Jahmai Mashack’s Remarks Following His Draft Selection by Tennessee Basketball

“Thank you. Thank you so much. Honestly, I’m still trying to process everything right now — this moment means the world to me. Growing up, I always dreamed of hearing my name called in a draft, and to have that dream come true today with Tennessee basketball is something I’ll cherish forever.

First off, I want to thank the coaching staff, my family, my teammates, and everyone who’s believed in me throughout this journey. Without their unwavering support, I wouldn’t be standing here today. My parents, especially — they sacrificed so much for me to chase my dreams. They instilled values of hard work, discipline, and humility in me from day one. Every early morning, every late night in the gym, every moment of doubt — they were there reminding me to keep pushing. This is as much their achievement as it is mine.

I also want to thank my coaches at Tennessee. They saw something in me that maybe I didn’t even fully see myself. Their belief, their guidance, and their push to be better every single day have shaped me into the player and person I am today. From the first day I stepped on campus, they treated me like family. I’ve learned so much — not just about basketball but about leadership, resilience, and character. The whole Tennessee program has a tradition of excellence, and being chosen to join that legacy is a huge honor.

To my teammates — we’ve been through so much together. The late practices, the highs and lows of the season, the bond we built on and off the court — those memories will stay with me forever. I’m grateful for every challenge and every victory we shared. You all pushed me to be better and to give my all, and I’m proud to have played alongside such talented and dedicated guys.

Getting drafted is a huge milestone, but I know this is just the beginning. There’s still so much work to be done. My mindset from this point forward is simple: keep grinding, keep improving, and keep representing Tennessee basketball with pride and passion. I want to make an impact not only on the court but in the community and beyond. Tennessee has such a rich history, and I’m committed to upholding that tradition and contributing to the program’s continued success.

I’m excited about the opportunity ahead. The transition to the professional level is going to be tough — the competition is fierce, and the expectations are high. But I welcome the challenge. I’m ready to put in the work every single day, to learn from veteran players and coaches, and to grow both as an athlete and as a leader. My goal is to be a player who makes a difference in games, who earns the trust of teammates and coaches, and who inspires others through dedication and effort.

Looking back, this journey hasn’t always been easy. There were injuries, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But those challenges taught me resilience. They taught me the importance of mental toughness and keeping faith in the process. Every obstacle became motivation to work harder and come back stronger. I’m grateful for those experiences because they prepared me for this moment and for what’s to come.

I want to give a special shout-out to the fans. Tennessee basketball has some of the most passionate and loyal supporters in the country. Their energy and enthusiasm at every game created an incredible atmosphere that pushed us to be better. I’m honored to have their support, and I look forward to giving back to this amazing community as I continue my career.

To young athletes out there dreaming of moments like this — keep believing in yourself. Stay focused, work hard, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your goals. Dreams do come true, but it takes dedication, sacrifice, and an unbreakable spirit. I hope my story can inspire others to chase their passions relentlessly.

Finally, I want to express my gratitude for this opportunity. Being drafted by Tennessee basketball is a dream come true, and I’m humbled and excited to take the next step in my career here. I promise to give my all, every day, and to represent this program with integrity, passion, and excellence.

Thank you all again for your support, and I can’t wait to get started on this new chapter.”