Recruiting Report 2019: Jamel Melvin
Jamel Melvin, 6’9″, F, 2019. DeMatha HS Hyattsville, MD.
Grassroots Team: Team BBC 16 & U:
Photo by Patrick R. Kane of DMVPIX
Just recently Jamel was measured a little over 6’8″ in bare feet and could grow a few more inches like his brother, 6’10” Jalen Melvin who is poised to have nice sophomore season at West Virginia Wesleyan College. We have seen Jamel last year where he played on the varsity as sophomore and this summer at the DeMatha BSN Summer league in addition to some workouts. His improvement is very noticeable in his physique and skillet. Jamel is a very versatile forward who can guard multiple positions and runs the floor very well. Jamel adds,”I have improved as a ball-handler and I have solid mid range game. I can step out and hit a 3 and I have the green light if I feel my feet are set with my legs underneath me and it is good shot within our offense.”
Jamel is really coming on strong as a basketball player, and says”I have gained 20 pounds of lean muscle and I am only 5 pounds below his target weight of 190 that Coach Jones DeMatha HC) wants me at this season.” Jamel has worked very hard this off season to gain strength, conditioning and flexibility. He adds'” From DeMatha Coach Cromer and Coach Jones work with me on my basketball skills who have helped me tremendously. Coach Tobe has done a great job on helping me gain strength and muscle. Additionally, I work Coach Evan Ellison on explosiveness, overall strength and some skill development. All of these great Coaches have made me into a much more confident , better and more skilled player.”This summer we have Jamel battle inside on both sides of the glass hard and score thru contact on the offensive end. This will be a big year for Jamel who has great upside and we think he will be a D1 prospect.
We talked with Jamel’s very nice father Corwin Melvin recently, who added, “As Jamel is getting stronger he is becoming more aggressive and confident.” At times Mr. Melvin is the Huber driver without a fare meter for Jamel and says,” We have a very close knit family and I am proud of mys sons in the classroom in addition to on & off the court.”
In the classroom Jamel is an excellent student and carries a 3.3 GPA, but says, “At this time my college major is undecided, but my brother is majoring in Business at WVWC.”
Jamel is a very hard worker and we have seen him grow in more ways than one, but strongly believe he will keep getting closer to his great upside. He is already an excellent prospect and we will be at the DeMatha BSN Summer league thru the July 3 finals. During the season we will cover DeMatha and the WCAC in great detail, stay tuned.