“His personality, his instincts and his inner drive make him a true role model for high school students.In my mind, Jalen Brunson is a person of the year on and off the basketball court because his incredible characteristics that cause him to rise to the top in all occasions. His personality, his instincts and his inner drive make him a true role model for high school students. He just ""gets it"" and his ability to work well with all others is top notch. I have never been associated, coached, taught a more complete polished young man in my entire career. Jalen is truly a remarkable person that all are lucky to come in contact with. ”

Patrick Ambrose

Head Coach

Athletic Excellence

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound junior guard has led the Patriots to a 31-1 record and a berth in the Class 4A state semifinals, scheduled for March 20. A returning First Team All-State selection as named by the Chicago Tribune, Brunson averaged 25.4 points, 5.2

Academic Achievement

Brunson has maintained a weighted GPA of 3.30 in the classroom and represents one of the state's top academic candidates in meeting the Gatorade Award's broad criteria.

Exemplary Character

He has volunteered locally as a youth basketball instructor and referee.

THE INTERVIEW

G: What is your team motto?

JB: Play hard, play smart, and play together.

G: What one piece of advice do you have for freshman about being a successful high school student athlete?

JB: School is first because you can't play if your grades are messed up. Most importantly, sacrifice is the biggest key. You need to sacrifice your social life in order to be successful. Your friends will always be there, but your window of opportunity is shutting.

G: What is your favorite highlight from this year?

JB: My favorite highlight was after our sectional championship in the playoffs. Just having fun in the locker room and going to dinner after just made our team chemistry a lot stronger in a crucial time period.

G: What training habit has the most impact on your performance?

JB: Always thinking when I'm not working on my game, I imagine someone else is. That drives to have a better work ethic than my opponents.

G: What have you learned from your coach that you will never forget?

JB: That relationships are everything because if your coach trusts you with the ball in your hand, then he trusts you with everything.