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Jeryl Sasser
Jeryl Sasser
Jeryl Sasser
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Jeryl Henry Braxton Sasser Jr. (born February 13, 1979) is an American former professional basketball player.[1] Sasser played college basketball for the SMU Mustangs and professionally in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Orlando Magic.

Key Information

Born in Dallas, Texas, Sasser graduated from Justin F. Kimball High School and played college basketball at Southern Methodist University (SMU). He was selected by the Orlando Magic as the 22nd overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft.

In two seasons for the Magic (his only time in the NBA) he averaged 2.5 points and 2.3 rebounds per game. Sasser's final NBA game was played in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference First Round on May 4, 2003. In that game, Orlando would drop the series to the Detroit Pistons, losing Game 7 93-108, with Sasser recording 3 points and 1 rebound.

He also played with the Yakima Sun Kings of the Continental Basketball Association, and with French Pro A team Élan Béarnais Pau-Orthez. In November 2005, Sasser signed for Bnei HaSharon in Israel replacing injured Cookie Belcher,[2] but he was released after two games. From 2007 to 2009, he played for Al Arabi in Kuwait, and was a Kuwait League Champion in 2008.[1]

Jeryl Sasser is the younger brother of former NBA player Jason Sasser.[2]


Post-playing Career

After retiring from professional basketball, Sasser became involved in religious teaching. As of 2025, he serves as a teacher and elder with Yah’s Hidden Ones,[3] a religious congregation based in Irving, Texas.

Notes

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Jeryl Sasser

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Jeryl Sasser (born February 13, 1979) is an American former professional basketball player who primarily played as a shooting guard in the (NBA) and overseas leagues. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) and weighing 200 pounds (91 kg), he was known for his versatility, ball-handling skills, and ability to contribute in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking during his college career at (SMU). Selected 22nd overall in the first round of the by the , Sasser appeared in 82 regular-season games over three seasons, averaging 2.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game, with a career-high of 26 points in a single contest. Sasser, the younger brother of former NBA player , grew up in , , and attended , where he honed his skills before committing to SMU in 1997. Over four seasons with the Mustangs (1997–2001), he emerged as a standout in the (WAC), earning WAC of the Year honors in 1998 after averaging 15.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game as a rookie. In his sophomore year (1998–99), Sasser was named WAC Player of the Year and first-team All-WAC, averaging 18.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while helping the team to a 15–15 record. He received second-team All-WAC recognition as a and was honored as SMU's in his senior season (2000–01), where he averaged 17.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. Overall, Sasser tallied 1,992 points, 976 rebounds, and 469 assists in 117 games for SMU, ranking among the program's leaders in multiple categories. After being waived by the in October 2003, Sasser's professional career continued briefly in Europe, where he played three games and one French LNB Pro A game for Pau-Orthez during the 2003–04 season, averaging 2.0 points per game in limited action. He also played in the CBA with the Yakima Sun Kings (2004–05) and in with Bnei HaSharon (2005–06), before later competing overseas in , joining Al Arabi from 2007 to 2009 and contributing to their Kuwaiti Division 1 League championship in 2008. Sasser's NBA tenure included participation in six playoff games during the 2002–03 season, where he averaged 0.8 points and 0.8 rebounds.

Early life

Family and upbringing

Jeryl Sasser was born on February 13, 1979, in , . He grew up in a family deeply rooted in basketball tradition, as the younger brother of , an All-American guard at who was selected 41st overall by the in the and played three seasons in the league. His father, Jeryl Sasser Sr., also contributed to the family's athletic legacy by playing for the from 1971 to 1973. Raised in , Sasser was exposed to from an early age through his family's involvement in the sport.

High school career

Jeryl Sasser attended in , , playing for the Kimball Knights during his high school years. In his senior season of 1996–1997, Sasser contributed to the team's success as a 6-foot-5 forward, helping Kimball secure the (UIL) Class 5A state championship with a victory over Duncanville in the final. For his performance in the state tournament, he earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team alongside teammate Brandon Burney. These accomplishments highlighted Sasser as a standout player, drawing recruitment interest from college programs, including , where he would continue his basketball career.

College career

Arrival at SMU

Jeryl Sasser, a highly regarded prospect from in , , joined the Mustangs in 1997 as part of a local recruiting effort that capitalized on his hometown ties and skills as a versatile guard. Despite interest from programs like the , Sasser chose SMU, where coach Mike Dement envisioned him contributing immediately to the team's backcourt. During his freshman season in 1997–98, Sasser transitioned seamlessly to , starting 26 of the Mustangs' 28 games and logging 33.4 minutes per contest while helping the team achieve an 18–10 overall record and a 6–8 mark in the (WAC). As a 6-foot-6 guard, he averaged 15.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per , shooting 39.0% from the field, 26.2% from three-point range, and 71.8% from the free-throw line; his rebounding prowess as a perimeter player earned him the WAC Freshman of the Year award and a second-team All-WAC selection. Sasser's sophomore campaign in 1998–99 marked his emergence as a vocal leader on a Mustangs squad that posted a 15–15 record, often relying on his ability to facilitate and score in high-volume minutes. He started 28 of 30 games, averaging 34.7 minutes while producing 18.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, including 6.3 made field goals on 41.3% shooting efficiency from the floor. His improved production underscored his growing influence, particularly in rebounding and playmaking from the guard position. At 6 feet 6 inches tall, Sasser excelled as a shooting guard with advanced ball-handling skills that allowed him to handle duties effectively, combining size, vision, and passing ability to create matchup advantages for SMU's offense.

Performance and awards

During his junior season in 1999–2000, Sasser emerged as a key leader for the , averaging 17.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and a team-high 4.6 assists per game across 30 appearances, while also contributing 1.8 steals per contest. These efforts helped anchor the team's backcourt and contributed to SMU's 21–9 overall record and third-place finish in the WAC with a 9–5 conference mark. Sasser's versatility as a 6-foot-6 guard allowed him to facilitate plays effectively. For his performance, he earned first-team All-WAC honors. In his senior year of 2000–01, Sasser continued to excel, posting averages of 17.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 steals over 29 games, leading the Mustangs in all three major statistical categories. He shot 39.4 percent from the field and 71.8 percent from the free-throw line, providing consistent scoring and rebounding despite the team's 18–12 overall record and sixth-place WAC standing (8–8 conference). At the end-of-season banquet, Sasser was named the team's MVP and received the SMU Hustle Award for his all-around contributions. He also secured second-team All-WAC recognition for the second time in his career. Over his four-year college tenure at SMU, Sasser appeared in 117 games, amassing 1,992 points, 976 rebounds, and a conference-leading 469 assists—setting the WAC career record at the time. His scoring prowess peaked as a in 1998–99 with 18.7 points per game, earning him WAC Player of the Year honors that season, along with first-team All-WAC selection. As a in 1997–98, he was named WAC Freshman of the Year and garnered second-team All-WAC accolades after averaging 15.0 points and 8.3 rebounds. Sasser's consistent excellence across multiple seasons elevated SMU's standing within the conference, including a fifth-place finish in the WAC Division during his year (15–15 overall, 7–7 conference).

Professional career

NBA draft and Orlando Magic

Jeryl Sasser was selected by the with the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the , marking him as the first chosen and the fourth college senior selected in the draft. As a 6-foot-6 guard from , Sasser was viewed as a versatile defender capable of contributing off the bench in a backcourt led by Mike Miller and . In his rookie season of 2001–02, Sasser appeared in just 7 games for the , primarily in a reserve role, averaging 1.4 points and 1.0 rebound per game in 5.1 minutes of play. His shooting efficiency was low, with a of 21.4% on limited attempts, reflecting the initial adjustment to NBA competition. During the 2002–03 season, Sasser's playing time increased significantly, as he suited up for 75 regular-season games off the bench, averaging 2.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 13.7 minutes per game. He shot 30.9% from the field and 29.5% from three-point range, contributing modestly to a team that finished with a 42–40 record and reached the . Sasser's final NBA game came on May 4, 2003, in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference First Round against the , where he played 6 minutes, scoring 5 points (including one three-pointer) and grabbing 1 rebound in a 108–93 loss. The Magic waived Sasser on October 22, 2003, ending his NBA tenure. Over his two seasons with Orlando, Sasser appeared in 82 total games, averaging 2.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game while shooting 30.3% from the field and 29.5% from three-point range. His career highlighted the difficulties many college seniors face in transitioning to the NBA's pace and physicality, evidenced by his subpar shooting and limited starting opportunities behind established guards.

International and minor league play

Following his release from the NBA, Sasser signed with Pau-Orthez of the French LNB Pro A league for the 2003–04 season. In three appearances with the team, he averaged 2.0 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game while shooting 28.6% from the field. During that campaign, Sasser recorded a career-high 26 points in a domestic league game, showcasing his scoring ability in a more prominent role abroad. He also appeared in one LNB Pro A game, scoring 0 points. In February 2005, Sasser joined the Yakima Sun Kings of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), where he revitalized his professional career after a period away from the court. Appearing in games during the 2004–05 CBA season, he notched career highs of 23 rebounds and 10 assists in single outings, including a 10-assist performance on March 8, 2005, in a 116–104 home win over the Dakota Wizards, and a 23-rebound effort against the . These contributions highlighted his versatility as a 6-foot-6 guard, blending scoring, rebounding, and playmaking in the minor league environment. Later that year, in November 2005, Sasser briefly signed with Bnei HaSharon (also known as Bnei Herzeliya) of the Israeli Winner League as an injury replacement for guard Cookie Belcher. He appeared in just two games for the team before being released, limiting his impact in that stint. Sasser continued his international journey from 2007 to 2009 with Al Arabi in Kuwait's Division 1 league, where he helped the team secure the in 2008. During the title-winning 2007–08 season, Sasser played a key role in crucial moments, including a strong second-half performance that propelled Al Arabi to an 89-86 victory in the final against Al . This period marked a stable and successful phase abroad, emphasizing his adaptation to diverse leagues and contributions to team success.

Personal life

Family connections

Jeryl Sasser shares a close relationship with his older brother, , a former professional basketball player who was selected by the in the second round of the but did not play for the team, instead appearing in 20 games across two seasons for other NBA franchises before continuing his career overseas. Jason's experiences in the league, including his challenges in securing a lasting NBA role, significantly influenced Jeryl's approach to his own career, instilling a strong work ethic and determination to capitalize on opportunities. Jeryl has credited Jason with teaching him essential skills and lessons about the professional game, noting that his brother's guidance helped shape his development as a player. The Sasser family's basketball legacy extends to their grandfather, John Barber, who played briefly in the NBA for the Hawks during the 1956–57 season, appearing in five games. This multi-generational involvement in the sport fostered a supportive environment that motivated Jeryl, with family dynamics emphasizing perseverance and doing things "the right way," as highlighted in accounts of their close-knit family. Jeryl's familial ties also include his nephew, , a current NBA player for the , whose father is Jeryl's brother Marcus Sasser Sr., continuing the family's basketball tradition across generations. These connections reinforced Jeryl's professional motivations, as he aimed to honor the family's athletic heritage by pursuing success in the NBA and beyond.

Post-basketball activities

After concluding his professional career in 2009 with Al Arabi in , where he played from 2007 to 2009 and contributed to the team's Kuwait League Championship win in 2008, Jeryl Sasser has maintained a low public profile. As of 2025, limited verifiable information exists on Sasser's post-retirement endeavors, such as , business ventures, or community involvement in . He appears to lead a private life, with no major public engagements or professional pursuits documented in reputable sources.

References

  1. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/sasseje01.html
  2. https://www.nba.com/player/2219/jeryl-sasser
  3. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/jeryl-sasser-1.html
  4. https://smumustangs.com/news/2001/4/18/Sasser_Named_MVP_at_Men_s_Basketball_Banquet
  5. https://www.basketball-reference.com/international/players/jeryl-sasser-1.html
  6. https://www.nba.com/magic/news/alltimedraftpicks_061610.html
  7. https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/jeryl-sasser-career-playoff-stats
  8. https://www.proballers.com/basketball/player/6963/jeryl-sasser
  9. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/jeryl-sasser-2.html
  10. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/college/article/Houston-freshman-Marcus-Sasser-carries-on-family-15058002.php
  11. https://www.uiltexas.org/archives/champions/1996-1997
  12. https://www.uiltexas.org/files/athletics/brackets/basketball/basketball-5A_1996-1997_Source.pdf
  13. https://www.uiltexas.org/basketball/all-tournament-team/1996-1997-5a-boys-basketball-state-results
  14. https://smumustangs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jeryl-nbsp-sasser-jeryl-nbsp-sasser/676
  15. https://smumustangs.com/news/2001/6/27/Sasser_Taken_in_NBA_Draft_s_First_Round
  16. https://smumustangs.com/story.aspx?filename=Ross_Named_WAC_Player_Of_The_Year&file_date=3-9-2003
  17. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/awards/men/all-wac.html
  18. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/southern-methodist/men/1998.html
  19. https://www.deseret.com/1998/10/15/19406873/wac-men-s-basketball-capsules/
  20. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/southern-methodist/men/1999.html
  21. https://www.nbadraft.net/players/jeryl-sasser/
  22. http://www.ibiblio.org/craig/draft/2001_draft/Players/sasser.shtml
  23. https://vault.si.com/vault/2000/11/20/hidden-talents-look-carefully-many-of-the-most-promising-pro-prospects-in-college-hoops-play-at-schools-where-few-can-see-them
  24. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/southern-methodist/men/2000.html
  25. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/conferences/wac/men/2000-stats.html
  26. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/southern-methodist/men/2001.html
  27. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/conferences/wac/men/leaders/ast-player-career.html
  28. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/1019/jeryl-sasser
  29. https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200305040DET.html
  30. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/sasseje01.html#transactions
  31. https://www.statscrew.com/minorbasketball/roster/t-CBAYSK/y-2004
  32. https://www.proballers.com/basketball/team/601/bnei-herzeliya/2005
  33. https://www.jpost.com/sports/bsl-hoops-hap-jerusalem-travels-to-nahariya-for-clash
  34. https://basketball.asia-basket.com/team/Al-Arabi/6000/Roster/2007
  35. https://www.asia-basket.com/Kuwait/basketball-League-D1_2007-2008.aspx
  36. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/sasseja01.html
  37. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2001/07/14/sasser-gives-family-a-2nd-shot/
  38. https://basketball.asia-basket.com/team/Al-Arabi/6000/Ex-Players
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