Jahmai Mashack

Mashack is an American guard who entered the NBA as the 59th and final pick of the 2025 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets, with his rights traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He signed a two-way contract with Memphis and has contributed as a defensive-minded perimeter player. A four-year Tennessee product, he built a reputation as one of the top collegiate defenders in the nation.

Born on November 10, 2002, in Riverside, California, Mashack is the son of Elton Mashack, a first-team All-WCC basketball player at Loyola Marymount, and Meika Mashack, a UNLV track and field athlete. His older brother, Kwesi, played cornerback for the Arizona Wildcats, and his younger sister, Malika, competes in track and field at UNLV. At age four, he battled Guillain—Barré syndrome and recovered after years of physical therapy.

Mashack attended Etiwanda High School in Rancho Cucamonga, where he excelled on defense and helped the team reach the CIF Southern California Regional final as a junior and the title game as a senior. He was named Cal-Hi Sports State Senior Player of the Year, Baseline League Player of the Year, and to the Los Angeles Times All-Star team. A four-star shooting guard and top-80 national recruit, he committed to Tennessee.

As a Tennessee freshman, Mashack appeared in 27 games, averaging 4.6 minutes. As a sophomore, he started 13 of 36 games and averaged 4.7 points, including starts in all three NCAA Tournament games. As a junior, he averaged 4.5 points and 3.1 rebounds while contributing to an SEC regular season championship. In his senior year, he started all 38 games, averaged 6.0 points and 4.2 rebounds, and helped Tennessee reach the Elite Eight. He won 109 career games with the Volunteers, including nine in the NCAA Tournament, a program record.

Despite averaging only 4.2 points in college, Mashack was regarded as one of the nation—s premier defenders. The Knoxville News Sentinel described him as a master at understanding opponents— offensive tendencies. In his senior year, he ranked fourth nationally in Defensive Box Plus-Minus, was named to the SEC All-Defensive Team, and was a finalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award. In March 2025, he received Tennessee—s Torchbearer award, the university—s highest student honor.

The Rockets selected Mashack with the final pick of the 2025 draft and traded his rights to Memphis. He signed a two-way contract on November 16, 2025, and made his NBA debut on November 20 against the Sacramento Kings. On February 7, 2026, he made his first career start at center due to injuries and trades, recording eight points and a career-high six steals against Portland. On February 9, he scored a career-high 17 points against Golden State. On April 10, he posted a triple-double of 13 points, 15 rebounds, and 14 assists against Utah. He finished the season averaging 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.

Mashack is a defensive specialist with an aggressive, anticipatory style. He frequently takes on the opponent—s most challenging assignment using active hands and footwork. While he is most effective against guards and smaller wings, his physical strength allows him to defend larger players. Offensively, he is a capable three-point shooter but is not expected to be a primary scoring threat. His ball-handling and playmaking are adequate complements to his defensive identity.