Jaylon Tyson

Tyson was born on December 2, 2002, and grew up in Plano, Texas.^[1] He attended John Paul II High School in Plano and helped the team win their first state championship in his junior year, during which he averaged 23.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.^[2]

Tyson then helped them reach the state semifinals with a 26–2 record as a senior, being named the district most valuable player and a first-team all-state selection while averaging 22.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.1 steals per game.^[2] Ranked the 34th-best recruit in the 2021 class by Rivals, he committed to playing college basketball for Texas after having flipped from Texas Tech.^[3][4]

In his first year at Texas in the 2021–22 season, Tyson appeared in eight games, averaging 6.9 minutes and 1.8 points per game.^[5] He then entered the NCAA transfer portal.^[5] Tyson ultimately committed to play for Texas Tech, whom he had previously committed to play for in high school before flipping to Texas.^[6]

Tyson started 31 games for Texas Tech in 2022–23, the third-most on the team, and averaged 10.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.^[7] He ranked eighth in the Big 12 Conference for rebounds.^[8] He entered the transfer portal for a second time after the season, citing “racist” comments made by head coach Mark Adams, who was later suspended and resigned. Mark Adams did not deny that racially insensitive comments were made, but did say the comments were linked to a Bible verse. ^[9][10] Tyson eventually committed to the California Golden Bears.^[11]

In October 2023, the NCAA initially denied Tyson's eligibility waiver for being a two-time transfer, despite Tyson alleging discrimination, which the NCAA rules mentioned as valid criteria for an eligibility waiver. He eventually was granted eligibility on November 9 and entered the team's starting lineup. ^[12]

On June 26, 2024, Tyson was selected with the 20th overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2024 NBA draft,^[13] and on July 3, he officially signed with the Cavs.^[14] Throughout his rookie season, was assigned several times to the Cleveland Charge.^[15] Tyson made 47 appearances (three starts) for Cleveland during the 2024–25 NBA season, averaging 3.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.9 assists. On April 13, 2025, Tyson scored a season-high 31 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and recorded 4 assists and 3 steals as the Indiana Pacers defeated the Cavaliers 126-118. ^[16]

On October 29, 2025, Tyson scored a season-high 19 points, grabbed five rebounds, and had three steals as the Cavaliers lost 105–125 to the Boston Celtics.^[17] On January 16, 2026, Tyson scored a career-high 39 points, including going 7-for-9 from behind the three-point line, as well as five rebounds and four assists during a 117–115 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. The performance included a game-winning assist to Evan Mobley in the final seconds.^[18]

Tyson’s older brother Berron played college football at South Alabama, where he now serves as a strength and conditioning coach, while his younger brother Jordyn currently plays wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints.^[19][20] His father John Tyson played football at Florida A&M.^[21]