Jalen Ware “In My Own Words”
Back in 2018, we got a chance to watch Jalen Ware at our NC Phenom 150 camp. In our camp evaluation, we stated the following. “He’s a long, wiry forward prospect with the ability to do various thing on the court. Offensively, Ware has a nice all-around scorer with the ability to shoot from the perimeter or attack the rim and finish with contact.” In speaking with Hargrave Head Coach Thomas Messinger, he stated, “Jalen would be an asset to any program, at any level. He worked tirelessly all year for us and improved both his skillset and his body by leaps and bounds. He is a legit 6’7″ with a 6’9″ wingspan and has perimeter skills. Jalen shot 52% from the floor and 39% from 3-point this year, while sprinkling in some highlight reel dunks and blocks to boot. He played anywhere from the 2-4 for us and can guard all of those positions defensively. He was beloved by his teammates and positively impacted the culture at Hargrave daily.”
Why the accolades for Jalen Ware has been numerous. We were most impressed to receive an email from him. That email really touched me and left a big time impression and thought I would share his journey. It’s a great story and one filled with hard work and a relentless passion for the game.
My name is Jalen Ware. I am a 6’ 7” Athletic Wing. I am not a household name YET, but I will be. My story is unlike most players you come across. My time playing organized basketball has not been as long as most. I began my basketball career as a junior on the junior varsity team at East Forsyth High School in Kernersville, North Carolina. Now that may not sound like a major feat, but it actually is.
I was a player no one knew about. I was born in Seoul, South Korea and raised in Okinawa, Japan for the majority of my life. I moved to Winston-Salem at the end of my sophomore year because my grandfather passed unexpectedly. My grandmother had Multiple Sclerosis and other underlying health issues. Because my grandfather was her primary caregiver, my dad had to move from Okinawa to become her caretaker. After much prayer and discussion with my parents, I made the tough decision to leave my mom and four siblings to help my dad.
Like most, I did not have the opportunity to make a name for myself as a result. Coaches stateside felt they were taking a chance on a player who had no following. But the lack of support did not affect my attitude. I knew God had a higher calling and purpose for my life.
My senior year I transferred to Walkertown High School. Coach Kevin Thompson gave me the opportunity to play for him. During my time there, Coach Thompson and Jalen Cone took me under their wings. Their mentorship led me to be selected to the Western Piedmont Triad 2-A All-Conference Team and to also be chosen as the Most Valuable Player of the Triad All-Star Classic.
As my senior year ended, I had two offers from D-1 basketball programs. Although I was extremely grateful, I knew I still had things I needed to improve on. Several coaches even recommended I attend prep school. My parents and I decided Hargrave Military Academy (HMA) was the best option for me.
That was one of the best decisions I ever made. I was finally able to play my natural position and my overall game improved exponentially. I have much to offer a college program. Below is a list of what I can contribute and what I do exceptionally well:
1. I take pride in being a student-athlete. I am already a Division 1 qualifier.
2. I can consistently make shots from the 3-point line and mid-range.
3. I can finish at the rim with both hands.
4. I can use both hands. However, my strongest hand is my left, I am left hand dominant.
5. I can guard multiple positions.
6. My work ethic is extraordinary. I was the first one in the gym, the last one to leave. Any free time I had I was working on those things my coaches said I needed to improve on.
7. At my height I can handle the ball well.
8. I was and still am a hard worker in the weight room. I was told I needed to gain weight. When I started at HMA, I was 160 lbs. I now weigh 185 lbs.
9. I am a team player. A team is only as good as its weakest link. I have no problem sharing the ball. The ultimate goal is to win ball games.
10. I have great court vision.
After my initial workout at HMA, Assistant Coach Ryan King tweeted, “They slept on this one.” And my head coach, Coach Lee Martin, told me in December, I have the brightest future and am the most improved out of everybody on the team. He said with my raw talent, determination, coachability and work ethic, the sky’s the limit for my potential.
Although this is not a total representation of my complete skill set, the link below will give you a glimpse of the diamond in the rough a college coach will have the chance to mold into a precious and coveted jewel.
I am currently in Okinawa, Japan waiting to come back to the states. I came to visit my family and due to COVID-19, I have been unable to return to the states. If you could pass my information along to college coaches, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance and I look forward to hearing from you real soon.
I will end as I began. My name is Jalen Ware. I am a 6’ 7” Athletic Wing. I am not a household name YET, but I will be.