Recruiting Report: Jalen Rucker (2019)
Gilman has a future star with its 5-foot-9 point guard Jalen Rucker.
He finished his season being moved up to play with the varsity last winter, and now he’s running with one of the state’s best grassroots programs, Team Melo.
Still just a freshman, Rucker has yet to see any recruitment come his way, but is hoping he can start to get some looks soon.
“Hopefully I can pick up some college interest, I haven’t seen anything yet. I’m just working on my game everyday, just trying to get better, but it is something that’s in the back of my mind,” he said.
“The main goal is obviously winning the games and playing to the best of my ability. But I know I’m also playing for a scholarship too.”
He went on to define his playing style to PHM.
“I think my strength as a player is getting my teammates involved and setting them up for easy shots. One thing I do best is passing the ball, and also running the team. Also playing defense and being vocal,” said Rucker.
“Something I do very well is my ball-handling, my shooting, and my vision in transition. One thing I need to work on is my defense, and not getting beat off the dribble and staying in front of people.”
After starting last season with Gilman’s JV, Rucker was moved up to play with the varsity by the end of the season.
“The move was definitely a learning experience, playing against older guys. It was great for me, I had a pretty good coaching staff and pretty good players around me,” said Rucker.
Now playing with Team Melo’s 15U group, Rucker is the team’s facilitator, and their goal is to get to the biggest stage possible in July.
“In high school – especially on my JV team – I was asked more to score, and with Team Melo they need me to just get everybody else involved and make sure everybody is in the right spots,” said Rucker.
“Hopefully we can get to the Peach Jam in July, and play on that big stage.”