Top-10 sophomore Jalen Haralson discusses recruitment, game
It’s been quite the sophomore campaign for Top-10 sophomore and Fishers, IN native Jalen Haralson.
When Stockrisers.com saw him at his preseason high school combine, you just knew he was bound for success in his second high school season. Haralson is averaging nearly 24 points, 7.5 boards, and four assists per game.
In addition, Haralson recently nabbed a career-high of 48 points which beats his previous career-high of 43. Fishers is currently in the midst of a playoff run and Haralson, who missed three games this season with a finger injury, is ready to help take his team deep into the postseason.
The 6-foot-7 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 and 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.
Stockrisers.com had the chance to talk to Haralson about his recruitment and game, and here’s what he had to say.
Which schools are heavily involved?
“Purdue, Indiana, Gonzaga, Michigan, Michigan State, Auburn, Florida State, Iowa, Ohio State, Mizzou, and Oklahoma.”
Any new schools?
“Duke and Gonzaga are recent.”
What’s Gonzaga pitching to you and any chance you visit at some point?
“They think I will be really good in their ball-screen-heavy offense, and [they like] my ability to score and get my teammates involved. I’m hoping to get down to Spokane eventually.”
How about Duke?
“They are impressed with me and my ability to hit shots and get my teammates involved, as well as the way I play on the defensive end.”
Purdue and Indiana, both heavily in the mix, where do things stand with them?
“They are the closest schools to me, so I have visited them the most. Both schools have great traditions and are really good every year. It was really cool to see both teams play this year in intense environments.”
And a school like Auburn, thoughts on them and their pitch?
“Auburn is good every year and produces top-end talent. They want me to come down soon and see what the campus is about. Coach Pearl does a great job and he thinks very highly of me.”
Thoughts on your play this season?
“I have a completely different role than last season. It’s been fun trying to figure out how to win games and playing in front of a crowd every night. I lead the conference in points and assists, and second in rebounds.”
How can your team close out on Friday?
“If we play free and play how we play, I feel confident against any team we play against. So the same goes tomorrow night, we just have to be ready for the ups and downs and find ways to execute in a sold-out gym.”
Goals for this upcoming AAU season?
“Individually, I want to be the best guard in the country regardless of class, Playing up on 17u will be a challenge, but I did the same thing last year so I’m ready for it. My off-season will prepare me for that stage and hopefully, we can make a run in Peach Jam. I want to lead all of EYBL in assists and be Top-five in points like I was last year.”