Prospect Spotlight: Jalen Flanagan (2018)
2018 El Camino G Jalen Flanagan said he’s been working hard to be a versatile prospect on both ends of the court.
The results were apparent this weekend, as Flanagan played a starring role in Coastal Elite’s strong performance at the Double Pump Summer Tip-Off.
Flanagan, a 6-3 combo guard, showed off an improved jump shot and scored off the dribble with either hand.
Defensively, he used his lateral quickness and active hands to bottle up perimeter opponents.
But perhaps where Flanagan has grown the most is in the area of effort. He’s consistently playing harder while on the court, taking fewer plays off on defense, and crashing the class for the undersized Coastal Elite team.
“I’ve been playing pretty well I think, I’ve been shooting the ball pretty good and getting to the basket,” Flanagan said. “I wasn’t too good at shooting the three ball, but I’ve been getting in the gym and shooting that three, pull-up and mid range.”
Flanagan also noted that he’s improving as a passer, and he’s trying to show coaches he is capable of playing both guard positions at the next level.
“It’s really important that I can show coaches I’m capable of playing the 1 and the 2,” he said.
In order to do that, Flanagan said he must improve defending smaller, quicker guards.
“That’s been my main focus,” Flanagan said. “If I want to play at the next level, I’ll be playing the one or the two, and I’ve been working on my defense.”
Flanagan claims interest from several Division 2 schools, including Western State Colorado University. San Jose State also recently reached out, he said.
“My goals for July are to work hard, and hopefully if something comes along, just keep working,” he said.