Top-15 junior Jalen Montonati discusses his recruitment and game
What a year it has been for Oklahoma’s top-rated basketball recruit, 6-foot-7 dynamo prospect Jalen Montonati.
Momentum was on the way for him Last September when he won a gold medal with USA’s U16 squad, just the beginning of Oklahoma’s 2023-24 Gatorade Player of The Year.
Just months after winning gold last year with Team USA, Montonati was raising a state championship trophy, the first ever for his beloved Owasso squad. It was a heck of a sophomore campaign for Montonati, averaging 23.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
He’s excelled as one of the nation’s top scorers, and a 34-point outing in the state title game capped off an exciting five-month span for the 6-foot-7, 180-pound five-star recruit. So, within that span, he got a U16 gold medal with the USA and his high school's first-ever state title.
That’s got to be a heck of a feeling for Montonati, right?
“It’s been crazy; sometimes, I get lost in all of it because I get so busy. But since my summer has come to an end, I’ve taken time to reflect on what I’ve accomplished, and it’s all a blessing and a product of my hard work. I’m extremely blessed and will always continue to put in the work.”
You talk about a premier prospect who can continue to ascend the rankings but also become one of the nation’s top-rated prospects regardless of class.
Montonati also had a very efficient summer on the floor for Mokan Elite, which showed at Peach Jam. He nearly averaged 17.5 points per contest and was among the top 10 in offensive efficiency for all U16 players on the circuit.
In 106 attempts, he shot 40% from three and over 50% from the field, two unreal shooting splits. His 6-foot-7 length, efficiency, and ability to score on all levels make him a difficult wing to guard.
After a crazy ride for Montonati over the last ten months, he drew plenty of attention from college coaches. His recruitment has been very busy, and he discussed that, along with his game and development, with Stockrisers.com.
Which schools are heavily involved?
“Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Kansas State, Kansas, Arkansas, Indiana, USC, Baylor, and Creighton.”
Did any new schools enter the mix?
“No, not as of right now.”
What are your thoughts on Oklahoma, and what is the staff pitching to you?
“It’s a good culture; Coach Moser came from winning at Loyola Chicago, so he has tried to bring that over to OU, and from the practice I’ve attended, it’s very detailed and competitive.”
And how about Oklahoma State? There are new staff, but do you know the school's culture? Do you have thoughts on it?
“I’m looking forward to what Coach Lutz can do at OSU. He and I have already built a pretty good relationship, and he’s had great coaching experience being an assistant and a head coach and making the tournament last year with Western Kentucky.”
And how about Arkansas? Calipari made the move to be the coach. Do you have thoughts on them?
“Coach Cal has succeeded in getting guys to the league and building a winning culture at Kentucky. I’m sure nothing will change at Arkansas, so I look forward to continuing to build a relationship with him and the rest of the coaching staff.”
And regarding visits, do you have anything planned, and/or are any coaches coming in to see you?
“USC, Arkansas, Illinois, Notre Dame, and Creighton are all coming in soon. And regarding visits, I’m setting up a visit to Nebraska.”
How would you break down your game?
“A three-level scorer and a high volume shooter can guard 1-4 and brings a winning culture to any team.”
And what areas of your game will you improve in your junior year?
“Getting stronger, more athletic, and better with the ball in my hands.”
It’s cliche, but who do you model your game after?
“Jayson Tatum.”
You met him this summer at his elite camp. Did he give you any advice?
”Yeah, he just advised me on things I could do in isolation situations.”
And lastly, what are your goals this upcoming season?
“To go undefeated in Oklahoma and win another State Championship while competing at a high level in the national tournaments we play in.”