Recruiting Report: Jalen Rucker (2019)
From day 1, basketball has been in Jalen Rucker‘s blood. His father, Jerard Rucker, has coached the likes of Carmelo Anthony, Donte Greene, and Malcolm Delaney to name just a few. Rucker recalls playing the game for the first time around age five or six.
“I’d say pass first, but I’m turning into more of a scoring guard.”
Rucker, who is finishing up his sophomore campaign at Gilman, is off to a tremendous start for 16U Team Melo this spring. The tough lead guard has worked hard to become a consistent perimeter shooter, and the results are very evident.
“My jumper is the most improved part of my game,” Rucker stated. “I need to work on my defense, and just being ready to shoot at all times.”
Despite his relatively small stature, Rucker is a very crafty and creative finisher at the rim. He’s very skilled, and can create plenty of room for his shot off the bounce.
“I just finished up my unofficial visit to the University of Pennsylvania,” said Rucker, a 3.3 student.
While he is still early in the recruitment process, we expect Rucker to see it trend up next month when college coaches are officially allowed to contact 2019 recruits. What does Rucker think he can bring to a college program?
“Good decision making. Be able to make shots, and run a team.”