Alabama high school, UAB alumnus part of Knicks’ championship roster
New York won its first NBA title since 1973 on Saturday night.
Olivia Bennett 
The New York Knicks are back on top of the basketball world. On Saturday night, the franchise secured its first NBA championship since 1973, dispatching the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 to clinch the 2025-26 title.
For Alabama basketball fans, there is a local connection to this historic victory. Center Trey Jemison, a standout who previously played at Homewood and Hoover high schools before starring at UAB, is officially part of the Knicks’ championship roster.
Jemison's Role on the Knicks
Jemison spent the season on a two-way contract, a designation that allows players to split time between an NBA roster and its G League affiliate. While two-way players are ineligible for postseason play, they are essential parts of the franchise infrastructure. Although ring distribution is at the team's discretion, precedents exist—such as Calhoun School and Alabama alumnus JD Davison receiving one with the 2024 Boston Celtics—for two-way players to be rewarded for their contributions.
During the 2025-26 campaign, Jemison made 13 appearances for New York, tallying 13 points, 18 rebounds, and two blocks. With the Westchester Knicks, he was a key interior presence, averaging 8.3 points and 8.7 rebounds across 31 G League games.
A Journey Through the League
The Birmingham native's professional path has been marked by grit. After his prep career, he played two seasons at Clemson and three at UAB before breaking into the pro ranks with the G League's Birmingham Squadron. Following stints with the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies, Jemison saw extended action in Memphis, where he started 14 games and shot 55.1 percent from the floor.
His career continued with stops in New Orleans and Los Angeles. In January 2025, Jemison joined Los Angeles on a two-way contract, eventually appearing in 22 games for the Lakers. Over the past three seasons, Jemison has logged playing time in 76 total NBA games, proving his staying power in the league.
