{{short description|American basketball player (born 1996)}} {{Infobox basketball biography | name = Troy Baxter Jr. | image = | image_size = | caption = | position = Forward | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 9 | weight_lbs = 200 | league = Qatari Basketball League | team = Al-Shamal | number = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1996|3|5}} | birth_place = Tallahassee, Florida, U.S. | high_school = Oldsmar Christian<br>(Oldsmar, Florida) | college = * UNLV (2016–2017) * Florida Gulf Coast (2018–2019) * Morgan State (2019–2021) | draft_year = 2021 | career_start = 2021 | years1 = 2021–2022 | team1 = Windy City Bulls | years2 = 2022 | team2 = Wisconsin Herd | years3 = 2022 | team3 = Grand Rapids Gold | years4 = 2022 | team4 = Fort Wayne Mad Ants | years5 = 2022 | team5 = Indios de San Francisco | years6 = 2022 | team6 = San José | years7 = 2022 | team7 = Antranik | years8 = 2023 | team8 = Khatsaga | years9 = 2023 | team9 = Canterbury Rams | years10 = 2023 | team10 = Trouville | years11 = 2024 | team11 = Oklahoma City Blue | years12 = 2024 | team12 = Westchester Knicks | years13 = 2024 | team13 = Manawatu Jets | years14 = 2024 | team14 = Calgary Surge | years15 = 2025 | team15 = Indomables de Ciudad Juárez | years16 = 2025 | team16 = Amman United | years17 = 2025 | team17 = Nadim Souaid Academy | years18 = 2025 | team18 = Al Ahly | years19 = 2025 | team19 = Titanes del Sur | years20 = 2025–present | team20 = Al-Shamal | highlights = * NZNBL champion (2023) * First-team All-MEAC (2021) * MEAC All-Defensive Team (2021) }}
'''Troy Leonard Baxter Jr.''' (born March 5, 1996) is an American professional basketball player for Al-Shamal of the Qatari Basketball League. He played college basketball for the UNLV Runnin' Rebels, Florida Gulf Coast Eagles and Morgan State Bears.
==High school career== Baxter attended Oldsmar Christian School in Oldsmar, Florida. He saw his stock rise as he played for Team Breakdown in the Under Armour Association in 2015.<ref name=knight /><ref name=phillips /> Baxter committed to play college basketball for the South Florida Bulls on May 1, 2015.<ref name=phillips>{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Scott |title=South Florida lands top-150 Class of 2016 wing |url=https://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2015/05/01/south-florida-lands-class-of-2016-wing-troy-baxter/ |website=NBC Sports |access-date=October 20, 2021 |date=May 1, 2015}}</ref>
Baxter averaged 17 points, 7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks as a senior during the 2015–16 season.<ref name=knight>{{cite web |last1=Knight |first1=Joey |title=Heralded freshman Troy Baxter won't join USF |url=https://www.tampabay.com/heralded-freshman-troy-baxter-wont-join-usf/2291111/ |website=Tampa Bay Times |access-date=October 20, 2021 |date=August 27, 2016}}</ref> He was rated as a four-star recruit and ranked 90th in the ESPN 100.<ref name=knight /> Baxter won the 2016 American Family Insurance High School Slam Dunk Contest.<ref name=knight /><ref>{{cite web |title=South Florida signee Troy Baxter wins dunk contest at High School Slam |url=https://usatodayhss.com/2016/south-florida-signee-troy-baxter-wins-dunk-contest-at-high-school-slam |website=USA Today High School Sports |access-date=October 20, 2021 |date=April 1, 2016}}</ref> On August 27, 2016, it was reported that Baxter had been released from his letter of intent with South Florida.<ref name=knight /> On September 1, 2016, he committed to the UNLV Runnin' Rebels.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bern |first1=Taylor |title=Four-star forward joins UNLV’s 2016 recruiting class |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2016/sep/01/four-star-forward-joins-this-years-recruiting-clas/ |website=Las Vegas Sun |access-date=October 20, 2021 |date=September 1, 2016}}</ref>
==College career== ===UNLV (2016–2017)=== Baxter averaged 4.3 points and 2.3 rebounds per game during his freshman season with the UNLV Runnin' Rebels.<ref name=espn>{{cite web |title=Troy Baxter Jr., Zion Morgan, Jalen Poyser leaving UNLV after 1 season |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/19034384/troy-baxter-jr-zion-morgan-jalen-poyser-leaving-unlv-rebels-1-season |website=ESPN |access-date=October 20, 2021 |date=March 30, 2017}}</ref> His playing time did not meet his expectations and the Runnin' Rebels only won four games in conference play.<ref name=meac /> On March 30, 2017, Baxter announced that he would not return to the Runnin' Rebels.<ref name=espn />
===Florida Gulf Coast (2017–2019)=== On June 20, 2017, Baxter committed to play for the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles.<ref name=caldwell>{{cite web |last1=Caldwell |first1=Dana |title=FGCU men add UNLV sophomore forward Troy Baxter with last scholarship |url=https://www.naplesnews.com/story/sports/college/fgcu/2017/06/21/fgcu-men-add-unlv-sophomore-forward-troy-baxter-last-scholarship/413059001/ |website=Naples Daily News |access-date=October 20, 2021 |date=June 21, 2017}}</ref> He had to sit out the 2017–18 due to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) transfer rules.<ref name=caldwell /> Baxter treated practice sessions as his game time and credits the period with helping him develop a better feel for basketball.<ref name=meac />
Baxter averaged 7.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 blocks per game during the 2018–19 season.<ref name=meac /> On April 5, 2019, he declared for the 2019 NBA draft.<ref>{{cite web |title=FGCU’s Baxter declares for NBA Draft |url=https://fgcuathletics.com/news/2019/4/5/mens-basketball-fgcus-baxter-declares-for-nba-draft.aspx |website=FGCU Athletics |access-date=October 20, 2021 |date=April 5, 2019}}</ref> He did not sign with an agent and was eligible to return to college.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hardwig |first1=Greg |title=College basketball: FGCU's Troy Baxter declares for NBA Draft; Scott, Ernst at new schools |url=https://www.naplesnews.com/story/sports/college/fgcu/2019/04/05/fgcu-mens-basketballs-troy-baxter-declares-nba-draft/3377411002/ |website=Naples Daily News |access-date=October 20, 2021 |date=April 5, 2019}}</ref> Baxter elected to return after not liking his draft chances but announced his intention to transfer.<ref name=meac />
===Morgan State (2019–2021)=== Baxter desired to transfer to a team with coaches that had experience sending players to the National Basketball Association (NBA).<ref name=meac /> He chose the Morgan State Bears for their head coach Kevin Broadus who had coached 12 future NBA players during his college career.<ref name=meac />
Baxter averaged 10.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game during the 2019–20 season.<ref name=ashley /> His 1.9 blocks per game were the second highest in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).<ref name=ashley />
Baxter averaged 15.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game during the 2020–21 season.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Davies |first1=Spencer |title=Troy Baxter Jr. had to learn to fall in love with the grind |url=https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/troy-baxter-jr-had-to-learn-to-fall-in-love-with-the-grind-nba-draft-prospects-2021 |website=Basketball News |access-date=October 20, 2021 |date=July 30, 2021}}</ref> He was selected to the All-MEAC First Team and the All-Defensive Team.<ref>{{cite web |title=MEAC Announces Men's Basketball All-Conference Honors, presented by TowneBank |url=https://meacsports.com/news/2021/3/5/meac-announces-mens-basketball-all-conference-honors-presented-by-townebank.aspx |website=Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference |access-date=October 20, 2021 |date=March 5, 2021}}</ref> He won the 2021 Great Clips Slam Dunk Championship and became the first player to win slam dunk titles in high school and college.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sharrock |first1=Rory |title=Tallahassee native Troy Baxter Jr. leaps over foes as NCAA slam dunk champion |url=https://www.tallahassee.com/story/sports/2021/04/06/tallahassee-native-troy-baxter-jr-soars-ncaa-slam-dunk-champion/7084169002/ |website=Tallahassee Democrat |access-date=October 20, 2021 |date=April 6, 2021}}</ref> On August 9, 2021, Baxter was named as the MEAC Male Student-Athlete of the Year for his academic and extracurricular work.<ref>{{cite web |title=MEAC Names Troy Baxter, Jr. 2021 Male Student-Athlete of the Year |url=https://meacsports.com/news/2021/8/9/mens-basketball-meac-names-troy-baxter-jr-2021-male-student-athlete-of-the-year.aspx |website=Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference |access-date=October 20, 2021 |date=August 9, 2021}}</ref>
==Professional career== After going undrafted in the 2021 NBA draft, Baxter joined the Chicago Bulls for the 2021 NBA Summer League.<ref>{{cite web|first=Rob|last=Schaefer|title=Bulls' Summer League roster headlined by Patrick Williams|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/bulls-2021-summer-league-roster-headlined-patrick-williams|website=NBC Sports Chicago|date=August 4, 2021|access-date=October 23, 2021}}</ref> On October 15, 2021, he signed a contract with the Bulls,<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Chicago Bulls|number=1449143892713123846|title=Transaction: We have signed Troy Baxter Jr.|user=chicagobulls|date=October 15, 2021|access-date=October 23, 2021}}</ref> but was waived the next day.<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Chicago Bulls|number=1449423925004361728|title=Transactions: We have waived forwards Stanley Johnson and Troy Baxter Jr.|user=chicagobulls|date=October 16, 2021|access-date=October 23, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=K. C.|last=Johnson|title=Bulls waive Stanley Johnson, keep Matt Thomas|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/bulls-waive-stanley-johnson-keep-shooting-matt-thomas?cid=Yahoo&partner=ya4nbcs|website=NBC Sports Chicago|date=October 17, 2021|access-date=October 20, 2021}}</ref> Baxter joined the Windy City Bulls of the NBA G League as an affiliate player.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Kyle |title=Windy City Bulls Announce Opening Night Roster |url=https://windycity.gleague.nba.com/news/windy-city-bulls-finalize-training-camp-roster-announce-basketball-operations-staff/ |website=NBA.com |access-date=November 7, 2021 |date=October 25, 2021}}</ref> He was waived by Windy City on February 1, 2022. He was then acquired by the Wisconsin Herd on February 2; waived on February 6; acquired by the Grand Rapids Gold on February 14; waived on March 3; and then acquired by the Fort Wayne Mad Ants on March 18.<ref name=glt>{{cite web|url=https://gleague.nba.com/transactions/|website=gleague.nba.com|title=2021-22 NBA G League Transactions|date=February 7, 2022|access-date=February 7, 2022}}</ref>
In May and June 2022, Baxter played eight games for Indios de San Francisco of the Dominican Liga Nacional de Baloncesto (LNB).<ref>{{cite web|first=Hecmary|last=Ugarte|title=Troy Baxter Jr reforzará a los Indios de San Francisco|url=https://record.acento.com.do/baloncesto/troy-baxter-jr-reforzara-a-los-indios-de-san-francisco-48032|work=Récord|date=April 28, 2022|access-date=June 4, 2022|language=Spanish}}</ref><ref name=australiabasket>{{cite web|url=https://basketball.australiabasket.com/player/Troy-Baxter-Jr/413409|title=Troy Baxter Jr.|website=AustraliaBasket.com|access-date=April 4, 2023|url-access=subscription}}</ref>
In October 2022, Baxter had a three-game stint with Deportivo San José of the Liga Sudamericana de Básquetbol during the 2022 season.<ref name="australiabasket" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Troy BAXTER JR|url=https://www.fiba.basketball/ligasudamericana/2022/player/TROY-BAXTER-JR|website=FIBA.basketball|access-date=October 24, 2022}}</ref> In November and December 2022, he had a four-game stint in Lebanon with Antranik.<ref name="australiabasket" /> He then moved to Mongolia in January 2023 to play for Khatsaga.<ref name="australiabasket" />
On April 4, 2023, Baxter signed with the Canterbury Rams for the 2023 New Zealand NBL season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Import Alert!!! Rams family get excited as we extend the warmest welcome to Troy Baxter Jr.|url=https://www.facebook.com/CanterburyRams/posts/pfbid0fCtiNkx1w54gVL24jRQZaeXY9BNqKHqpf7CSAKD1L9DPZ5XkTVJuuVSrMgP8jxXul|website=Facebook.com/CanterburyRams|date=April 4, 2023|access-date=April 4, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Rams ink Troy Baxter Jr., ex Khatsaga|url=https://www.australiabasket.com/New-Zealand/news/802438/Rams-ink-Troy-Baxter-Jr.,-ex-Khatsaga|website=AustraliaBasket.com|date=April 4, 2023|access-date=April 4, 2023}}</ref> He won the 2023 NZNBL championship with the Rams.<ref>{{cite web |title=2023 Sal’s NBL Champions: Canterbury Rams |url=https://nznbl.basketball/past_champions/2023-sals-nbl-champions-canterbury-rams/ |website=Basketball New Zealand |access-date=June 1, 2025}}</ref>
On September 7, 2023, Baxter signed with CSKA Sofia of the Bulgarian National Basketball League.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Chelidze |first1=Dimitri |title=CSKA Sofia tabs Troy Baxter Jr., ex Rams |url=https://www.eurobasket.com/Bulgaria/news/827425/CSKA-Sofia-tabs-Troy-Baxter-Jr.,-ex-Rams |website=Eurobasket |access-date=June 4, 2025 |date=September 7, 2023}}</ref> On September 20, he departed the team before the start of the season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Американец си тръгва от ЦСКА |url=https://bgbasket.com/bg/new.php?id=100610 |website=BGbasket |access-date=June 4, 2025 |language=Bulgarian |date=September 20, 2023}}</ref>
On September 21, 2023, Baxter's G League player rights were traded to the Long Island Nets;<ref>{{cite web|title=Long Island Nets Acquire Returning Player Rights to Troy Baxter Jr.|url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/long-island-nets-acquire-returning-player-rights-to-troy-baxter-jr-/n-6016239|website=OurSportsCentral.com|date=September 21, 2023|access-date=November 12, 2023}}</ref> he joined them on October 28.<ref>{{cite web|title=Patrick Gardner, Kennedy Chandler, two-ways top Long Island Nets training camp roster|url=https://www.netsdaily.com/2023/10/28/23936762/patrick-gardner-kennedy-chandler-two-ways-top-long-island-nets-training-camp-roster|website=NetsDaily.com|date=October 28, 2023|access-date=November 12, 2023}}</ref> He was waived by the Nets on November 3.<ref>{{cite web|title=Long Island Nets Waive Two Players|url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/long-island-nets-waive-two-players/n-6028075|website=OurSportsCentral.com|date=November 3, 2023|access-date=November 12, 2023}}</ref>
In November 2023, Baxter had a three-game stint with Trouville of the Liga Uruguaya de Básquetbol (LUB).<ref name="australiabasket" />
On February 15, 2024, Baxter joined the Oklahoma City Blue of the NBA G League.<ref name="OKCBlue23_24Trans">{{cite web|title=2023-2024 Oklahoma City Blue Transaction History|url=https://basketball.realgm.com/gleague/teams/Oklahoma-City-Blue/38/Transaction_History/2024|website=RealGM.com|access-date=March 1, 2024}}</ref> He played two games before being waived on February 29.<ref name=realgm>{{cite web|title=Troy Baxter Jr|url=https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Troy-Baxter-Jr/Summary/85640|website=RealGM.com|access-date=March 9, 2024}}</ref> He joined the Westchester Knicks on March 14, 2024,<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Westchester Knicks|title=The Westchester Knicks have acquired Michael Harden Jr. and Troy Baxter Jr. via available player pool.|number=1768368145113223585|user=wcknicks|date=March 14, 2024|access-date=March 14, 2024}}</ref> where he played two games.<ref name="realgm" />
Baxter joined the Manawatu Jets for the 2024 New Zealand NBL season.<ref>{{cite web|title=2024 PLAYER ANNOUNCEMENT|url=https://www.facebook.com/jetsbasketballnz/posts/pfbid0J1hs51KubqcZ7BGW92GhsPBGXX3ujRidE6NCr7L8C3YGunP226yCFTK7JzkzHuQkl|website=Facebook.com/jetsbasketballnz|date=March 9, 2024|access-date=March 9, 2024}}</ref> He was released by the Jets on May 15, 2024.<ref>{{cite web|title=We've released import forward Troy Baxter Jr. from his 2024 New Zealand National Basketball League contract.|url=https://www.facebook.com/jetsbasketballnz/posts/pfbid02Ho5LfUE1m23q8b9hT7Hbu7NEbGK7FFs2GMrpn15pexLuK3p6CbHWFLpFsKvemCWol|website=Facebook.com/jetsbasketballnz|date=May 15, 2024|access-date=May 18, 2024}}</ref>
On May 28, 2024, Baxter signed with the Calgary Surge of the Canadian Elite Basketball League,<ref>{{cite web|title=Calgary Surge Sign Florida Forward Troy Baxtor Jr.|url=https://www.cebl.ca/calgary-surge-sign-florida-forward-troy-baxter-jr|website=cebl.ca|date=May 28, 2024|access-date=May 28, 2024}}</ref> but was waived on June 5. Baxter signed with the San Miguel Beermen for the 2024–25 PBA Commissioner's Cup but was released without playing a game because he could not receive clearance.<ref>{{cite web |title=Miller subs as SMB import after Baxter fails to secure clearance |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/miller-subs-in-as-smb-import-as-baxter-fails-to-secure-playing-clearance-a793-20241203 |website=Spin.ph |access-date=December 29, 2025 |date=December 3, 2024}}</ref>
On February 5, 2025, Baxter signed with the Orthodox of the Jordanian Premier Basketball League,<ref>{{cite web |title=Orthodox signs Troy Baxter Jr. |url=https://www.asia-basket.com/Jordan/news/915982/Orthodox-signs-Troy-Baxter-Jr |website=Eurobasket.com |access-date=February 5, 2025 |format=February 5, 2025}}</ref> but did not appear in a game. On February 20, he signed with the Amman United of the Jordanian Premier Basketball League.<ref>{{cite web |title=Amman United inks Troy Baxter Jr |url=https://www.asia-basket.com/Jordan/news/918573/Amman-United-inks-Troy-Baxter-Jr |website=Eurobasket.com |access-date=March 10, 2025 |date=February 20, 2025}}</ref> Baxter played seven games with Nadim Souaid Academy of the Lebanese Basketball League in 2025.<ref name=abduljalil>{{cite web |last1=Abduljalil |first1=Yusuf |title=Al Ahly Tripoli lands Troy Baxter Jr., ex NSA |url=https://www.asia-basket.com/Lebanon/news/929406/Al-Ahly-Tripoli-lands-Troy-Baxter-Jr.,-ex-NSA |website=Asia Basket |access-date=June 1, 2025 |date=April 18, 2025}}</ref> On April 18, he signed with Al Ahly of the Egyptian Basketball Premier League.<ref name=abduljalil/> In May, Baxter joined Titanes del Sur of the LNB.<ref>{{cite web |title=Importado Refuerzo |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DJfwkH8Ookp/ |website=Instagram |publisher=Titanes del Sur |access-date=June 1, 2025 |language=Spanish |date=May 11, 2025}}</ref> In October, he signed with Al-Shamal of the Qatari Basketball League.<ref>{{cite web |title=Former Morgan State Bears Excel in Professional Leagues Overseas |url=https://morganstatebears.com/news/2025/10/29/mens-basketball-former-morgan-state-bears-excel-in-professional-leagues-overseas.aspx |website=Morgan State Athletics |access-date=November 7, 2025 |date=October 29, 2025}}</ref>
==Personal life== Baxter is the son of Dianna and Troy Baxter Sr.<ref name=meac>{{cite web |title=Troy Baxter Plays Key Role in his First Season for the Bears |url=https://meacsports.com/news/2020/2/14/mens-basketball-troy-baxter-plays-key-role-in-his-first-season-for-the-bears.aspx |website=Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference |access-date=October 20, 2021 |date=February 13, 2020}}</ref> He has a daughter who was born in June 2020.<ref name=ashley>{{cite web |last1=Ashley |first1=Mike |title=After Winding Journey, Troy Baxter Finds Hoops Home At Morgan State |url=https://pressboxonline.com/2020/12/16/after-winding-journey-troy-baxter-finds-hoops-home-at-morgan-state/ |website=PressBox |access-date=October 20, 2021 |date=December 16, 2020}}</ref> Baxter cites LeBron James as his idol due to his activism.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hughes |first1=Chase |title=Why NBA Draft prospect looks up to LeBron |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/nba-draft-prospect-looks-lebron-james-much-more-basketball?cid=Yahoo&partner=ya4nbcs |website=NBC Sports Washington |access-date=October 20, 2021 |date=July 9, 2021}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{basketballstats|bbr=b/baxtetr01|nba=1630844}} *[https://www.proballers.com/basketball/player/190687/baxter-troy Proballers profile] *[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/troy-baxter-1.html College statistics] *[https://morganstatebears.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/troy-baxter/6478 Morgan State Bears bio] *[https://fgcuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/troy-baxter-jr/5621 Florida Gulf Coast Eagles bio] *[https://unlvrebels.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/troy-jr-/5193 UNLV Runnin' Rebels bio]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Baxter, Troy}} Category:1996 births Category:Living people Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen Category:21st-century American sportsmen Category:Al Ahly basketball players Category:American expatriate basketball people in Canada Category:American expatriate basketball people in Egypt Category:American expatriate basketball people in Jordan Category:American expatriate basketball people in Lebanon Category:American expatriate basketball people in Mongolia Category:American expatriate basketball people in New Zealand Category:American expatriate basketball people in Paraguay Category:American expatriate basketball people in Qatar Category:American expatriate basketball people in the Dominican Republic Category:American expatriate basketball people in Uruguay Category:American men's basketball players Category:Amman United basketball players Category:Basketball players from Tallahassee, Florida Category:Calgary Surge players Category:Canterbury Rams players Category:Florida Gulf Coast Eagles men's basketball players Category:Fort Wayne Mad Ants players Category:Forwards (basketball) Category:Grand Rapids Gold players Category:Indios de San Francisco de Macorís players Category:Indomables de Ciudad Juárez players Category:Manawatu Jets players Category:Morgan State Bears basketball players Category:Nadim Souaid Academy players Category:Oklahoma City Blue players Category:Titanes del Distrito Nacional players Category:UNLV Runnin' Rebels basketball players Category:Westchester Knicks players Category:Windy City Bulls players Category:Wisconsin Herd players