Jalen Brunson to Sportando: I dream of NBA but Italy is in my mind too

The MVP and gold medalist with USA of FIBA U19 World Championship held in Greece, Jalen Brunson, spoke with Sportando about the NBA dream and the possibility of a career overseas.

The 18-year-old American guard was the leader of the US team in the way to the world title with 14 ppg (61.8% 2pts, 44% 3pts, 85.2% ft), 5.6 apg, 3.3 rpg and 2.1 stpg.

His father, Rick Brunson, had a career in the NBA with Portland Trail Blazers, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers, Seattle Super Sonics and Houston Rockets, but played also in Europe, for Italian Progresso Castelmaggiore and in Australia (Adelaide 36ers).

Jalen supports Chicago Bulls and admires a lot Derrick Rose, but he doesn’t exclude one day to play either in Italy or Australia, following the steps of his father.

Before that, he will attend the college of Villanova, with which he has high ambitions.

First of all, congratulations for the title in the World Championship with USA and the award of MVP. Did you feel as the leader of the team?

“Thank you. In a certain aspect, yes. There was leadership needed at certain times and I had to step up to the plate to put my teammates in the right positions to get the job done”.

Your career says that in a few years you will play in the NBA. However, if you had the chance to play in Europe, do you know which country's championship or team would you choose?

“I would probably say Italy comes to mind first. My Dad played in Italy and I was there when I was younger. Or Australia, where my Dad also played. Those two probably stand out as overseas spots – something that could allow me to follow in his footsteps”.

Your style of play could be compared to many known NBA players during the years. From which guards have you been influenced and inspired the most?

“There are a lot of NBA guards I watch. I would probably say Chris Paul first. He’s not always the most athletic player but he finds ways to win. He’s doing the little things to help his team win”.

Admiring which teams and players you grew up as a person and a basketball player?

“I admired my Dad (Rick Brunson) for sure. Everyone admires their Dad, even people who don’t play a sport. In terms of other players I would say Steve Nash. Right now my favorite team is the Chicago Bulls. I admire Derrick Rose but my game is not like Derrick Rose. Nobody plays like Derrick Rose”.

Although 18 years old you have already received many awards and honors. Are you able to handle all this success that has happened to you so early so as not to disorientate from your big goals and dreams, which everyone understands that are in the NBA?

“I think I’ve handled success pretty well. My family is levelheaded and they help me stay levelheaded. My high school coach did that as well. The only thing I worry about is just trying to get better every day”.

What are your team and individual goals with Villanova the next years that you will play there?

“On the team side – and this is pretty big as a freshman – you want to try to win a national championship. This is a team that was a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament so we have a team that has experienced a lot of success. We have a lot of the guys back and I’m hoping that I can help us get to where we want to go”.

You will play in Villanova the next few years. Would you say that it is difficult for you to wait for so long to play in the NBA? Do you feel anxious to come the time that you will be selected to the draft?

“I think most players look forward to one day being in the NBA. It’s every college basketball player’s dream. But I don’t get anxious about it. I was around it with my Dad so I know the kind of hard work it takes to get there. With the people that support me and the people that are going to push me, I hope to get there some day”.

Have you ever seen in your dream or dreamed of awakened that you won the NBA title and you were the MVP of the league as many young boys that play basketball do?

“I have definitely dreamed of winning an NBA championship. When you watch the Finals, you see the reaction of people who win it for the first time. Those players are in love with that moment and I would like one of those moments. I believe that if I keep working hard, listen to my coaches and teammates, it could happen. But I know the first step is to get better each day and I’m excited to do that at Villanova”.

Interview via Maria Karvouni