Recruiting Report: Jalen Paul (2017)
2017 Jalen Paul has had a smooth transition at the start of this high school season from being the star on the Regional Championship FW Canterbury team to being the start point guard for his dad and Churubusco this season.…
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Continue Reading2017 Jalen Paul has had a smooth transition at the start of this high school season from being the star on the Regional Championship FW Canterbury team to being the start point guard for his dad and Churubusco this season. Jalen played three seasons at FW Canterbury before transferring to Churubusco to play for his dad for his senior season.
Jalen played this past summer with Spiece Indy Heat 2017 Red and it really helped him develop his game at a high level. Paul has always been able to get to his spots and knock down the shot or dish to the open man, but this summer made him do it a little quicker and stronger than he had in the past.
“We got off to a slow start at the beginning of the year but a lot of that had to do with learning how to play together.” Moving from playing in a system for three years to a new system and new group takes some time to come together but Paul did everything he could to get acquainted to the school and guys before the season started.
“I think the biggest thing I’ve tried to do is become one of them.” Jalen really did everything he could before the season started to make his teammates feel comfortable around him and for himself to feel comfortable around them.
Jalen’s transition was made a little bit easier with having his dad as the varsity head coach. “I think having my dad as the coach has helped a little because he was a sense of stability for me when I was trying to figure everything out.” Jalen and his dad have always had a tight bond and basketball has been a central point of that.
Jalen was on track to break the scoring record, assist record, and maybe a few others before he left Canterbury but now without the burden of the records he has really been able to focus on developing his game and winning.
Paul is one of the few guys on Churubusco’s varsity team who has experience at the championship level. “People look at me and see two sectional and a regional championship and it gives them confidence that it can be done at Churubusco.”
He is a weapon at the point guard position with his ability to score and distribute effectively. He is great with the 15-foot mid-range pull up shot off the bounce and has some range to stretch the defense. He is quick with his first step and gets to his spots on the floor where he can be the most effective for the team.
“Our main team goal is definitely to win the school’s first basketball sectional championship.” Paul believes that this team has it in them and he brings that added experience that will help them when they get to the post-season. Not only does Paul bring experience, he is also averaging 23 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals per game.
Jalen has really been getting the exposure and coverage that his play has been deserving. Paul can go play at Wabash College, Ohio Northern University, Trine University, Marietta College, Adrian College, or the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Paul has also been in talks with Indiana Tech and some of the teams in the Crossroads.
Jalen is looking for a program that combines both strong athletics and strong academics. “I want my future school to be completely devoted to both and to have a strong sense of community and pride.” Paul likes the big game atmosphere and enjoys playing for people who care about the program and want to win.
His biggest strengths on the floor include his pull-up jumper and his court vision. “I take a lot of pride in not just being a scorer. I think it’s very important that I do both.”
If Jalen can continue to produce at a high rate and keep the team on the track that they are on now (winning 5 out of their last 6 games), he will continue to see interest and offers coming his way.
Keep an eye out for Jalen Paul and Churubusco to make a little noise this season especially as the post-season approaches. Paul is a solid player with a great motor and passion for the game.