Getting To Know Jalen Rucker (2019)
2019 Gilman point guard Jalen Rucker had an impressive junior campaign that included a handful of explosive scoring performances. The 5-foot-11 floor general is the leader both on and off the court for the up and coming Hounds. As he prepares to play a big role for Team Melo 17U EYBL squad, we caught up with him and threw a bunch of random questions his way (rapid fire style) to find out more about him.
PH: Describe your junior season both as a team and individually.
JR: Well as a team, we had a new coach that set the tone right away. Coach Bartz had us working out at 5am in the fall. I think as a team we’re just working on getting a new identity as being a hardworking, scrappy team. My season was good, we made it to the independent school championship, but unfortunately came up short in that. I averaged 23 points, five assists, five rebounds and two steals.
PH: What are some aspects of your game that you’re looking to improve on throughout this spring/summer?
JR: Just improve on being more vocal and being a better a leader. And now I’m playing with high-level players, so just improving my play making and passing.
PH: What NBA player do you model your game after the most?
JR: Probably Kyrie Irving. Just because his lay ups and the way he can finish around the basket and his mentality as a point guard.
PH: Who’s your favorite NBA Team?
JR: Uh, the Celtics. And yes, I’m hurt. (referring to the recent news of Kyrie Irving being ruled out the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery) I’m very hurt. I say we’re a second-round exit still in the playoffs, though.
PH: Who’s going to win the NBA Finals and why?
JR: The Warriors just because they’re too deep.
PH: No love for the Houston Rockets?
JR: I got no love for Houston.
PH: What’s your favorite food?
JR: Pizza.
PH: Who’s your favorite artist?
JR: Drake.
PH: Any pregame rituals or superstitions that you do before every game?
JR: I have a playlist that I listen to before every game I play, but nothing too serious.
PH: What’s the last song you have t0 listen to before you play?
JR: Leading scorer by 600breezy
S/O @s_frames 🔥🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/f2vIWjvFtb
— Jalen Rucker (@jalenruckerr) January 1, 2018