Jayson Tatum’s passion for basketball and his hometown of St. Louis began at a young age. Jayson began playing basketball in the St. Louis YMCA league. Jayson worked tirelessly to increase his skill set, always practicing and playing with youngsters (and adults) much older than himself.
Jayson went to Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis and received multiple trophies, including Gatorade Missouri Player of the Year for three years and Gatorade National Athlete of the Year his final year. Jayson considers his biggest accomplishment in high school to be winning the Missouri State Championship alongside his fellow Red Devil teammates his senior year.
The Blue Devils won the ACC conference championship in a four-game tournament, which was the highlight of his year at Duke. The Boston Celtics selected Jayson third overall in the 2017 NBA Draft in June. Jayson started every game in his first season and was instrumental in the Celtics’ post-season playoff run, which included a seven-game series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
More highlights can be seen on our blog. We will work with The Jayson Tatum Foundation to help children, teens, and their families through educational and athletic programs, mentoring, and outreach events and campaigns. Jayson is a Christian who gives all credit to God for his abilities, aptitude, and the platform he has been given through basketball. Philippians 4:13 is his favorite verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Jayson’s affection for his city has played an important role in his life, first as a volunteer with numerous groups and now through his Foundation. Since 2017, Jayson and the Foundation have collaborated with local groups on Hurricane Relief Efforts (2017), “New Backpack & School Supplies Collections” (2018 & 2022), and “Daddy & Deuce Toy & Coat Drives” (2018-2022). Jayson has also organized free one-day basketball and leadership workshops in St. Louis (2018-2019) and has taken part in countless other charitable events in both St. Louis and Boston.