Prospect Spotlight: Jamal Mashburn Jr. (2020)
Being a legacy can be both a gift and a curse.
On one hand, there is the likelihood that genetics will surely work on your favor. On the other hand, you will be constantly held to loftier expectations than most strictly off your bloodline alone. Whether fair or unfair, the inevitable comparisons and mentions will always be there.
For Jamal Mashburn Jr., of Miami’s Gulliver Prep, being the son of one of the most memorable Miami Heat forwards during the Pat Riley-coached and Tim Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning Jr. has enabled him to create his own path (while fending off any comparisons).
While 6-foot and 160 pounds (much smaller than his 6-foot-8, 240-pound father), Mashburn Jr. has entirely different and unique attributes that sets his game apart.
With considerable rise on his jumper, Mashburn Jr. has one of the most effective mid-range games in Miami and beyond. The way he’s able to get up off the ground on pull-up jumpers gives him a major upper hand on the defender.
The smooth, well-built Mashburn Jr. has innate scoring ability with his high release point and advanced IQ. In addition, he’s got the skill-set to create for his teammates and whiz passes to the astonishingly open man after drawing in the defender.
Known for his monstrous workload, Mashburn’s work ethic on the court mirrors his commitment in the classroom.
He currently holds a 3.7 GPA, with a stockpile of advanced level classes this semester. While traditional high-major programs such as Louisville, Florida, and Miami have all plunked down a scholarship offer for Mashburn Jr., the sophomore has made it clear his objective is to attend Harvard.
The Crimson have given Mashburn Jr. and Gulliver their word and will be in to see the heady combination guard. He’s got the potential to be a first team All-Ivy player, should he pass up on the bigger and higher level programs willing to invest four years into him.
Mashburn made a statement during the Hoophall Showcase at American Airlines arena, scoring 23 points against arguably one of the top-10 best teams in the country in University School of Fort Lauderdale. Following a freshman year in which he averaged 24 points en route to an All-State nod, expect much of the same.
Mashburn’s focus goes deeper. He has witnessed his father’s money management acumen, as Mashburn Sr. tucked away a considerable amount of his NBA money and took over multiple businesses. Mashburn Jr. has already vowed to do the same.