An All-Conference basketball player at Utah University, Jerry Chambers helped them reach the 1966 NCAA Final Four before losing 85-78 to Texas El Paso (Texas Western). Voted to the West Squad of the 1966 College All-Star Game he was one of the best regarded collegiate players in the mid-1960s.

Although Jerry Chambers was the seventh pick of the 1966 NBA draft (by LA Lakers) he played just one season there, compiling a 7.5 points per game average. He played his last NBA season with the Buffalo Braves, 1971-72, averaging 6.8 ppg in 26 games. He then signed with the ABA, San Diego in 1972-73, and with San Antonio, 1973-74.