Recruiting Report: Javonte Brown (2020)
Javonte Brown is a new name to the Baltimore area. The 6-foot-10 Canadian native transferred from his home country to play for Mt. St. Joseph’s and fill a major void left behind by Jalen Smith. With the addition of Brown, it puts the Gaels back into the championship conversation. He still has a ways to go with his development, but his length and presence in the paint is something they would’ve severely lacked.
I caught up with Brown after a decent showing in a scrimmage against DeMatha on Tuesday.
PH: Tell me a little about yourself and how your AAU season went this past spring/summer?
JB: I’m from Toronto, Canada, so the same place that Drake is from (laughs). I played with Canada Elite on the UAA Circuit. It was really fun. I played up two ages, so I played 17U. I played with and against really good players.
PH: Where in your game do you feel like you improved the most from that time?
JB: AAU really helped me improve on my motor and my physicality. I used to feel really weak, but now I’m just bigger and stronger, so it helps me with getting offensive rebounds and stuff like that.
PH: What about your high school season? Where did you go?
JB: I went to Thornlea Secondary School in Toronto where I played with guys like Cashius McNeilly and Keeshawn Barthelemy.
PH: In your first scrimmage you get thrown into the fire against a top team in the country. You were matched up against one of the best bigs in the country in Hunter Dickinson. How’d that go for you?
JB: Before the game, coach told me a lot about Hunter and how he had good games against Jalen last year. I just had to prepare myself for him and in my opinion, I think I did a pretty good job.
PH: Last year when the season ended, there was an obvious void that was left by Jalen. What has coach told you about your role and what he expects of you this season?
JB: He expects me to be consistent. I obviously will have to rebound and score whenever I catch the ball in the paint, but really just do whatever I need to to help my team win. Hopefully I can bring a championship here like Jalen did.
PH: Have you noticed a difference between the playing style in comparison to the Canadian game?
JB: Definitely. The players here are way more physical. Also, the game is a lot faster here. Everyone is athletic and can run, dribble and shoot.
PH: How’s school going for you so far?
JB: School is going really well. I made second honors yesterday and have a 3.7 GPA.
PH: Who are some player that you find yourself watching and dissecting their game to help build your own?
JB: I watch Jalen Smith, Nikola Jokic and sometimes I’ll watch Anthony Davis.
PH: How is your recruitment going?
JB: I currently have offers from Maryland and Tulane and I’m hearing from Virginia Tech?
PH: Do you have a priority list when it comes to your college decision?
JB: I’m looking for a program that can really develop me. I’m looking for a good school system. Academics are really important to me.