Jalen Slawson

Jalen Brooks Slawson (born October 22, 1999) is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA), on a two-way contract with the Stockton Kings of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Furman Paladins.

Early life and high school career
Slawson grew up in Summerville, South Carolina and attended Pinewood Preparatory School. He was named the Area Player of the Year after averaging 14.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 4.1 blocks, and 3.5 assists per game as a senior. Slawson committed to playing college basketball for Furman.

College career
Slawson was a key bench player during his freshman season at Furman and became a starter entering his sophomore year. He averaged 8.7 points as a junior. Slawson was named the Southern Conference (SoCon) Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-SoCon after averaging 14.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game during his senior season.

Slawson decided to utilize the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes who played in the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and return to Furman for a fifth season. He was named the SoCon Player of the Year as he helped lead the Paladins' to their first NCAA tournament appearance in 43 years. Slawson averaged 15.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game on the season. He scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the Paladins' 68–67 upset win over Virginia in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Professional career
Slawson was selected by the Sacramento Kings in the second round of the 2023 NBA draft with the 54th overall pick and on July 2, 2023, he signed a two-way contract with them.

Personal life
Slawson's father, Tom Slawson, played college basketball at The Citadel.