Former U-M star Jon Teske plants his roots in Grand Rapids
Jon Teske, a former University of Michigan star, chats with Cornerstone University basketball coach Kim elders before a Cornerstone game on Nov. 22, 2022. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Jon Teske had to duck his head as he walked into the gym.
The 7-foot-1 former University of Michigan star took a seat in the stands during a recent basketball game at Cornerstone University. It was the first time he’d been at a game where he wasn’t in uniform.
Teske retired from basketball this summer and decided to return to his roots in Grand Rapids, where he landed a job.
Jon Teske played two seasons with the Lakeland Magic in the G-League. (Photo | NBA.com)
“I’ve always loved the area,” Teske said. “Especially growing up here, that’s all I knew. My family and friends are from here. After I was done playing, I wanted to look in this area (for a job). I got a job at Gordon Food Services and that’s what brought me back here.”
After graduating from Michigan in 2020, Teske embarked on a pro basketball career. He played two years in the G-League with the Lakeland Magic, where he averaged 6.3 points and 4.6 rebounds in limited playing time.
He did make it to the NBA, however. Teske was signed to a 10-day contract by the Memphis Grizzlies last season. He played in three games but did not score a point.
“I just turned 25,” he said. “I gave (pro ball) a good two or three year shot. I’m a family guy and I’m the type that wants to be close to home. I didn’t want to go overseas. The G-League is really guard heavy so I’d just get a few shots here and there. So that wasn’t for me. And I was sick of living out of a suitcase seven months out of the year.”
When he was ready to find a job, one of the first people he called was his cousin, Drew Zuidema. Zuidema was a star basketball player at Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian High School and Spring Arbor University.
“When he’d be off from the G-League, he’d come back to Grand Rapids,” Zuidema said. “Knowing he had a support system here drew him back. He’s really close with with our grandparents, Jim and Mary Zuidema. They’re the No. 1 supporters we’ve had in sports. He’s always had that bond with Grand Rapids. He said he missed family and friends.”
Teske grew up in Grandville until his dad’s job took the family to Medina, Ohio.
Landing at the University of Michigan was unusual for a kid who grew up as an Ohio State fan.
“People close to me know that my dad’s side of the family is all Ohio State fans,” he said. “So growing up I was an Ohio State fan, too. I’m also a huge Browns, Indians and Cavs fan. But once the recruitment started, I wanted to stay neutral. I knew of Michigan and Michigan State just from growing up here. I loved what Coach (John) Beilien brought to the table and he offered me (a scholarship).”
He was on a Michigan team that went to the NCAA title game in 2018 and he finished his career with 108 wins, which is tied with Zavier Simpson for the most in school history. His 165 career blocks are fifth all time at Michigan.
“It was awesome,” Zuidema said of his cousin playing at U-M. “Never would have thought he was the one going to Michigan. But after being in the G-League for a few years. He thought the best move was to get on with life and get a good job.”
Teske said he wouldn’t be opposed to coaching now that he’s putting his roots in Grand Rapids.
“Possibly down the road,” said Teske, who played at Medina High School under coach Chris Hassinger. “Before I moved back here, I was helping my team in Medina, Ohio. It was nice to get a foot in the door. Obviously, I have a lot of experience and knowledge of the game and I’d like to pass it on. If that’s what God has planned for me to do, then I’d be blessed to do it.”
But for now, you might catch Teske watching some local basketball, like he did with Cornerstone University.
“I used to come to games here with my grandparents and my mom and dad,” he said of Cornerstone. “There’s good basketball here at Cornerstone. Growing up, I’d go to some games, so this brings me back to those times.”
