Maldonado had a productive outing at the Governors Challenge. I had the chance to see him play against Archbishop Wood (PA) a game where he chipped in 16 points and had two three pointers. He also made the most of his chances at the foul line. I want to see him improve on his efficiency.

Delivering a standout scoring performance for Elizabeth against St. Benedict’s Saturday night, Jalen Maldonado Jalen Maldonado 6'2" | CG Elizabeth | 2026 State NJ exhibited not only his strong shot making ability but also how he’s often times able to let his dangerous shooting ability from three point range open up additional offense for himself. Maldonado got into a nice rhythm knocking down open looks off the catch as a spot up shooter and hitting tough pull ups off the bounce in the in between area with solid touch. Maldonado also flashed his finishing ability around the basket with a number of strong and powerful drives, using his body to bump defenders and finish through contact.

A strong and powerfully built two guard who thrives at playing through physicality, Jalen Maldonado Jalen Maldonado 6'2" | CG Elizabeth | 2026 State NJ excelled at using his physical frame to create space for himself offensively. Maldonado did a good job of using his body to bump defenders and create separation in order to get his shot off, particularly on a number of mid range pull ups. An exceptional threat from three point range, Maldonado got into a nice rhythm from the perimeter, knocking down open shots off the catch at a pretty efficient clip. Maldonado also made a number of plays on the defensive end, evading the space of opposing ball handlers and playing the passing lanes with good anticipation to often times turn defense into offense.

A strong bodied guard with a physical frame, Jalen Maldonado Jalen Maldonado 6'2" | CG Elizabeth | 2026 State NJ excelled at letting the gravity he attracts as a perimeter shooter to open up driving lanes for him to attack the basket, ultimately generating ample trips to the free throw line. Maldonado also had a handful of strong finishes in transition. Although most of his offense came at the rim, Maldonado did also flash his smooth three point shooting ability knocking down a few outside shots.

A welcoming addition to the Jersey Force ‘s 17U group, Jalen Maldonado Jalen Maldonado 6'2" | CG Elizabeth | 2026 State NJ enjoyed strong July live periods that saw him showcase more of his offensive skillset outside of his ability to be a dangerous shooter from the perimeter. In combination with his ability to shoot the three ball at a high clip, Maldonado showcased his ability to be a strong downhill driver when defenses ran him off the three point line and finish in the paint with strength and touch around the rim.

Maldonado has continued to see his recruitment pick up a little bit of steam, racking in a handful of Division II offers.

Jalen Maldonado Jalen Maldonado 6'2" | CG Elizabeth | 2026 State NJ continued his impressive play from the first scholastic live period into last weekend’s second session with his new team. Last weekend saw Maldonado showcase a more diverse of a skillset offensively, generating a ton of rim pressure and demonstrating his ability to finish both with strength and craftiness around the rim. Maldonado has a frame that’s ready for the collegiate level and he showcased that in the way he was able to play through contact throughout the course of last weekend’s action.

Maldonado picked up offers from the likes of Jefferson, D’Youville, and Georgian Court last weekend after a strong showing at Philly Live II.

Sunday afternoon’s action saw Jalen Maldonado Jalen Maldonado 6'2" | CG Elizabeth | 2026 State NJ really put pressure on the rim and demonstrate his ability to attack off the bounce and finish in different ways around the basket. Whether it was in transition or attacking closeouts in the halfcourt, Maldonado was aggressive in getting downhill and using his wide and strong frame to finish through contact and with a little bit of craftiness in traffic around the basket.

Another big time perimeter shot maker for Elizabeth’s backcourt, Jalen Maldonado Jalen Maldonado 6'2" | CG Elizabeth | 2026 State NJ displayed his ability to be a lethal threat from three point range. Maldonado also displayed his ability to create offense off the bounce and score it at different levels, breaking his defender down and getting to the rim. Maldonado showed he’s capable of effecting the game on the offensive end of the floor with and without the ball.

Maldonado is utility guard who can play on or off the basketball. He has filled his body out and uses his blend of size and strength to bulldoze his way to the bucket. He did a good job finding ways to get into passing lanes to come up with steals which lead to offensive possessions for his team. Malodando showed flashes of hitting shots off the ball from behind the arc. He is a prospect who should garner attention from the division two level.

Maldonado is a physical guard known for his tenacity on defense, often locking down opposing players with his intense on-ball pressure. His defensive prowess is matched by his smooth shooting ability, making him a dual threat on the court. Whether catching and shooting or creating his own shot off the dribble, Maldonado consistently demonstrates excellent shooting mechanics and accuracy.