Jalen Charity, a former Grand Valley State University basketball standout, has signed a professional contract with Lappeenranta NMKY in Finland, marking the next step in his career as he aims to help the club contend for championships.
Charity’s high school pedigree at Northview High School in Grand Rapids is highlighted by a senior season in 2022 where he averaged 15.2 points, eight rebounds and four assists, steering the team to the state semifinals and becoming the first athlete in school history to earn all‑state honors in basketball, track and football.
At Grand Valley State, Charity’s collegiate résumé grew from appearing in every game as a freshman, posting 201 points and 127 rebounds, to earning second‑team All‑GLIAC honors in his junior year while also being named to the GLIAC All‑Defensive Team, and capping his career with back‑to‑back second‑team recognitions.
Now graduated and buzzing with excitement, Charity says playing professionally in Finland fulfills a childhood dream, and he credits the hard work and community support he received at GVSU for preparing him for the professional level.
Coach’s Praise and Expectations
Coach Aubrey Conerly of Lappeenranta NMKY lauded Charity’s versatility, noting his impact on both offense and defense and expressing confidence that the forward will strengthen the team’s pursuit of a title.
Charity is slated to make his professional debut on October 8 against Karkkila Men’s Basketball in Lappeenranta, a moment that will showcase the skills honed over years of competition.