Jamaal Franklin
Franklin with the San Diego State Aztecs in 2012
Free agent
PositionShooting guard
Personal information
Born (1991-07-21) July 21, 1991 (age 32)
Moreno Valley, California, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Listed weight196 lb (89 kg)
Career information
High school
CollegeSan Diego State (2010–2013)
NBA draft2013: 2nd round, 41st overall pick
Selected by the Memphis Grizzlies
Playing career2013–present
Career history
2013–2014Memphis Grizzlies
2014→Fort Wayne Mad Ants
2014–2015Zhejiang Lions
2015Los Angeles D-Fenders
2015Denver Nuggets
2015Los Angeles D-Fenders
2015–2017Shanxi Brave Dragons
2016Brujos de Guayama
2017–2019Sichuan Blue Whales
2019–2021Shanxi Loongs
2021–2022Shanghai Sharks
2023Converge FiberXers
Career highlights and awards
Stats Edit this at Wikidata at NBA.com
Stats Edit this at Wikidata at Basketball-Reference.com

Jamaal Eric Franklin[1] (born July 21, 1991)[2] is an American professional basketball player. Franklin played college basketball for San Diego State, where he was the Mountain West Conference Player of the Year as well as an All-American in his junior season. He was selected with the 41st overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft by the Memphis Grizzlies and spent two seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with the Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets. Franklin played eight seasons in the Chinese Basketball Association from 2014 to 2022. He has also played in the NBA Development League, Puerto Rico and the Philippines.

Early life

Franklin was raised by his mother, Felicia Price.[3] He and Price moved from Los Angeles to the rural town of Phelan, California, when he was aged eight.[3]

High school career

Franklin played four years at Serrano High School in Phelan then played a prep season at Westwind Prep in Phoenix, Arizona. As a senior at Serrano, he led the state of California in scoring at 31.7 points per game and was a two-time All-California Interscholastic Federation selection. In his season at Westwind, he averaged 18.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.[4] Franklin was rated as the 24th-best shooting guard in the class of 2009 coming out of Serrano High School and had an ESPN.com grade of 90. Out of high school, Franklin was offered to play basketball at Long Beach State University and San Diego State University.[4]

Franklin played three different sports at Serrano High School: basketball, football (wide receiver and free safety), and track and field, where he was a state high jumper.[4]

College career

Franklin tries to drive past Garlon Green of TCU in 2011

Franklin enrolled at San Diego State to play for coach Steve Fisher. As a freshman, he was part of arguably the best season in school history, along with teammates Kawhi Leonard and Malcolm Thomas, as the Aztecs went 34–3 and captured a #2 seed in the 2011 NCAA Tournament. Franklin averaged 2.1 points and 1.9 rebounds in 8.1 minutes per game.[4]

In his sophomore campaign, Franklin was thrust into the starting lineup as the Aztecs returned only one starter. He responded by averaging 17.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game and leading the Aztecs to an unexpected shared regular-season title and a #6 seed in the 2012 NCAA Tournament. Franklin was named Mountain West player of the year[5] and was recognized nationally as an All-American by the Associated Press.[6]

Franklin resisted the lure of the professional ranks and returned to San Diego State in 2012–13 for his junior season. He went on to average 16.9 points and 9.5 rebounds in 32 games.[7]

On April 12, 2013, Franklin announced he would forgo his senior season to enter the NBA draft.[8]

Professional career

Memphis Grizzlies (2013–2014)

On June 27, 2013, Franklin was selected with the 41st overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2013 NBA draft.[9] On July 26, 2013, he signed with the Grizzlies despite not appearing for them in the 2013 NBA Summer League.[10] During his rookie season, he had multiple assignments with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA Development League.[11]

In July 2014, Franklin joined the Grizzlies for the 2014 NBA Summer League.[12] On August 31, 2014, he was waived by the Grizzlies.[13]

Zhejiang Lions (2014–2015)

On October 7, 2014, Franklin signed a two-month contract with the Zhejiang Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association.[14][15] On November 26, 2014, he signed a one-month contract extension with the Lions.[16] Later that day, he scored 53 points on 19-of-29 shooting in Zhejiang's 120–112 win over the Chongqing Flying Dragons.[17][18] On January 5, 2015, he left Zhejiang after appearing in 26 games.[19] Over those 26 games, he averaged 28.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.9 steals per game.

Los Angeles D-Fenders (2015)

On January 21, 2015, Franklin was acquired by the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA Development League.[20] On February 21, he had a season-best game with 27 points and 13 rebounds in a loss to the Austin Spurs.[21]

Denver Nuggets (2015)

On April 12, 2015, Franklin signed with the Denver Nuggets.[22] He made his debut for the team later that day, recording one rebound and one assist in a 122–111 win over the Sacramento Kings.[23] On July 13, 2015, he was waived by the Nuggets.[24]

Second stint in D-League (2015–2016)

On August 29, 2015, Franklin signed with the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association,[25] but left the team before appearing in a game for them. On December 4, he was reacquired by the Los Angeles D-Fenders.[26]

Shanxi Brave Dragons (2015–2016)

On December 18, Franklin parted ways with the D-Fenders and signed with the Shanxi Brave Dragons (Shanxi Zhongyu) of the Chinese Basketball Association.[27] On January 10, 2016, Franklin recorded 44 points, 10 rebounds and 20 assists in a 133–123 win over the Jilin Tigers.[28] He dominated the Chinese Basketball Association, averaging incredible numbers during his time with Shanxi. In 19 games, he averaged a triple-double with 33.9 points, 10.8 rebounds and 10.3 assists, in addition to 3.3 steals and 1.5 blocks.[29]

Brujos de Guayama (2016)

On April 5, 2016, Franklin signed with Brujos de Guayama of the Puerto Rican Baloncesto Superior Nacional.[29] He left the team later that month after appearing in just four games.

Third stint in China (2016–2017)

In May 2016, Franklin re-signed with the Shanxi Brave Dragons for the 2016–17 season.[30] On November 14, 2016, Franklin scored 61 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in a 125–104 win over the Beijing Ducks.[31] Franklin's performance was the first 60-point triple-double in the history of the CBA.[31]

Sichuan Blue Whales (2017–2019)

In July 2017, Franklin signed with the Sichuan Blue Whales.[32] He re-signed with the team in August 2018.[33]

Shanxi Loongs (2019–2021)

On July 29, 2019, Franklin agreed to a contract to re-join the Shanxi team, which had been renamed the Shanxi Loongs.[34] On December 10, 2019, Franklin collected a quadruple-double with forty-two points, twelve rebounds, twelve assists and ten steals in a 110–114 loss to the Xinjiang Flying Tigers.[35] He averaged 30.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, 10.1 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. On September 12, 2020, Franklin re-signed with the team.[36]

Shanghai Sharks (2021–2022)

In October 2021, Franklin joined the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association.[37] He played 40 games for the Sharks during the 2021–22 season. He re-joined the Sharks for the 2022–23 season but left after eight games.[38]

Converge FiberXers (2023)

On January 25, 2023, Franklin signed with the Converge FiberXers of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) to replace Ethan Rusbatch as the team's import for the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup.[39]

On July 28, 2023, Franklin signed with the Adelaide 36ers of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) for the 2023–24 season.[40] He was released by the 36ers on September 25, 2023, prior to the start of the regular season.[41]

Career statistics

Legend
  GP Games played  MPG  Minutes per game  FG%  Field goal percentage
 3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage  RPG  Rebounds per game
 APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game  BPG  Blocks per game
 PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high     Led the league
Year Team League GP MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2013–14 Memphis Grizzlies NBA 21 7.7 .410 .456 1.000 1.1 .3 .2 .0 1.9
2014–15 Denver Nuggets NBA 3 4.3 .500 .500 .000 .7 1.0 .0 .3 1.0
2014–15 Los Angeles D-Fenders NBA D-League 21 34.1 .483 .339 .793 8.9 6.5 1.5 .3 19.2
2014–15 Zhejiang Lions CBA 26 33.6 .493 .361 .770 6.2 4.6 1.9 .7 28.5
2015–16 Brujos de Guayama BSN 4 26.8 .368 .278 .750 6.8 2.8 1.3 .8 21.5
2015–16 Shanxi Brave Dragons CBA 19 40.6 .489 .349 .813 10.8 10.3 3.3 1.5 34.0
2016–17 Shanxi Brave Dragons CBA 36 40.7 .470 .304 .837 10.3 8.8 3.3 1.2 33.6
2017–18 Sichuan Blue Whales CBA 23 34.3 .633 .368 .859 9.4 5.2 2.4 1.6 31.5
2018–19 Sichuan Blue Whales CBA 42 39.6 .607 .304 .845 9.2 7.4 2.3 1.7 30.0
2019–20 Shanxi Loongs CBA 27 39.0 .563 .341 .836 9.5 10.1 2.3 1.4 30.2
Career All Leagues 222 34.3 .519 .343 .827 8.3 6.7 2.2 1.1 27.0

Personal life

Franklin is the cousin of platinum music producer, Hit-Boy.[42]

References

  1. ^ "Jamaal Eric Franklin was born on July 21, 1991 in San Bernardino County, California". californiabirthindex.org. California Birth Index. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  2. ^ "2012–13 SDSU men's basketball prospectus" (PDF). SDSU Athletics. 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 26, 2012. Retrieved July 19, 2012.
  3. ^ a b Pucin, Diane (March 21, 2013). "San Diego State's Jamaal Franklin comes out of nowhere". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d "Jamaal Franklin bio". SDSU Athletics. 2012. Archived from the original on March 15, 2018. Retrieved July 19, 2012.
  5. ^ Zeigler, Mark (March 17, 1989). "Franklin, Fisher claim top MW honors". U-T San Diego. Retrieved July 19, 2012.
  6. ^ "Two Mountain West Players Receive Associated Press All-America Honors". Mountain West Conference. 2012. Archived from the original on February 3, 2013. Retrieved July 19, 2012.
  7. ^ "Jamaal Franklin Stats". sports-reference.com. Archived from the original on June 16, 2013. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
  8. ^ "Jamaal Franklin to leave SDSU early for NBA draft". Fox Sports. Archived from the original on 15 April 2013. Retrieved 16 April 2013.
  9. ^ "Grizzlies active in 2nd round of draft, take San Diego State's Jamaal Franklin with 41st pick". FoxNews.com. June 28, 2013. Retrieved January 5, 2014.
  10. ^ "Memphis Grizzlies sign second round draft pick Jamaal Franklin". InsideHoops.com. July 26, 2013. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  11. ^ "2013–14 NBA Assignments". NBA.com. Archived from the original on July 3, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  12. ^ "Memphis Grizzlies announce 2014 Orlando Pro Summer League roster". NBA.com. June 30, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  13. ^ "Memphis Grizzlies waive Jamaal Franklin". InsideHoops.com. August 31, 2014. Archived from the original on October 4, 2015. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  14. ^ "Jamaal Franklin signs with Chinese team". SanDiegoUnionTribune.com. October 7, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  15. ^ "Zhejiang Guangsha sign Jamaal Franklin to replace Jonathan Gibson". Sportando.com. October 8, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  16. ^ "Jamaal Franklin of Guangsha could return to NBA in January". Sportando.com. November 26, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  17. ^ "Regular Season Round 11: Chongqing FD – Guangsha L. 112–120". Eurobasket.com. November 26, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  18. ^ "Former San Diego State guard Jamaal Franklin scores 53 points in China". MWCConnection.com. November 26, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  19. ^ "Jamaal Franklin leaves Chinese team Zhejiang Lions". Sportando.com. January 5, 2015. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  20. ^ "D-Fenders Acquire Jamaal Franklin". NBA.com. January 21, 2015. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  21. ^ "D-Fenders Come Up Short Against Spurs". NBA.com. February 21, 2015. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  22. ^ "Nuggets Sign Jamaal Franklin". NBA.com. April 12, 2015. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  23. ^ "Faried scores 30 points, Nuggets beat Kings 122–111". NBA.com. April 12, 2015. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  24. ^ "Nuggets Waive Jamaal Franklin". HoopsRumors.com. July 13, 2015. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  25. ^ "Jamaal Franklin joins Guandong Tigers". Asia-basket.com. August 29, 2015. Retrieved October 11, 2015.
  26. ^ "D-Fenders Acquire Jamaal Franklin". OurSportsCentral.com. December 4, 2015. Retrieved December 4, 2015.
  27. ^ "Shanxi Zhongyu adds Franklin to their roster". Asia-basket.com. December 18, 2015. Retrieved December 18, 2015.
  28. ^ "Shanxi 133 – Jilin 123". EuroBasket. January 10, 2016. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  29. ^ a b "Brujos firman a Jamaal Franklin". BSNPR.com (in Spanish). April 5, 2016. Retrieved April 9, 2016.
  30. ^ "Jamaal Franklin signing one-year deal with Shanxi Zhongyu". Sportando.com. May 24, 2016. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
  31. ^ a b "Jamaal Franklin recorded a triple double with 61 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in China". Sportando.com. 14 November 2016. Retrieved 16 November 2016.
  32. ^ "Jamaal Franklin joins Blue Whales". asia-basket.com. July 29, 2017. Retrieved July 29, 2017.
  33. ^ "Franklin re-signs at Blue Whales". asia-basket.com. August 11, 2018. Retrieved August 11, 2018.
  34. ^ "Jamaal Franklin: Signs deal overseas".
  35. ^ "Xinjiang edges Shanxi 114–110 despite Franklin's 42 points display in CBA". xinhuanet.com. December 10, 2019. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  36. ^ "Franklin re-signs at Brave Dragons". Asia Basket. September 12, 2020. Retrieved September 12, 2020.
  37. ^ "官方：上海男篮完成外援富兰克林注册". Hupu (in Chinese). 17 October 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2022.
  38. ^ "Jamaal Franklin". asia-basket.com. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
  39. ^ Ramos, Gerry (January 25, 2023). "Converge brings in new import Jamaal Franklin". Spin.ph. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  40. ^ "Franklin joins 36ers for NBL24 campaign". adelaide36ers.com. July 28, 2023. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
  41. ^ "Club statement: Jamaal Franklin". Adelaide 36ers. September 25, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  42. ^ Lund, Spencer (August 13, 2013). "THE 2013 NBA ROOKIE MIX-TAPE: KENDRICK LAMAR, JAY-Z, DRAKE, A$AP ROCKY & MORE". DimeMag.com. Retrieved November 13, 2013.

External links

Mountain West Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year
2013 NBA draft
Categories