As a main character in one of the greatest redemption stories in college basketball history, it’s only fitting Ty Jerome has taken a winding road to the NBA spotlight.
The Cleveland Cavaliers guard contributing to a team with championship aspirations was once a University of Virginia Cavaliers guard doing the same. It’s just that this time, he’s an expert at clearing obstacles.
“If you use adversity right, it will buy you a ticket to a place you couldn’t have gone any other way,” was the line, borrowed from a TED Talk by minister Donald Davis, that then-UVA men’s basketball coach Tony Bennett famously used to guide his Cavaliers to a 2019 national title. The championship came after a devastating upset loss to 16th-seeded University of Maryland, Baltimore County, a year earlier in the NCAA Tournament.
Jerome, a star for those Wahoos, still embodies his old coach’s message.
Injuries have long plagued Jerome as a professional. He’s never played more than 48 games – out of a possible 82 – in a season. An ankle injury cost him 80 games last year, his fifth in the NBA.
Season No. 6, however, much like the Wahoos’ ride through the 2019 NCAA Tournament, has been magical. Jerome, averaging more than 11 points and three assists per game while shooting better than 51% from the field, has sparked consideration for two major NBA awards – Sixth Man of the Year and Most Improved Player.
Tony Bennett and Jerome’s relationship remains just as strong today as it did when Jerome was helping lead the Cavaliers to the 2019 national championship. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
The Cleveland Cavaliers, Jerome’s fourth team as a pro, have the best record in the Eastern Conference.
“Basically, what that quote is really saying is if you can learn from the adversity you go through, it can take you to a place that you couldn’t have gone without going through those experiences,” Jerome said earlier this month in Washington before the Cavs’ 134-124 win over the Wizards. “And that’s exactly what I’ve done, just learning from my injuries and learning my body more and learning how much you have to pour into your body to be able to play at this level on a nightly basis.”
Bennett, who retired in October, remains a constant presence in Jerome’s life. The two communicate regularly, with Bennett supplying guidance when needed.
Anthony Gill defends Jerome’s shot during a game between the Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this month in Washington. They are two of nine former Wahoos playing in the NBA this season. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
“There’s a Bible quote he sent me that’s always stuck with me,” Jerome said. “It’s, ‘Don’t grow weary in doing good for, in due time, you’ll reap a harvest.’ He’s texted me that a few times throughout my career, through surgeries or through injuries.
“And through some good games and some bad games, that message has always stuck with me. Like, just keep doing the work every day and, in due time, it’ll come to light.”
Jerome’s dream season was enhanced Feb. 7 when the Cavs acquired another Hoo, De’Andre Hunter, from the Atlanta Hawks in a blockbuster trade. Hunter is not only Jerome’s former college teammate; he’s his best friend.
“It doesn’t get much better,” Jerome said.
Some traditions never die. @UVAMensHoops | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/JkWlYQ0Fxm
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 11, 2025
The Jerome-Hunter pairing in Cleveland – a reunion of UVA’s second and third-leading scorers from the 2018-19 team – is one of two such tandems in the NBA. Former Hoos Malcolm Brogdon and Anthony Gill now play together again as Washington Wizards.
No matter when they played at UVA – Jerome and Hunter were high school seniors during Brogdon and Gill’s final season in Charlottesville – the orange-and-blue bond runs deep across the NBA.
“The one thing that’s really cool about Virginia is we’ve all built relationships with each other,” Jerome said. “I’ve been over to (Gill’s) place in D.C. I’ve had dinner with his wife and kids. My rookie year, I sat down and had dinner with Malcolm.
“Those guys are always looking out for us.”
