Garrison O’Neal Brooks Bio
Garrison O’Neal Brooks is an American professional basketball player who currently serves as a center for the Birmingham Squadron of the NBA G League. Born on June 29, 1999, in Meridian, Mississippi, Brooks developed his game in Alabama before becoming a standout college player at both North Carolina and Mississippi State. After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, he has built a solid professional career playing overseas and in the G League. Brooks earned significant recognition during his collegiate career, including Second-team All-ACC honors and the ACC Most Improved Player award in 2020. His journey from high school standout in Auburn, Alabama, to professional basketball exemplifies his dedication to the sport.
Early Life and Background
Garrison O’Neal Brooks was born in Meridian, Mississippi, where he began developing his basketball fundamentals at a young age. His family later relocated to Auburn, Alabama, where he would become a notable high school basketball player. Brooks attended Auburn High School and quickly established himself as a dominant force on the court during his four-year varsity career.
Throughout his high school career at Auburn High School, Brooks demonstrated consistent improvement and increasingly impressive statistics. As a freshman, he averaged 6.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game, showing early promise as a versatile big man. His sophomore year saw significant development as he posted averages of 14.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, and an impressive 3.7 blocks per game, highlighting his defensive prowess.
His junior season proved to be his statistical peak in high school, with Brooks averaging 16.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. During his senior year, he maintained strong production with 14.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. Over his four years at Auburn High School, Brooks accumulated 1,457 total points and 1,116 rebounds, making him only the second player in school history to achieve 1,000 or more in both categories. He also set the school record for career blocks with 334 and earned first-team all-state, all-region, and all-area honors.
Path to Professional Basketball
Following his exceptional high school career, Brooks received interest from multiple college programs and ultimately chose to continue his basketball journey at the University of North Carolina. He was recruited by former UNC head coach Roy Williams and assistant coach Hubert Davis. Brooks enrolled at North Carolina in 2017 and began adapting to the significantly higher level of competition in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
During his freshman season at North Carolina, Brooks averaged 4.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game while learning behind more experienced players. His sophomore year brought improved production, with Brooks averaging 7.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. He worked extensively on developing his mid-range jump shot during the offseason between his sophomore and junior years, investing significant time in his offensive skill development.
His breakthrough came during his junior season, when Brooks became a dominant force in the ACC, averaging 16.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. His exceptional improvement caught national attention, leading to his selection as Second-team All-ACC and being named the ACC Most Improved Player for the 2019-2020 season. Entering his senior year, Brooks received additional recognition when he was named to the preseason watch lists for the John R. Wooden Award, Naismith Trophy, and Karl Malone Award. The ACC media also selected him as the preseason ACC Player of the Year heading into his final season at North Carolina.
Garrison O’Neal Brooks Career
North Carolina and Mississippi State (2017–2022)
Brooks played his first three collegiate seasons with the North Carolina Tar Heels from 2017 to 2021. His progression from a role player as a freshman to the conference’s most improved player by his junior year demonstrated his work ethic and basketball IQ. During his senior season at North Carolina, Brooks averaged 10.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game while receiving national recognition as a potential college player of the year candidate.
Following his senior season at North Carolina, Brooks made the decision to transfer to Mississippi State University for his final season of collegiate eligibility. A significant factor in this decision was that his father coached at Mississippi State, allowing him to finish his college career closer to family. At Mississippi State during the 2021-2022 season, Brooks continued developing his game against high-level competition in the SEC and ACC conferences.
Professional Career Beginnings (2022–2023)
Despite his impressive collegiate credentials, Brooks went undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft. Rather than giving up on his professional basketball dreams, he signed with the Westchester Knicks, the NBA G League affiliate of the New York Knicks, joining their training camp roster on October 23, 2022. This move allowed him to continue developing his skills in a professional environment while pursuing his goal of reaching the NBA.
Brooks played the 2022-2023 season with the Westchester Knicks, gaining valuable professional experience in the G League. His performance during this season helped him adjust to the speed and physicality of professional basketball. Following his time with the Westchester Knicks, Brooks sought new opportunities abroad to continue his professional development.
International Stint in Korea (2023)
On July 27, 2023, Brooks signed with Wonju DB Promy of the Korean Basketball League, marking his first professional experience outside the United States. This move represented an important step in his professional career, exposing him to different basketball styles and cultures. Brooks made his debut for Wonju DB Promy on October 22, 2023, in the season opener.
However, his Korean adventure was short-lived as he suffered a knee injury in his debut, recording 3 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist in just 4 minutes of play. The injury proved serious enough that he was replaced by Jeff Withey on November 3, 2023, cutting his time with Wonju DB Promy brief due to health concerns.
BC Wolves Era (2023–2025)
Brooks recovered from his injury and continued his professional career abroad. On December 3, 2023, he signed with BC Wolves of the Lithuanian Basketball League and EuroCup competition. Lithuania presented a different basketball environment compared to Korea, with the BC Wolves competing in one of Europe’s stronger domestic leagues and participating in continental competition. Brooks joined the team during the 2023-2024 season and made an immediate impact.
Following his initial season with BC Wolves, Brooks returned for the 2024-2025 season, signing with the team on July 31, 2024. This extension demonstrated the organization’s confidence in his abilities and his successful integration into the team. Playing in Lithuania provided Brooks with valuable experience against European competition, helping him develop into a more complete professional player.
Return to the G League and Birmingham Squadron (2025–Present)
While playing internationally, Brooks maintained his NBA G League connections. On June 13, 2024, he was selected by the Valley Suns with the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA G League expansion draft, acquiring his rights from the Westchester Knicks. This selection indicated that NBA teams continued to see potential in Brooks as a future NBA contributor. Later, on September 26, 2024, his rights were traded to the Indiana Mad Ants as part of a multi-player transaction.
On February 6, 2025, Brooks signed with the Birmingham Squadron, the NBA G League affiliate of the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans. This move brought him full circle back to the G League system after his international experiences. Brooks joined the Squadron with the goal of continuing his development and showcasing his skills for potential NBA opportunities.
Playing Style and Strengths
Brooks plays the center position and possesses the size and length typical of modern NBA big men at 6 feet 9 inches tall. His collegiate career demonstrated his ability to score efficiently around the basket while also developing a mid-range jump shot. His rebounding instincts and ability to protect the rim have been consistent strengths throughout his career. Brooks showed particular improvement during his junior year at North Carolina, when he became a more complete offensive player capable of scoring in multiple ways. His experience playing internationally in Korea and Lithuania has helped him adapt to different playing styles and become more versatile.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most significant milestone in Brooks’s career came during his junior season at North Carolina in 2019-2020, when his breakout performance earned him both Second-team All-ACC recognition and the ACC Most Improved Player award. This recognition placed him among the conference’s elite players and validated his development during his collegiate career. His selection as the first overall pick in the 2024 G League expansion draft by the Valley Suns also highlighted the continued interest from professional organizations in his abilities.
Garrison O’Neal Brooks Career Highlights
Brooks has built an impressive basketball career highlighted by significant collegiate achievements and a successful transition to professional basketball. His journey from a productive high school player in Alabama to a professional who has competed in multiple countries demonstrates his adaptability and commitment to the sport.
College Career Achievements
His most notable accomplishments came during his junior season at North Carolina in 2020, when he earned Second-team All-ACC honors and was named the ACC Most Improved Player. These awards recognized his significant development from his freshman to junior years. Brooks’s junior season statistics of 16.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game demonstrated his ability to be a primary option on a major college program. His senior season recognition as a preseason ACC Player of the Year candidate further cemented his status as one of the conference’s top performers.
High School Career Accomplishments
At the high school level, Brooks achieved remarkable success at Auburn High School, where he became only the second player in school history to record 1,000 or more points and 1,000 or more rebounds. His school record of 334 career blocks remains a testament to his defensive capabilities. Brooks earned first-team all-state, all-region, and all-area honors during his senior year, establishing himself as one of Alabama’s top high school prospects.
Professional Career Progression
Since beginning his professional career in 2022, Brooks has gained experience across multiple leagues and countries. His time with the Westchester Knicks, Wonju DB Promy, BC Wolves, and now the Birmingham Squadron represents a diverse professional journey. Being selected first overall in the 2024 G League expansion draft underscored that professional organizations continue to view Brooks as a player with NBA potential.
| Achievement | Year |
|---|---|
| ACC Most Improved Player | 2020 |
| Second-team All-ACC | 2020 |
| Auburn High School All-State | High School |
Education
Brooks’s educational background includes Auburn High School in Auburn, Alabama, where he completed his secondary education while developing into a standout basketball player. He then attended the University of North Carolina from 2017 to 2021, playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels under the guidance of coaches Roy Williams and Hubert Davis. For his final collegiate season in 2021-2022, Brooks transferred to Mississippi State University, where he completed his college basketball career while playing for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a new chapter in Brooks’s professional career as he joins the Birmingham Squadron. This G League opportunity allows him to compete at a high level while remaining visible to NBA scouts and executives. The Birmingham Squadron, affiliated with the New Orleans Pelicans organization, provides Brooks with access to NBA-level coaching, training facilities, and development resources. His experience playing internationally in Lithuania has helped him develop into a more complete player capable of contributing in multiple ways. Brooks enters the 2025 season with the goal of establishing himself as a consistent contributor and showcasing the improvements he has made throughout his professional career. His combination of size, skill, and collegiate success gives him a solid foundation to build upon as he continues pursuing his NBA dreams.