgo his senior year to sign a professional contract with Maccabi Haifa of the Basketball League, becoming one of the first American high school players to do so without completing high school or attending college. After a brief stint in , he moved to the Tokyo Apache in Japan's for the 2010–11 season, where he averaged 15.0 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. In the , Tyler was selected by the Charlotte Bobcats with the 39th overall pick in the second round but was immediately traded to the . He spent the majority of his three-season NBA with the (2011–2013), appearing in 104 games across the league with averages of 3.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 0.3 blocks per game. During this period, he was briefly acquired by the in 2013 but did not appear in any games for the team, and played for the in 2013–14, with personal bests including 17 points against the on January 28, 2014, and 11 rebounds on multiple occasions. Following his NBA tenure, Tyler transitioned to international leagues, playing in China, the Philippines, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, among others. In 2025, Tyler played for Gigantes de Carolina in Puerto Rico's (BSN) and Central Club in Lebanon's Division I league, and as of November 2025, he is with Soles de Mexicali in Mexico's LNBP. His career has followed a path after early promise as a top high school prospect.

Early years

Early life

Jeremy Tyler was born on June 21, 1991, in , . From fourth grade onward, Tyler was raised primarily by his father, James Tyler, who owned a company, and his uncle, Maurice, with whom they lived in ; his mother, Misty Cabrouet, was not prominently involved in his upbringing. James Tyler supported his son's development while planning family business ventures, including the opening of a around 2009. Tyler first encountered through youth leagues in , where he played on freshman teams as a sixth grader, joined local summer squads by age 12, and participated in pickup games at during his early teens.

High school career

Tyler attended in , , where he emerged as a dominant force in high school . As a junior in the 2008–09 season, he averaged 28.7 points and 12 rebounds per game for the Cavers, showcasing his scoring prowess and rebounding ability while leading the team to strong performances in key matches, such as a 37-point outing against High School. Several top prospects attempted to transfer to High to play with Tyler but were declared ineligible due to residency issues. He drew significant recruitment interest from top college programs, including an oral commitment to Louisville under coach Rick Pitino and consideration from USC, highlighting his status as one of the nation's elite prospects. In April 2009, Tyler made headlines by announcing his decision to forgo his senior year of high school and NCAA eligibility to pursue professional basketball overseas, a move supported by his family and advisers. Ranked as the No. 2 high school player in the class of 2010 by ESPN, he was viewed as a pioneer for American prospects seeking early entry into professional play, sparking widespread media debate about the implications for young athletes bypassing traditional paths to the NBA.

Professional career

Maccabi Haifa (2009–2010)

In August 2009, at the age of 18, Jeremy Tyler signed a one-year worth $140,000 with Maccabi Haifa of Israel's Ligat HaAl, marking his debut in professional basketball after forgoing his senior year of high school. This move made him the first American-born high school player to turn professional overseas. Tyler's role on the team was limited due to his inexperience and the challenges of adapting to the professional level, resulting in sparse playing time. He appeared in just 10 games during the 2009–2010 season, averaging 2.1 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 7.6 minutes per game while shooting 43.8% from the field. Frequently benched behind more established big men, Tyler often grew frustrated with his minimal opportunities, contributing to the team's overall struggles as Maccabi Haifa finished fourth in the regular season with a 14–8 record before losing 1–3 to Elitzur in the quarterfinals. On a personal level, Tyler faced significant adjustment issues, including homesickness from being isolated abroad without much family support; his father, James, accompanied him for the initial three weeks, after which only a remained in . The transition proved difficult, with Tyler struggling to grasp the full demands of professional life and team dynamics, leading him to leave the club in March 2010, five weeks before the season's end. Despite these hurdles, the stint provided early international exposure, though Tyler's inconsistency and limited minutes highlighted areas for growth in physicality and maturity.

Tokyo Apache (2010–2011)

In July 2010, following a challenging stint in , Jeremy Tyler signed a one-year with the Tokyo Apache of Japan's , seeking a fresh start under head coach , a former NBA assistant. This move came after limited playing time and production with Maccabi Haifa, where adjustment to professional play overseas proved difficult. During the 2010–2011 season, Tyler adapted more effectively to the professional environment, benefiting from improved physical conditioning that added bulk and strength to his 6-foot-10 frame. In 33 games off the bench, he averaged 9.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 15.4 minutes per game while shooting 51.1 percent from the field. His role expanded as the season progressed, showcasing defensive potential with multiple double-doubles, including 14 points and 10 rebounds against the and 12 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks versus the Northern Happinets. In one standout performance against the Broncos, Tyler recorded 27 points and 11 rebounds. Tyler's contributions helped the Apache maintain competitiveness in the Eastern Conference, compiling a 24-16 record before the team's season was suspended following the March 11, 2011, , which disrupted league operations. This period marked noticeable growth in his international adjustment, with Hill praising his work ethic and increasing comfort in structured professional systems compared to his earlier overseas experience.

NBA draft and Golden State Warriors (2011–2013)

Tyler was selected by the Charlotte Bobcats with the 39th overall pick in the second round of the . His draft rights were immediately traded to the in exchange for $2 million in cash considerations. The selection was viewed as a high-risk move due to Tyler's unconventional path of leaving high school early to play professionally overseas, which raised concerns about his maturity and readiness despite his athletic potential and strong pre-draft workouts that boosted his stock among NBA scouts. Under new head coach , the Warriors emphasized player development for young talents like Tyler, with Jackson expressing personal interest in mentoring him to help refine his skills as a 6-foot-10 center. In his season of 2011–12, Tyler appeared in 42 games for , averaging 13.5 minutes, 4.9 points, and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 42.1% from the field. He received limited consistent playing time amid a crowded frontcourt but showed flashes of potential, including several starts. To further his development, Tyler was assigned to the Warriors' D-League affiliate, the Dakota Wizards, on February 27, 2012, where he played five games before being recalled on March 6. During the 2012–13 season, Tyler's NBA role diminished, as he played in 20 games for , averaging just 3.2 minutes, 1.1 points, and 0.9 rebounds per game. He spent significantly more time in the D-League with the , the team's new affiliate, through multiple assignments starting in December 2012, focusing on building consistency and defensive fundamentals under the Warriors' development system.

Santa Cruz Warriors (2013)

During the 2012–13 NBA Development League season, Jeremy was assigned to the , the affiliate of the , on multiple occasions to further his development as a big man. These assignments included short stints starting December 2, 2012 (recalled December 3), December 23 (recalled December 24), December 27 (recalled December 28), December 31 (recalled January 2), and January 20 (recalled January 21), allowing him to gain playing time while maintaining ties to the NBA roster. On March 13, 2013, was waived by due to personal reasons and immediately acquired by , only to be waived again on March 13 due to injury before being re-acquired on March 23 and waived once more on April 5 (re-acquired April 6), enabling him to participate in the postseason. These frequent movements highlighted his transitional role within ' organization, where brief NBA appearances were interspersed with D-League time to refine his skills for a potential permanent roster spot. In 12 regular-season games with Santa Cruz (5 starts), Tyler averaged 27.6 minutes per game, focusing primarily on post play and rebounding to leverage his 6-foot-10 frame and athleticism. He posted averages of 17.4 points, 8.8 rebounds (including 3.6 offensive), 1.0 assist, 0.8 steal, and 0.3 block per game, while shooting 54.9% from the field and 60.8% from the free-throw line, though he struggled with turnovers (4.3 per game). His emphasis on interior scoring and board work aligned with the Warriors' developmental system, which prioritized physicality and positioning for young forwards and centers. Tyler's performance elevated during the , where he contributed significantly to Santa Cruz's run to the D-League . In 6 postseason games, he averaged 24.5 minutes, 20.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 block per game, improving his efficiency to 63.6% shooting and 75.0% free-throw percentage. His strong showings in the , including key scoring and defensive contributions, helped the team advance before their elimination, underscoring his growth in high-stakes situations under ' guidance.

New York Knicks (2013–2014)

On August 6, 2013, the signed Jeremy Tyler to a non-guaranteed contract following his impressive performance in the , where he averaged 12.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Tyler's prior success in the NBA D-League with the had positioned him as a developmental prospect for the Knicks' frontcourt depth. However, his preseason was derailed by a in his right foot, requiring on September 5, 2013, and sidelining him for 8-10 weeks. The Knicks waived Tyler on October 25, 2013, to trim their roster, but retained his D-League rights by acquiring them from the via the Erie BayHawks in November 2013, allowing him to rehabilitate with their affiliate. He returned to the NBA on a 10-day contract signed December 31, 2013, followed by another 10-day deal on January 10, 2014, and a contract for the remainder of the season on February 1, 2014. Under head coach , Tyler appeared in 41 regular-season games off the bench during the 2013-14 campaign, averaging 3.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 8.5 minutes per game while shooting 51.7% from the field. His role remained limited due to competition from established big men like and , as well as ongoing recovery from injury, though he had standout moments, including a career-high 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting in a January 28, 2014, win over the . The Knicks qualified for the 2014 playoffs as the Eastern Conference's second seed but were eliminated in seven games by the in the second round; Tyler did not appear in any postseason games. On August 6, 2014, as part of a roster overhaul, the Knicks traded Tyler and to the in exchange for and , effectively ending his tenure with .

Shanxi Zhongyu (2014–2015)

Following his release from the NBA after a brief stint with the , Jeremy Tyler signed a one-year contract with the Shanxi Zhongyu Brave Dragons of the () on October 25, 2014. This move marked his return to professional basketball in Asia, building on his earlier overseas experience with the Tokyo Apache in during the 2010–2011 season. As a key starter in Shanxi's frontcourt, Tyler quickly adapted to the CBA's physical style of play, providing rebounding and scoring prowess alongside teammate Zaid Abbas. In 38 regular-season games for Shanxi, Tyler averaged 22.6 points, 11.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game while playing 28.7 minutes. He shot efficiently from the field at 54.5% and from the free-throw line at 70.4%, often dominating the paint with his athleticism and post presence. Tyler's contributions were instrumental in Shanxi's 27–11 regular-season record, securing a seventh-place finish and a berth in the . Among his highlights, Tyler notched numerous double-doubles, leveraging his size and timing to control the boards and score in transition. A standout performance came on , 2014, when he erupted for a career-high 45 points and 15 rebounds in a 123–110 road victory over the . His consistent production helped stabilize Shanxi's interior defense and offense, though the team was eliminated in the quarterfinals by the .

Houston Rockets (2015)

In September 2015, Jeremy Tyler signed a non-guaranteed contract with the , aiming to revive his NBA career after overseas play. During the preseason, Tyler appeared in two games, totaling 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists over 28 minutes of action, which equated to averages of 4.0 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. He competed for one of the limited roster spots in the frontcourt, but faced stiff competition from established players including and emerging talent . Ultimately, Tyler was waived by the Rockets on October 23, 2015, prior to the start of the regular season, and did not play in any official NBA games for the team.

Fujian Sturgeons (2015–2016)

Following his release from the Houston Rockets training camp in October 2015, Jeremy Tyler signed with the Fujian Sturgeons of the Chinese Basketball Association on November 25, 2015, for the remainder of the 2015–16 season. As the team's primary big man in the rotation, Tyler provided frontcourt stability and was a key contributor in the paint during his 24 regular-season appearances. He averaged 27.5 minutes per game, shooting efficiently from the field at 54.6%, while anchoring the defense with 1.4 blocks per contest. Tyler's scoring and rebounding prowess stood out, as he led the Sturgeons in rebounding with 9.3 per game (including 2.3 offensive rebounds) and averaged 18.9 points overall, often exploiting mismatches inside for efficient production. His consistent double-digit rebounding efforts helped bolster 's interior presence, though the team finished with a 16–22 record and missed the .

Tianjin Ronggang (2016–2017)

In September 2016, Jeremy Tyler signed with Ronggang of the (), marking his third consecutive season in the league following successful performances with previous Chinese teams. During the 2016–2017 regular season, Tyler played in 35 games for , averaging 20.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 27.1 minutes per game while shooting 54.8% from the field. His interior scoring and rebounding prowess made him a reliable threat, complementing the team's efforts in the paint. Tyler's production contributed to Tianjin's improved performance, as the team finished 11th in the standings with an 18–20 record, a notable step up from their 18th-place finish the prior season. However, he averaged 3.6 personal fouls per game, which sometimes resulted in early exits and limited his impact during stretches of play.

Sydney Kings (2017–2018)

In November 2017, the Sydney Kings signed Jeremy Tyler to a contract for the remainder of the 2017–18 NBL season, aiming to bolster their frontcourt amid a poor start to the campaign. The 26-year-old center, drawing on his experience as an international veteran from stints in Asia, joined alongside guard Jerome Randle as part of a roster overhaul that replaced underperforming import Travis Leslie. Tyler arrived in Australia shortly after the announcement and was available for immediate selection. Tyler made his debut on November 11, 2017, against the , scoring 8 points in a 91–84 loss. Over the next three months, he appeared in 11 games for , starting in most of them while averaging 21.0 minutes per contest. His contributions included solid rebounding and efficient scoring inside, with averages of 13.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game; he shot 56.2% from the field and 65.1% from the free-throw line. One standout performance came in a matchup, where Tyler notched a season-high 23 points and added multiple blocks, showcasing his athleticism in transition plays. Despite Tyler's efforts, the Kings struggled throughout the season, finishing with an 11–17 record and missing the . The team won only four of their remaining 13 games after Tyler's arrival, highlighting ongoing challenges in team chemistry and defense. In January 2018, after just three months and with the Kings mired in the lower half of the standings, was released from his contract to allow for further roster adjustments.

TNT KaTropa (2018)

In March 2018, Jeremy Tyler signed with TNT KaTropa of the (PBA) as their import for the 2018 Commissioner's Cup, adhering to the league's rules allowing one foreign player per team with a height limit of 6'6" to 6'10" for big men like Tyler. This move came shortly after his stint with the in Australia's , marking another chapter in his international career. Tyler's playing time was limited to four games, where he averaged 12.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steal per game while logging about 28 minutes on the court. In his debut against GlobalPort Batang Pier on April 22, he recorded a with 14 points and 12 rebounds in a 128-120 win; he followed with 17 points and 15 rebounds versus Phoenix Fuel Masters on April 28 in a 106-98 victory. However, his production dipped in subsequent outings, including just 2 points against on May 6 despite a win (89-84), and 16 points with 11 rebounds in a 110-100 loss to Alaska Aces on May 13. These performances contributed to a 3-1 start for , but Tyler's inconsistent output led to a diminished role as the relied more on local talent like . TNT KaTropa ultimately reached the semifinals, defeating Blackwater Elite 2-0 in the quarterfinals before falling 0-3 to , but Tyler was no longer part of the roster by then. On May 17, following the break, the team terminated his contract, citing that he failed to meet expectations as a dominant import, and replaced him with Joshua Smith. His brief tenure ended that month, highlighting the high turnover of imports in the PBA's competitive import-heavy conference.

Atléticos de San Germán (2019)

In April 2019, Tyler signed as an import player with of Puerto Rico's (BSN), joining the team midway through the regular season after his previous stint abroad. Over the course of his time with the , Tyler appeared in 18 regular-season games, averaging 14.4 points and 8.9 rebounds per game while playing 27.1 minutes per contest. His contributions were particularly notable on the boards, where he led the team with 161 total rebounds, providing a strong presence in the paint amid the BSN's physically demanding style of play. Tyler also added 2.6 assists and 1.1 blocks per game, shooting 48.8% from the field. Tyler's efforts helped the Atléticos compile a competitive record and qualify for the , where they advanced to the quarterfinals against the Santeros de Aguada in 2019. However, his tenure proved brief due to the league's condensed schedule, which typically spans from late March to early August with immediately following; he was released in late May 2019 and replaced by forward DeVaughn to adjust the roster dynamics.

Liaoning Flying Leopards (2021)

In April 2021, Jeremy Tyler signed a short-term contract with the of the () to bolster their roster for the of the 2020–21 season. The 2020–21 season was heavily affected by the , with the league adopting a centralized "bubble" format in , Province, where all matches were played without fans to control virus spread and ensure player safety. Liaoning, as a perennial contender and former champions, finished second in the regular season standings and advanced through the , reaching the finals against the ; however, they were swept 0–4 in the series. Tyler, leveraging his prior experience in the from stints with teams like Zhongyu and Ronggang, joined as a reserve big man to provide depth in the frontcourt during this high-stakes push. During his brief tenure, appeared in limited playoff games off the bench, contributing modestly in minutes played. In one documented matchup against the on April 13, 2021, he recorded 0 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in 7 minutes. His role focused on rebounding and defensive presence rather than scoring, aiding Liaoning's overall effort in their championship bid despite the final loss. The contract was not renewed following the season, as pursued opportunities elsewhere.

G League and Puerto Rico return (2024)

In early 2024, following a hiatus from professional , Jeremy Tyler sought a return to the NBA through the G League by joining the , the affiliate of the , on March 1 after being acquired from the available player pool. In six games with the Herd, he averaged 4.2 points and 3.0 rebounds per game while playing 11.3 minutes off the bench. Tyler was waived by the team on March 18. On March 21, Tyler was claimed off waivers by the , the G League affiliate of the [Los Angeles Lakers](/page/Los Angeles_Lakers), providing another opportunity for an NBA call-up. His time with South Bay was brief and limited, appearing in five games where he averaged 3.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in 11.6 minutes per contest. Later that spring, Tyler returned to familiar territory in Puerto Rico's (BSN) by re-signing with the on April 15 as an injury replacement for . In seven regular-season games with the Piratas, he contributed 7.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in 17.8 minutes, helping bolster the team's frontcourt during the latter stages of the season and into the playoffs.

Central Club and BSN stints (2025)

In early 2025, Jeremy Tyler signed a contract with Central Club (also known as Al Markaziyyah or Centrale) of the Lebanese Division I Basketball League on January 3. His stint with the team was brief, spanning several months during the regular season. Tyler contributed off the bench in limited appearances, including a performance of 11 points and 5 rebounds in a February 6 loss to Sagesse SC. In another game on March 4 against Beirut Club, he recorded 15 points and 8 rebounds, though the team fell short in the matchup. Overall, he appeared in 5 games for Central Club, averaging 15.6 points while shooting 51% from two-point range. The team underwent roster changes in late March, leading to Tyler's release as part of adjustments that also affected other imports like Osiris Eldridge. Following his departure from Lebanon, Tyler transitioned to the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) in Puerto Rico for the 2025 season, signing with Gigantes de Carolina on March 28 as a mid-season replacement for Mike Scott. This move came after his previous BSN experience in 2024 with Piratas de Quebradillas. With Gigantes, Tyler provided frontcourt depth during the regular season's latter stages, playing in 5 games primarily in April. His performances included 14 points and 7 rebounds in a road win over Cangrejeros de Santurce on April 5, and 6 points with 11 rebounds in an away victory against Capitanes de Arecibo on April 13. Across these outings, he averaged 6.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game while logging about 18 minutes off the bench. Tyler's efforts supported Gigantes' push toward the playoffs in a competitive conference. Tyler's frequent transitions in 2025 exemplified the challenges faced by import in the BSN, where league rules limit teams to two active foreign at a time and allow for reinforcements during the season, often resulting in short-term contracts and rotations to optimize rosters for playoff contention. These dynamics, combined with Tyler's veteran status, positioned him as a versatile big man sought by multiple franchises amid roster needs.

Soles de Mexicali (2025–present)

On October 17, 2025, Jeremy Tyler signed with Soles de Mexicali of Mexico's (LNBP) to bolster the team's frontcourt for the and the upcoming 2025–26 season. As a veteran import forward, Tyler was brought in to provide depth and experience amid the team's push for an LNBP championship, following a regular season where Soles maintained an unbeaten record at home. In his debut during the quarterfinal playoff game against Panteras de on October 17, 2025, Tyler played 13 minutes off the bench, contributing 2 points and 6 rebounds in a 75–82 loss that ended Soles' postseason run. His role emphasized rebounding and interior presence, aligning with the team's need for frontcourt reinforcement after an injury to key player Justin Moss. As of November 11, 2025, Tyler remains active with Soles de , listed on the roster for the 2025–26 LNBP season and positioned to continue in a supporting veteran capacity. His recent stint in Puerto Rico's (BSN) with Gigantes de Carolina earlier in 2025 facilitated this transition to the LNBP.

Playing style and career statistics

Tyler is a 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) / known for his exceptional athleticism, including strong jumping ability, and decent ball-handling and fluidity for his size. His strengths include a professional-level physical profile and rebounding impact, but he has been noted for weaknesses in fundamentals, high turnover rates, and inconsistent effort.

Regular season

Tyler appeared in 104 NBA regular season games across three seasons from 2011 to 2014, averaging 3.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 0.2 assists, and 0.4 blocks per game while 45.0% from the field. His role evolved from a rotational big man with the to limited bench minutes with the , reflecting improved efficiency in limited opportunities, particularly in rebounding and shot-blocking relative to minutes played. The following table summarizes Tyler's NBA regular season statistics by year:
YearTeamGPGSMPGFG%RPGAPGBPGPPG
2011-12GSW422313.5.4213.30.40.54.9
2012-13GSW/ATL2103.2.3751.00.00.11.0
2013-14NYK4109.7.5172.70.20.53.6
Career-104239.9.4502.60.20.43.6
Source: Basketball-Reference.com In the , Tyler played 23 regular season games across multiple teams from 2011 to 2014 and returned briefly in 2023-24 for 11 games, posting aggregated averages of 12.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 0.4 assists, and 0.6 blocks per game with a 53.5% . His G League tenure highlighted greater scoring volume and rebounding impact in starting roles early on, transitioning to a veteran depth piece in later stints, with notable efficiency inside the paint. For instance, with the in 2012-13, he averaged 17.4 points and 8.8 rebounds in 12 games at 54.9% shooting; in 2023-24, he averaged 4.2 points and 3.0 rebounds across six games with the , and 3.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in five games with the . The following table summarizes Tyler's G League regular season statistics by year and team:
YearTeamGPGSMPGFG%RPGAPGBPGPPG
2011-12DAK5529.2.5897.80.01.415.6
2012-13SCW12527.6.5498.81.00.317.4
2013-14ERI6631.0.47810.20.50.718.0
2023-24WIS6211.3.5333.00.30.04.2
2023-24SBL5011.6.3895.00.00.63.0
Career-341823.8.5357.60.40.612.9
Source: Basketball-Reference.com International league statistics are not included in this regular season summary.

Playoffs

Tyler's NBA playoff participation was nonexistent; during the 2013–14 season with the , who advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, he did not see any postseason action despite being on the roster. In the G League, Tyler contributed significantly during the ' 2012–13 playoff run, which culminated in a appearance, where he averaged 20.0 points and 6.5 rebounds across 6 games, providing key interior scoring and rebounding in the postseason. Tyler's international playoff exposure has been sporadic and brief, reflecting his journeyman career across various leagues. In the (), he played 3 games for the Shanxi Brave Dragons in the 2014–15 playoffs, averaging 15.3 points and 8.0 rebounds per game while helping the team in their quarterfinal series. Later, with the in the 2020–21 playoffs, Tyler appeared in just 1 game, posting 2.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in a limited role during the conference semifinals.
YearLeague/TeamGPPPGRPG
2012–13G League ()620.06.5
2014–15CBA ()315.38.0
2020–21CBA ()12.02.0