Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jay Huff

How Jay Huff built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

James Matthew "Jay" Huff is a professional basketball player currently with the Indiana Pacers in the NBA. He is an American athlete who played college basketball for the Virginia Cavaliers before turning pro.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

May 2015: Commitment to Virginia

In May 2015, James Huff committed to play college basketball for Virginia, drawn by their development path and defense-oriented scheme.

January 21, 2016: All-Time Leading Scorer at Voyager Academy

On January 21, 2016, as a senior, James Huff became Voyager Academy's all-time leading scorer. He also led his team to the Class 1A state title, earning MVP honors after recording a triple-double.

2017: Redshirting at Virginia

In 2017, James Huff redshirted his first year at Virginia to improve his strength and conditioning.

2019: Entering the NBA Draft Process

Following the 2019–20 season, James Huff entered the 2020 NBA Draft process before withdrawing and returning for his senior year.

2019: Virginia's National Championship Run

In 2019, James Huff contributed to Virginia's national championship run, showcasing his impact on the team.

2019: Virginia Cavaliers' NCAA Championship

In 2019, James Huff was part of the Virginia Cavaliers team that won the NCAA championship.

2019: Junior Season at Virginia

In 2019–20, as a junior, James Huff set career highs in points, rebounds, and blocks, anchoring Virginia's defense.

January 18, 2020: High-Impact Performance against Georgia Tech

On January 18, 2020, James Huff delivered a high-impact performance with 17 points and six blocks in a win over Georgia Tech.

2020: Withdrawing from the NBA Draft Process

Following the 2019–20 season, James Huff entered the 2020 NBA Draft process before withdrawing and returning for his senior year.

2020: Continued Development and Training

In 2020–21, James Huff continued his development through rigorous training, becoming an efficient two-way player and earning All-ACC honors.

September 21, 2021: Signing with the Washington Wizards

On September 21, 2021, James Huff signed with the Washington Wizards, marking his entry into the NBA.

October 18, 2021: Signing a Two-Way Contract with the Los Angeles Lakers

On October 18, 2021, James Huff signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

2021: Declaring for the NBA Draft

After the 2020–21 season, James Huff declared for the 2021 NBA Draft.

2021: Going Undrafted in the NBA

In 2021, James Huff was undrafted in the NBA draft, marking a challenge in his early professional career.

January 12, 2022: Waived by the Los Angeles Lakers

On January 12, 2022, James Huff was waived by the Los Angeles Lakers.

January 16, 2022: Re-Acquired by the South Bay Lakers

On January 16, 2022, James Huff was re-acquired by the South Bay Lakers, marking his return to the G League team.

July 27, 2022: Signing an Exhibit 10 Contract with the Los Angeles Lakers

On July 27, 2022, James Huff signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, indicating a short-term agreement.

October 15, 2022: Waived by the Los Angeles Lakers Again

On October 15, 2022, James Huff was waived by the Los Angeles Lakers again and subsequently re-joined South Bay.

2022: Summer League Debut for the Lakers

In 2022, James Huff joined the Los Angeles Lakers' NBA Summer League roster and made his debut, scoring nine points and securing seven rebounds in a win against the Miami Heat.