From academic dismissal to EuroLeague champion: the resilient journey of Jerian Grant

From academic dismissal to EuroLeague champion: the resilient journey of Jerian Grant
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In short: After being ruled academically ineligible during his sophomore year at Notre Dame, Jerian Grant faced a pivotal crossroads. Instead of entering the NBA draft early, he chose to return to college, eventually leading the Fighting Irish to an ACC Tournament championship and a deep NCAA tournament run.

Jerian Grant's professional trajectory is defined by high-level versatility and resilience. After a standout collegiate career at the University of Notre Dame, where he was a preseason All-ACC selection and a leader for the Fighting Irish, Grant entered the NBA via the 2015 draft. He was selected 19th overall by the Washington Wizards, though his rights were moved through the Atlanta Hawks to the New York Knicks on draft night.

His NBA tenure included stints with the Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards, and Houston Rockets. During his time with the Bulls, he demonstrated his individual talent by earning MVP honors in the 2016 Las Vegas Summer League, recording 24 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. He also recorded a career-high 11 assists in a 2017 victory over the Orlando Magic.

The most significant chapter of Grant's career has unfolded in Europe, where he has established himself as one of the premier defenders in the EuroLeague. After playing for Promitheas Patras in Greece and Olimpia Milano in Italy—where he secured two domestic titles—he joined the Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos B.C. in 2010. His impact was immediate; he helped Panathinaikos win the EuroLeague title in the 2023–24 season, delivering a balanced performance against Real Madrid with 11 points and a performance index rating of 17.

Grant's basketball pedigree is deeply rooted in family. He is the son of former NBA player Harvey Grant and the nephew of four-time NBA champion Horace Grant. His professional legacy continues through his brothers, Jerai and Jerami, both of whom have played basketball professionally.

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