Jarnell Stokes grew up in the inner city of Memphis. He says he did not have much talent, charisma, or confidence and experienced many failures before changing his mindset to work hard and achieve the success he has had since high school and becoming a professional basketball player.
Stokes was drafted in the second round of the 2014 NBA draft by the Grizzlies after majoring in communications at the University of Tennessee. He also played for the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat. He won a gold medal as a member of the 2012 USA U18 Championship Team.
Stokes describes himself as an avid learner, reader, and explorer. He sees fellow humans as extensions of his basketball team and strives to inspire people to question assumptions. In his personal life, he focuses on developing healthy habits for his mind, body, and soul and has expanded his athletic success and this philosophy into building a health and consciousness-based business he named Stoked.
He currently plays for the Xinjiang Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association.
Jarnell Stokes and Howard Flamm met when Jarnell was playing basketball for the Denver Nuggets. They share a dream of helping kids find success in sports and life.
