Jake Layman
A high-flying forward who parlayed a standout Maryland career and NBA hustle into a successful chapter as a professional in Japan.
Born 1994 (age 32)·American basketball player·Birthday: March 7·Millennials
Biography
Jake Layman's basketball path is one of evolution, from a highly-touted recruit to a role-playing specialist, always leveraging his athleticism and length to find a place on the floor. At the University of Maryland, the lanky forward from Wrentham, Massachusetts, grew into a key contributor, known for his explosive dunks and improving three-point shot. His senior season peak, where he averaged over 11 points per game, caught the eye of the NBA. Drafted by the Orlando Magic and traded to the Portland Trail Blazers on draft night, Layman settled into a specific niche in the league: the energy guy. For four seasons, primarily with Portland and Minnesota, he was a bench sparkplug, capable of catching lobs, hitting corner threes, and providing defensive versatility with his wingspan. In 2023, he took his game overseas, joining the SeaHorses Mikawa in Japan's B.League, where his NBA-honed skills and highlight-reel athleticism have made him an immediate impact player in a new basketball culture.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jake was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jake Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Jake's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected by the Orlando Magic with the 47th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.
- Played four seasons in the NBA for the Portland Trail Blazers and Minnesota Timberwolves.
- Was a key starter on the 2015-16 Maryland Terrapins team that reached the NCAA Tournament's Sweet Sixteen.
- Averaged a career-high 8.2 points per game during the 2019-20 season with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Did You Know?
In high school, he was a teammate of NBA guard Nerlens Noel at the Tilton School in New Hampshire.
Layman won a gold medal with the USA Basketball U19 team at the 2013 FIBA World Championship.
He is known for having an unusually long wingspan for his height, which aids his defensive play.
His father, John Layman, played college basketball at the University of Vermont.
“My job is to space the floor, defend, and knock down open shots.”
