Jay Huff

Player Information

James Matthew Huff is an American professional basketball player for the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A 7-foot-1 center known for his shot-blocking and perimeter shooting, Huff played four seasons of college basketball for the Virginia Cavaliers, where he was part of the program's 2019 NCAA championship run and earned All-ACC and ACC All-Defensive Team honors as a senior. Undrafted in 2021, Huff developed through multiple stints in the NBA G League and was named the NBA G League Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. In July 2025, Huff was acquired by the Pacers, where he established himself as a productive rim protector and stretch five off the bench.
Full Name :
James Matthew Huff
Birthdate :
25 August 1997
Birthplace :
Durham, North Carolina, USA
Gender :
Male
Height (cm) :
216
Weight (kg) :
109
Nationality :
United States
Parents :
Mike Huff (Father), Kathy Huff (Mother)
Education :
Voyager Academy (Durham, North Carolina) (High School), Virginia (College)
Career Started :
2021
Notable Achievements :
NBA G League Defensive Player of the Year (2023), All-NBA G League First Team (2023), NBA G League All-Defensive Team (2023), NBA G League blocks leader (2023), NCAA champion (2019), Second-team All-ACC (2021), ACC All-Defensive Team (2021)
Current Team :
Indiana Pacers
Previous Teams :
South Bay Lakers (From 2021, To 2023), Washington Wizards (From 2023, To 2023), Denver Nuggets (From 2023, To 2024), Memphis Grizzlies (From 2024, To 2025)
Drafted :
2021
Drafted by :
Undrafted
Active Status :
From - 2021, To - Present

Biography

Jay Huff is a professional NBA player who honed his basketball skills at the University of Virginia. He achieved notable success in both college and high school, including a state championship and participation in NCAA tournaments. After an undrafted entry into the NBA, Huff played for teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies, earning accolades for his defensive skill. His path reflects dedication, skill development, and the potential for future growth within his career. More details reveal his remarkable achievements.

Early Life

Jay Huff developed his basketball skills during his youth at Voyager Academy, where he was coached by his father, Mike Huff.

During his high school career, he led the team to a state championship and earned MVP honors by delivering an impressive triple-double performance in the final game.

Following his successful high school career, Huff continued to excel in basketball at the University of Virginia, where he played for four years and became the school’s all-time leader in field goal percentage.

His defensive skills were also recognized when he was named to the ACC All-Defensive Team in 2021, contributing to Virginia’s NCAA championship team in 2019.

Family Life

Jay Huff grew up in a sports-oriented family, with his father, Mike Huff, playing a vital role in his basketball development as both coach and mentor during his high school years at Voyager Academy.

This strong familial support was essential in helping Jay excel, leading him to notable achievements such as winning the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 1-A state championship and earning MVP honors in the championship game.

The emphasis on sports within the family nurtured Jay’s passion for basketball and contributed to his success on and off the court.

Career

Jay Huff has established himself in the NBA over four seasons, playing for teams including the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Denver Nuggets, and currently the Memphis Grizzlies.

After going undrafted in 2021, he showcased his potential through numerous two-way contracts before securing a standard contract with the Grizzlies in October 2024.

During the 2024-25 season, he exhibited his scoring ability with an average of 6.9 points per game and impressive efficiency, highlighted by a field goal percentage of 51.5%.

Huff’s defensive skill was also recognized in the G League, where he earned the Defensive Player of the Year award and was named to the All-NBA G League Initial Team in 2023.

His collegiate career at the University of Virginia culminated in a remarkable contribution to the team’s 2019 NCAA championship victory, where he averaged 7.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

Net Worth

As of October 2023, Jay Huff’s estimated net worth is approximately $1 million, primarily derived from his NBA contracts and endorsements.

Throughout his professional career, Huff has drawn a total salary of around $2 million. His current two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, signed in July 2024, contributes to these earnings.

Furthermore, Huff’s net worth may be improved by his accolades in the G League, including being named the Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, along with potential endorsements and sponsorships typical for players of his profile in the league.