Top-10 sophomore Jalen Haralson talks recruitment and game

Fishers High School in Indiana was amongst the first high schools I’ve seen host their very own college combine. The combine consisted of both NBA testing and college-level drills with coaches in attendance, it was a very impressive event.

The headliner on the Fishers roster is none other than Top-10 sophomore Jalen Haralson. Don’t get it twisted though, this Fisher's squad goes beyond Haralson and is going to compete at a high level all season long.

Back to Haralson. The 6-foot-5 sophomore is going to be a consensus Top-10 recruit and is one of the best athletes in the entire class. He’s more than an athlete though. Haralson can defend and play multiple positions, run the floor, his handle continues to get more fluid, and he’s also a legit shooting threat.

Haralson’s emergence really began last year when he earned his first division one scholarship offer at the age of 14. He’s just scratching the surface and is continuing to establish his spot as one of the best sophomores in the entire country. 

He also earned a recent invite to USA Basketball Camp.

The recruitment of the Indiana native is just a reflection of how hard he’s worked and competed at a high level. At the combine, he had Ohio State two-deep including Chris Holtmann, Auburn’s Steven Pearl was the first coach in the gym, then a handful of others. In addition, he recently completed a visit to Michigan State.

I fully expect a huge year out of Haralson, who caught up with Stockrisers.com after the Fishers College Combine.

Which schools are heavily involved early?

“Schools that are heavily involved are Indiana, Purdue, Auburn, Ohio State, Michigan State, Michigan, Oklahoma, Maryland, Mizzou, and others.”

Any new schools that have entered the mix?

“Gonzaga has been reaching out a lot lately, just trying to build relationships and getting to know their staff. Duke reached out last week also trying to build relationships with the new staff.”

Michigan State, thoughts on them and your visit?

“Seeing behind the scenes and how they operate was really cool. Coach Izzo has been at this for a long time and he is very impressed with my game and how high my IQ is at 15 years old.”

Same for Ohio State?

“Ohio state culture and city is crazy. It’s really dope knowing that I’m a top priority for them as an out-of-state kid that doesn’t really happen often. Coach Holtmann and Coach Owens are both elite coaches with a lot of head coaching experience. I really felt loved being in Columbus for my visit.”

Indiana?

“Being from Indiana, it’s really nice having a program like that up the street. I really like how Coach Woodson is all about winning and getting guys to the NBA. Indiana culture is crazy and the history is something that you have to see in person.”

You took multiple visits, right?

“The visits have been going good so far. I took two the first day it was allowed to Indiana and Purdue, also recently Michigan State and Ohio State. It was crazy seeing those types of programs in person.”

Breakdown your game.

“I am a big guard who can score at the will. I think my biggest strength is my IQ and my ability to read different situations that defenses throw at me. I can stroke the ball and keep improving at it. I am also a high-level defender that loves to take the best matchup.”

Sophomore season goals?

“My biggest goal is to win a State title with my team, but first of all win a sectional. My biggest individual goal is to win GPOY as a sophomore, that would make history here and I feel like I could do that. Also, Hitting 1,000 points is something that’s a goal at hand for me.”