Turning setbacks into triumphs.
Finding the upside of adversity.
 
How my sports injury opened doors to new  passions & opportunities.

I learned at an early age that organized youth sports are a metaphor for life.  My experiences taught me the value of brotherhood, trust, respect, discipline, mental and physical preparation, perseverance and the ability to win or loose graciously. As an adult in any organization or system, I feel these rules still apply. Success requires teamwork, skilled contribution and cooperation. The competition in sports can drive innovation and push boundaries. I plan to use my unique perspective to contribute to the sports industry and related industries in a meaningful way. 

 

I was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota then moved to Los Angeles when I was six years old. My father is Jimmy Jam, a legendary record producer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. My uncle is Kevin Garnett, a recent inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Some of my best memories were attending the Minnesota Timberwolves games with my dad, where he and Kevin taught me the game of basketball at a very young age. I was fortunate enough to witness my uncle lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy when he won a Championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008. 

​

I attended Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village California. I played on the Varsity Basketball team all four years  while simultaneously studying music/advanced digital recording. I also played AAU basketball throughout high school. I played on a team called Aim High where I was coached by Kenny Smith, a former NBA player and current TNT-NBA analyst. 

​

With all of my early success came a devastating setback in the Summer before my Junior year in High School. While playing with my AAU team, I tore my ACL and needed surgery. The worst challenge and shock of my diagnosis was that my knee injury would take nine months to heal which kept me out of the most important recruiting season. It would be a year away from the game that had been my life. My downtime forced me to discover new interests and rethink my future. I discovered a love for Music Production and the Esports gaming industry. The time also allowed me to watch and study other sports. I took particular interest in European Soccer and the MLS, PGA Golf, the NFL, the NBA and Formula One. Then and now, I am always  thinking of ways to merge all of my interests. 

 

With the support of doctors, trainers and my family, along with hard work on my part, my knee healed perhaps better than before. I was back on the court for my senior season and though I missed the recruiting window, I was accepted to Arizona State University and joined the basketball team as a preferred walk-on where I was coached by Bobby Hurley. 

 

My injury taught me resilience and the importance of being adaptable. I know that in any industry, things don't always go as planned, but I'm prepared to face any challenges that come my way. Being on the outside looking in now, I have a much clearer perspective of how players, coaches and teams operate. I have witnessed on the highest level how players function day to day by observing my uncle for most of my life. The discipline, the training, the demands and the obligations all while staying mentally sound and physically healthy. As well as what the lifestyle brings with all of its perks and pitfalls. 

​

I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead of me. My time playing basketball has taught me valuable skills that I know will be useful in any career field. I understand the importance of hard work, dedication, loyalty, respect and teamwork. These skills are essential for success in any job. I am confident that my passion for sports and my unique perspective will allow me to make a meaningful impact in any industry. I am eager to learn and grow and I am excited to see where my career takes me. I know that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. 

​