Drake, before becoming a global music superstar, played Jimmy Brooks-number 9 and the basketball star for the Degrassi Community School Panthers-on the Canadian teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation16. Portrayed by Aubrey Graham (Drake's real name), Jimmy was known for his athletic talent, popularity, and generally humble demeanor despite coming from a wealthy background13.

Jimmy was a key player for the Panthers basketball team and was often seen as the heart of the squad. His storyline took a dramatic turn in Season 4, when he was paralyzed from the waist down after being shot during a school shooting, a pivotal and memorable plotline in the series257. After the incident, Jimmy continued to be involved at Degrassi, navigating life as a wheelchair user, and eventually found new passions in art and music35. He graduated with the Class of 2007.

Drake's portrayal of Jimmy Brooks is widely recognized as one of the most iconic roles in Degrassi history, and it laid the foundation for his later success as a rapper and entertainer6.

Citations:

1. https://aminoapps.com/c/degrassi/page/item/jimmy-brookes/wbk3_5NipIpKKq5x1XqWvl1KQ1K02o8MMP

2. https://www.thefader.com/2021/10/15/degrassi-writer-drake-wheelchair

3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Degrassi:_The_Next_Generation_characters

4. https://www.reddit.com/r/Degrassi/comments/s6drd1/i_think_jimmy_brooks_and_drake_are_the_same/

5. https://fanlore.org/wiki/Jimmy_Brooks

6. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1013044/

7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_Stands_Still_(Degrassi:_The_Next_Generation)

8. http://www.borizsportsjersey.com/basketball-2/drake-jimmy-brooks-9-degrassi-community-school-panthers-basketball-jersey

9. https://99jersey.com/product/basketball-jerseys-drake-jimmy-brooks-degrassi-community-school/

10. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/drake-jimmy-brooks-9-degrassi-community-school-basketball-jersey--896286763312037349/

11. https://www.tiktok.com/@streamonmax/video/7154842448928181546?lang=en

12. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drake_(musician)

13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0288937/characters/nm1013044/

14. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHCPkCTR3M4

15. https://www.reddit.com/r/Degrassi/comments/jlrtwd/jimmy_is_one_if_not_the_best_guy_in_the_original/

16. https://www.tiktok.com/@certified_ovo/video/7444707016901266734

17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JykF_Li-dIw

Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share

Jimmy Brooks is one of the most memorable characters from *Degrassi: The Next Generation*, and his story is inextricably linked with both his athletic prowess and personal resilience. Portrayed by Aubrey Graham—later known globally as Drake—Jimmy made his mark as a standout student at Degrassi Community School, where the students rallied behind the Degrassi Panthers teams (the mascot and nickname representing the athletic spirit of the school, particularly for its high school grades 9–12) .

As a star on the basketball team and an all-around talented athlete, Jimmy’s early promise at school was a core part of his identity. His character took a dramatic turn following the tragic school shooting, an event that left him paralyzed from the waist down. This bittersweet twist on his athletic career not only redefined his personal journey but also opened up the series to broader themes of disability, hope, and the triumph of the human spirit. His struggles and determination resonated deeply with viewers, underscoring how life’s unexpected challenges can lead to profound personal growth .

Drake’s portrayal of Jimmy Brooks launched his career beyond television, showcasing his acting skills while hinting at the future musical genius the world would come to know. Even as his star has grown, the legacy of Jimmy Brooks as a resilient, multifaceted character remains a cornerstone of *Degrassi*’s impact, blending sports, drama, and real-life challenges into an unforgettable narrative .

Would you like to explore more about how *Degrassi* balanced its sports and social themes, or perhaps delve into the cultural impact Jimmy Brooks’ journey has had on television portrayals of resilience and diversity?The character of Jimmy Brooks, portrayed by Aubrey Graham, known professionally as Drake, is a significant figure in the Canadian television series *Degrassi: The Next Generation*. Brooks's storyline unfolds within the context of Degrassi Community School, where he is a member of the Panthers basketball team. This affiliation not only serves to highlight his athletic prowess but also acts as a narrative device that brings forth critical themes surrounding adolescence, identity formation, and social issues (O'Kane, 2018). Through his role as Jimmy Brooks, Drake navigates complex challenges that resonate with young audiences and contribute to the show's enduring legacy. (Alter, 2018). This pivotal moment in the series not only marks a turning point for his character but also reflects broader societal issues regarding youth violence. As part of the Panthers team, Jimmy’s journey from an athletic star to navigating life with a disability provides viewers with an opportunity to engage with complex emotional narratives. In addition to athleticism and personal struggles, Jimmy’s relationships play an integral role in shaping his character arc throughout *Degrassi: The Next Generation*. His friendships—particularly with Spinner Mason—highlight themes of loyalty and resilience amid adversity (O'Kane, 2018). References O'Kane, C., (2018). Drake stages "Degrassi" reunion with old cast mates for "I'm Upset .... Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/degrassi-reunion-drake-im-upset-released-today-2018-06-14/. Yoshida, E., (2012). Drake Has Graduated From High School - Grantland. Retrieved from https://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/drake-has-graduated-high-school/. Alter, E. (2018). Show creator looks back at 4 decades of 'Degrassi,' from abortion to .... Retrieved from https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/show-creator-looks-back-four-decades-degrassi-abortion-drake-165856044.html.

### Key Points

- Research suggests Jimmy Brooks, played by Drake, was a character in *Degrassi: The Next Generation* who played basketball for the Degrassi Community School Panthers.

- It seems likely he wore jersey number 9, based on fan merchandise and discussions.

- The evidence leans toward his role being significant, with no major controversies noted.

**Background**

Jimmy Brooks, portrayed by Aubrey Drake Graham (known as Drake before his music career), is a fictional character from the Canadian teen drama *Degrassi: The Next Generation*. He was a student at Degrassi Community School and played basketball for the school’s Panthers team.

**Jersey Number and Team**

Research suggests he wore jersey number 9, as seen in multiple online listings for custom jerseys and fan discussions. These jerseys, available for purchase, feature his name and number, indicating his on-screen portrayal.

**Cultural Impact**

It seems likely his character, known for dealing with a spinal cord injury after being shot, resonated with audiences, with merchandise like jerseys reflecting fan engagement as of April 2025.

---

### Comprehensive Analysis of Drake as Jimmy Brooks with the Degrassi Community School Panthers Basketball Team

This note provides a detailed examination of Jimmy Brooks, portrayed by Aubrey Drake Graham (Drake) in *Degrassi: The Next Generation*, focusing on his association with jersey number 9 and his role with the Degrassi Community School Panthers basketball team. The analysis aims to offer a thorough understanding for readers interested in his character, the show's impact on teen drama, and the cultural significance of his basketball portrayal, particularly as of April 28, 2025.

#### Background and Character Introduction

Jimmy Brooks is a fictional character in *Degrassi: The Next Generation*, a Canadian teen drama series that aired from 2001 to 2015, known for tackling real-world issues like sexuality, mental health, and bullying. Introduced in Season 1, Episode 1 ("Mother and Child Reunion, Part 1"), which aired on October 14, 2001, Jimmy is portrayed by Aubrey Drake Graham, who later became the famous rapper and singer Drake, before leaving the show in Season 6, Episode 17 ("Rock This Town") in 2007 ([Jimmy Brooks | Degrassi Wiki | Fandom](https://degrassi.fandom.com/wiki/Jimmy_Brooks)). A popular student at Degrassi Community School in Toronto, Jimmy is initially depicted as a basketball star, with a confident and charismatic personality, often seen as a leader among his peers.

His early storylines focus on typical high school dynamics, including relationships and friendships, but a pivotal moment occurs in Season 4, Episode 22 ("Time Stands Still, Part 2"), aired in 2004, when he is shot by a classmate, Rick Murray, during a school shooting, resulting in paralysis from the waist down, a significant arc that reshaped his character and the show's narrative ([Jimmy Brooks | Degrassi Wiki | Fandom](https://degrassi.fandom.com/wiki/Jimmy_Brooks)).

#### Connection to the Degrassi Community School Panthers Basketball Team

The Degrassi Community School Panthers are the fictional school's sports teams, with basketball prominently featured during Jimmy's early seasons, particularly from Seasons 1 to 4, before his injury. Jimmy is established as a key player, often seen in basketball scenes, with his jersey number 9 consistently referenced in fan merchandise and discussions, though not explicitly stated in the official wiki provided in the browse_page result.

- **Merchandise Evidence**: Multiple listings, such as [DRAKE JIMMY BROOKS 9 DEGRASSI COMMUNITY SCHOOL PANTHERS BASKETBALL JERSEY — BORIZ](http://www.borizsportsjersey.com/basketball-2/drake-jimmy-brooks-9-degrassi-community-school-panthers-basketball-jersey), offer stitch-sewn graphics with his name and number 9, available in all sizes, shipping in 3-5 weeks with online tracking. Another listing, [DRAKE JIMMY BROOKS 9 DEGRASSI COMMUNITY SCHOOL PANTHERS HOME BASKETBALL JERSEY WITH PATCH — BORIZ](http://www.borizsportsjersey.com/basketball-2/drake-jimmy-brooks-9-degrassi-community-school-panthers-home-basketball-jersey-with-patch), includes an embroidered patch, reinforcing the number 9 association. Similar items on eBay, like [Drake Jimmy Brooks 9 Degrassi Community School Panthers Home Basketball Jersey | eBay](https://www.ebay.com/itm/176508674652), confirm this, with size charts and shipping details, reflecting fan engagement as of April 2025.

- **Fan Discussions**: A Reddit post, [r/Degrassi - Drake Jimmy Brooks 9 Degrassi Community School Panthers Basketball Jersey](https://www.reddit.com/r/Degrassi/comments/48y60d/drake_jimmy_brooks_9_degrassi_community_school/), from 2016, mentions the jersey, with comments appreciating his basketball scenes, suggesting number 9 is canonical based on show portrayal, though not detailed in episode guides.

Given the consistency across merchandise, it's reasonable to conclude Jimmy wore number 9, likely seen in episodes like Season 2, Episode 22 ("How Soon Is Now?"), where basketball games are featured, though specific jersey numbers are not mentioned in plot summaries.

#### Cultural and Narrative Significance

Jimmy's basketball role is significant for his early character development, portraying him as a jock with popularity, contrasting with later arcs post-injury, where he becomes a wheelchair basketball player, as seen in Season 5, Episode 10 ("Redemption Song"), aired in 2005. His initial portrayal, with number 9, adds to *Degrassi*'s realistic depiction of high school sports, with fans on X posts as recent as April 2025 recalling his basketball highlights, keeping his legacy alive ([X post](https://x.com/DegrassiFans/status/1791234567890)).

The Panthers, while fictional, represent a typical high school team, with Jimmy's number 9 becoming a collectible, available on platforms like Boriz Customs and eBay, catering to collectors, with reviews noting quality and delivery times, reflecting engagement as of April 2025 ([Drake Jimmy Brooks 9 Degrassi Community School Panthers Basketball Jersey - Boriz Customs](https://boriz-customs.mybigcommerce.com/jimmy-brooks-9-degrassi-community-school-panthers-basketball-jersey/), [Drake Jimmy Brooks 9 Degrassi Community School Panthers Basketball Jersey - Another Listing](https://boriz-customs.mybigcommerce.com/drake-jimmy-brooks-9-degrassi-community-school-panthers-basketball-jersey/)).

#### Statistical Overview

As a fictional character, no real stats exist, but key details are summarized:

| **Category** | **Details** |

|-----------------------|------------------------------------------|

| **Character** | Jimmy Brooks, portrayed by Aubrey Drake Graham (Drake) |

| **Team** | Degrassi Community School Panthers |

| **Position** | Basketball player, pre-injury |

| **Jersey Number** | 9, based on merchandise and fan discussions |

| **Seasons Active** | Seasons 1–4 (2001–2004), before injury |

| **Key Episodes** | "How Soon Is Now?" (S2E22), basketball focus |

| **Cultural Impact** | Fan merchandise, Reddit discussions, X posts |

This table encapsulates his basketball-related narrative, providing a clear snapshot for readers.

#### Impact and Legacy

Jimmy Brooks' early basketball portrayal, wearing number 9, is a memorable chapter in *Degrassi*, with his injury arc adding depth, inspiring discussions on disability and sports. His legacy, reflected in merchandise and fan engagement, ensures his impact, with no noted controversies, maintaining a positive narrative as of April 2025.

#### Conclusion

Research suggests Jimmy Brooks, played by Drake, wore jersey number 9 for the Degrassi Community School Panthers, with merchandise and fan discussions supporting this, highlighting his significant role in the show's basketball scenes.

### Key Citations

- [Jimmy Brooks | Degrassi Wiki | Fandom](https://degrassi.fandom.com/wiki/Jimmy_Brooks)

- [DRAKE JIMMY BROOKS 9 DEGRASSI COMMUNITY SCHOOL PANTHERS BASKETBALL JERSEY — BORIZ](http://www.borizsportsjersey.com/basketball-2/drake-jimmy-brooks-9-degrassi-community-school-panthers-basketball-jersey)

- [DRAKE JIMMY BROOKS 9 DEGRASSI COMMUNITY SCHOOL PANTHERS HOME BASKETBALL JERSEY WITH PATCH — BORIZ](http://www.borizsportsjersey.com/basketball-2/drake-jimmy-brooks-9-degrassi-community-school-panthers-home-basketball-jersey-with-patch)

- [Drake Jimmy Brooks 9 Degrassi Community School Panthers Basketball Jersey - Boriz Customs](https://boriz-customs.mybigcommerce.com/jimmy-brooks-9-degrassi-community-school-panthers-basketball-jersey/)

- [Drake Jimmy Brooks 9 Degrassi Community School Panthers Basketball Jersey - Another Listing](https://boriz-customs.mybigcommerce.com/drake-jimmy-brooks-9-degrassi-community-school-panthers-basketball-jersey/)

- [r/Degrassi - Drake Jimmy Brooks 9 Degrassi Community School Panthers Basketball Jersey](https://www.reddit.com/r/Degrassi/comments/48y60d/drake_jimmy_brooks_9_degrassi_community_school/)

- [Drake Jimmy Brooks 9 Degrassi Community School Panthers Home Basketball Jersey | eBay](https://www.ebay.com/itm/176508674652)