What Happened to Jermaine Lamarr Cole?
J. Cole, the Grammy-winning rapper, has pursued a professional basketball career across multiple leagues, fulfilling a lifelong dream. After playing for the Rwanda Patriots in the Basketball Africa League in 2021 and the Scarborough Shooting Stars in the Canadian Elite Basketball League in 2022, he recently signed with the Nanjing Monkey Kings of the Chinese Basketball Association in April 2026.
Quick Answer
J. Cole's basketball career has seen him play professionally in three different international leagues. He debuted with the Rwanda Patriots in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in 2021, then joined the Scarborough Shooting Stars of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) in 2022. Most recently, as of April 2, 2026, J. Cole signed a contract to play with the Nanjing Monkey Kings in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), continuing his pursuit of professional basketball at 41 years old.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
High School Basketball
J. Cole played basketball at Terry Sanford High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina, making the team in his junior and senior years after initial cuts.
St. John's University Walk-on Attempt
While attending St. John's University on an academic scholarship, Cole attempted to walk on to the Division I basketball team but ultimately decided to focus on his music career.
NBA All-Star Celebrity Game Appearance
J. Cole participated in the 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend Celebrity Game, showcasing his basketball skills on a national stage.
PUMA RS-Dreamer Signature Shoe Release
J. Cole released his debut signature basketball shoe, the PUMA RS-Dreamer, in collaboration with Puma, signaling his continued connection to the sport.
NBA Tryout Rumors
Reports surfaced, notably from Master P, that J. Cole was training for an NBA tryout, fueling speculation about his professional basketball aspirations.
Signs with Rwanda Patriots (BAL)
J. Cole officially signed a contract with the Rwanda-based Patriots Basketball Club to play in the inaugural Basketball Africa League (BAL) season.
Professional Debut in BAL
Cole made his professional basketball debut with the Patriots against the Rivers Hoopers, recording 3 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in 17 minutes.
Departs Rwanda Patriots
After playing three games and fulfilling his contractual obligations, J. Cole left the Rwanda Patriots due to a 'family obligation.'
Signs with Scarborough Shooting Stars (CEBL)
J. Cole signed with the Scarborough Shooting Stars of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) for their 2022 season.
CEBL Debut
Cole made his CEBL debut with the Scarborough Shooting Stars against the Guelph Nighthawks, scoring his first three-pointer in the league.
Departs Scarborough Shooting Stars for Tour
After playing four games, J. Cole announced he would be taking an indefinite leave from the Shooting Stars to fulfill concert tour commitments.
Minority Owner of Charlotte Hornets (Reported)
Reports circulated that J. Cole became a minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets after Michael Jordan sold his majority shares, connecting him to an NBA franchise in his home state.
Signs with Nanjing Monkey Kings (CBA)
J. Cole signed a contract to play with the Nanjing Monkey Kings of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), marking his third professional basketball league.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Jermaine Lamarr Cole, widely known as J. Cole, has consistently intertwined his passion for basketball with his highly successful music career. His journey into professional basketball, while brief in each stint, represents the fulfillment of a long-held personal dream rather than a primary career shift. Cole's basketball aspirations date back to his youth, playing in high school and attempting to walk on at St. John's University, though he ultimately focused on music.
His professional debut came in May 2021 when he signed with the Rwanda Patriots Basketball Club in the inaugural season of the Basketball Africa League (BAL). This move garnered significant media attention for the nascent league. During his time with the Patriots, Cole played three preliminary games, accumulating 5 points, 3 assists, and 5 rebounds in 45 minutes of play. He departed the team after fulfilling his contractual obligation due to a 'family obligation,' though some opposing players voiced criticism, suggesting his presence was a marketing stunt and took a spot from more dedicated athletes.
In May 2022, Cole continued his professional basketball journey by signing with the Scarborough Shooting Stars of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). He played in four games for the Shooting Stars, averaging 2.4 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.4 assists, with a 50% three-point shooting percentage, before leaving in June 2022 to fulfill concert tour commitments. Despite his limited playing time, his involvement brought considerable publicity to the CEBL.
As of April 2, 2026, J. Cole has once again made headlines in the basketball world, signing a contract to play with the Nanjing Monkey Kings of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Reports indicate he had committed to playing with the team the previous year but was unable to suit up at that time. At 41 years old, this marks his third professional basketball venture overseas, demonstrating his enduring commitment to his hoop dreams, even as he continues to release new music, including his sixth studio album, "The Fall-Off," released shortly before this latest basketball announcement.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Jermaine Lamarr Cole made different choices?