Immanuel Jaylen Quickley, born on June 17, 1999, is an adept American professional basketball player currently donning the jersey of the Toronto Raptors in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 190 pounds, Quickley commands the court as both a point guard and a shooting guard.
Hailing from Havre de Grace, Maryland, Quickley’s journey to NBA stardom began at The John Carroll School in Bel Air, Maryland. His high school career marked him as a standout player, with a breakout sophomore season averaging 17.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Quickley’s stellar performance included a game-winning 3-pointer in the Baltimore Catholic League championship against Mount Saint Joseph High School.
As a junior, he continued to shine, averaging 23.7 points and 7.2 assists per game, earning a spot on the First Team All-Metro. Quickley’s senior year showcased his prowess, posting impressive statistics of 20.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 3.7 steals per game, leading his team to the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference title. His remarkable achievements earned him the title of McDonald’s All-American and a spot in the Powerade Jam Fest 3-point shootout.
Quickley’s college journey took him to the prestigious University of Kentucky, where he played for the Wildcats from 2018 to 2020. In his freshman year, he contributed an average of 5.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. Quickley’s sophomore season showcased his growth, culminating in him being named SEC Player of the Year and making the SEC First Team. He averaged 16.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game before declaring for the 2020 NBA draft.
Selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round as the 25th overall pick, Quickley’s rights were swiftly traded to the New York Knicks in exchange for Leandro Bolmaro. Joining the Knicks in 2020, Quickley made an impact in his debut season, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2021.
Throughout his tenure with the Knicks, Quickley consistently showcased his scoring ability and versatility. Notable highlights include a career-high 38 points in a double-overtime win against the Boston Celtics on March 5, 2023, and a remarkable triple-double on April 3, 2022, with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a victory over the Orlando Magic.
In a surprising turn of events on December 30, 2023, Quickley, along with RJ Barrett and a draft pick, was traded to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for O.G. Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn. Embracing his role with the Raptors, Quickley continues to be a dynamic force on the court.
Quickley’s international exposure includes representing the U.S. national under-19 team in the 2017 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup, where he was coached by the esteemed John Calipari.
Examining Quickley’s NBA statistics, his career paints a picture of consistency and growth. Over 253 regular-season games, he has maintained an average of 12.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. In the playoffs, Quickley has exhibited his postseason prowess, contributing an average of 7.8 points per game over 13 appearances.
Immanuel Jaylen Quickley’s journey from a high school standout to a rising NBA star is marked by resilience, skill, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As he continues to make an impact on the court, his story serves as an inspiration for aspiring basketball players worldwide.
