Jason Preston is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Utah Jazz. He defied the odds to reach the NBA. His arduous journey took a turn at the age of 16 when he faced the loss of his mother, Judith Sewell, to lung cancer. Basketball, introduced to him by his mother during his upbringing in Orlando, became both a source of solace and a vehicle for navigating his grief.
Although he averaged only two points per game in high school, Jason persevered and transformed himself into an NBA draft pick in 2021, ultimately selected as the 33rd overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers. His path was shaped by a combination of confidence and opportunity, starting with limited playing time in high school, progressing to prep school, and ultimately receiving an offer from Ohio University. There, he committed himself to honing his skills. His determination and hard work culminated in a standout college career at Ohio University, where he achieved the honor of MAC tournament MVP in 2021 and led the Bobcats to March Madness for the first time in nearly a decade. Jason Preston made history by becoming the first player from Ohio University in 18 years to be drafted into the NBA.
As he continues his NBA journey, Jason Preston is determined to use his platform not only to honor his mother but also to raise awareness about lung cancer in partnership with the Lung Association. His goal is to amplify the critical message of early detection and prevention.
