An HBCU alumnus is getting a shot at making the NBA in an unconventional way. Former Bethune-Cookman standout Jakobi Heady has recieved a tryout with the Orlando Magic. Bethune-Cookman announced Heady’s tryout in a statement posted to their social media accounts. Heady emerged as one of the best scorers in the SWAC last season and was a veteran leader of a talented Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats team led by former NBA standout Reggie Theus.
Heady began his college career at Wabash Valley College, where he steadily developed into one of the program’s top performers. As a freshman during the 2021-22 season, he appeared in 29 games with 24 starts, averaging 10.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per contest. He took a significant step forward the following year, starting 28 of 30 games while averaging 18.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. Heady also shot 47.6% from the field, 33.8% from three-point range, and 84.8% from the free-throw line during his sophomore campaign, earning all-conference honors for his performance.
Heady then transferred to Bethune-Cookman University for his junior season and immediately became one of the Wildcats’ top offensive weapons. Starting 33 of 34 games, he led the team in scoring at 15.4 points per game while adding 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He shot 47.9% from the field, 32.3% from beyond the arc, and 75.6% from the free-throw line.
Heady also led the Wildcats in offensive rebounds and free-throw attempts while recording 12 multi-steal performances. Among his top outings were a 25-point, five-steal performance against Trinity Baptist in November, another 25-point effort against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in January, and a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double against Alabama State in February. He also scored 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting in a win over Florida A&M.
He eventually left Bethune-Cookman University and transferred to Central Michigan University for his senior season, where he remained a productive scorer and rebounder. He appeared in 31 games, making 26 starts, and led the Chippewas with 466 points and 203 rebounds. Heady averaged 15.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while logging more than 36 minutes per game.
His top performance came against Ohio, where he erupted for a career-high 35 points while adding five rebounds. He also recorded multiple double-doubles during the season, including a 13-point, 13-rebound outing against Minnesota and a pair of double-doubles against Buffalo. He finished the year shooting 42.3% from the field and 80% from the free-throw line.
For his final season of eligibility, Heady returned to Bethune-Cookman University for the 2025-26 campaign and enjoyed the most efficient season of his collegiate career. He averaged 18.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting better than 52 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range. His strong all-around production helped establish him as one of the top players in the SWAC and capped off an impressive college career that spanned multiple programs.
Now he has the opportunity to join an emerging Orlando Magic team that is moving in the right direction after achieving playoff success of the past couple of seasons but still looks to turn into a true championship contender.
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