Where did Jalen Brunson Play in College?

By Edcel Panganiban December 23, 2023 07:08

Jalen Brunson is a professional basketball player who currently plays for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. Before entering the NBA, Brunson had a successful college basketball career. In this article, we will explore where Jalen Brunson played in college and his accomplishments during his time there.

Early Life and High School Career

Jalen Brunson was born on August 31, 1996, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He grew up in a basketball family, as his father, Rick Brunson, played in the NBA and later became an assistant coach. Jalen attended Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois, where he quickly made a name for himself as an exceptional basketball player.

During his high school career, Brunson led the Stevenson Patriots to back-to-back Illinois Class 4A state championships in 2014 and 2015. He was named Illinois Mr. Basketball in 2015, an honor given to the top high school basketball player in the state. Brunson was also recognized as a McDonald's All-American and participated in the McDonald's All-American Game.

College Career at Villanova University

After graduating from high school, Jalen Brunson committed to play college basketball at Villanova University. Under the coaching of Jay Wright, Villanova had become a powerhouse in college basketball, and Brunson was eager to be a part of their success.

During his freshman year in the 2015-2016 season, Brunson played a key role as a backup point guard for the Villanova Wildcats. He averaged 9.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game and helped the team reach the NCAA Tournament. Villanova had a successful season and eventually won the NCAA Championship, with Brunson contributing significantly to their success.

In his sophomore year, Brunson became the starting point guard for the Wildcats. He displayed tremendous growth and improvement, averaging 14.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Brunson's leadership and skill set were instrumental in guiding Villanova to another NCAA Championship, solidifying their status as one of the best teams in college basketball.

In his junior year, Brunson continued to shine. He averaged 18.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, earning numerous accolades and recognition. Brunson was named the Big East Player of the Year and received the prestigious Bob Cousy Award, given to the top point guard in the nation. Once again, he played a crucial role in leading Villanova to the NCAA Championship, becoming one of the most decorated players in the school's history.

NBA Career

After an outstanding junior year, Jalen Brunson declared for the 2018 NBA Draft. He was selected by the Dallas Mavericks with the 33rd overall pick. Brunson joined a talented Mavericks team led by young star Luka Dončić and veteran Dirk Nowitzki.

In his rookie season, Brunson proved to be a valuable asset off the bench for the Mavericks. He showcased his scoring ability and playmaking skills, averaging 9.3 points and 3.2 assists per game. Brunson's contributions were recognized, as he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

Brunson has continued to develop as a player in the NBA and has become an important part of the Mavericks' roster. His ability to run the offense, make smart decisions, and knock down shots has made him a reliable player for the team.

Jalen Brunson played college basketball at Villanova University, where he had a remarkable career. He helped lead the Villanova Wildcats to two NCAA Championships and received numerous awards and accolades for his performances. Since entering the NBA, Brunson has continued to showcase his skills and has become an integral part of the Dallas Mavericks' roster. With his talent and dedication, it is clear that Jalen Brunson's success in college has translated well to the professional level.