College basketball is among us and it is great to see so many talented players back on the court, including several Phenom Hoops alums on the court producing. One player that fans around North Carolina are quite familiar with is redshirt freshman Jae’Lyn Withers.
Withers was a big-time prospect in North Carolina that played at North Meck, as he was one of the stars for the Vikings. As a junior in 2017-18, Withers averaged 20 points and 10.1 rebounds for North Meck, helping them to a 27-2 record.
Then, Withers transferred to Cleveland Heights where he continued to have a stellar season as a senior, averaging 19.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks.
Now, Withers is looking to make his mark at the collegiate level. The talented freshman redshirted the 2019-2020 season, which may have helped him get ready for the next level, both mentally and physically.
Now, the 6’8 prospect is up 230 pounds coming into the season and has had a solid start to his freshman season. He has shown early that he can score the ball, get on the boards, and move well around the floor while also showing his ability to step out when the opportunity is there.
He poured in a career-high 20 points and nine rebounds in his last outing against Prairie View A&M, while also having 11 points, six rebounds vs. Seton Hall, and eight points, five rebounds vs. Evansville.
Through three games, Withers is averaging 13 points and 6.7 rebounds at Louisville, while shooting 63.6 percent from the floor and averaging 26.7 minutes per game early on (including back-to-back 30+ minutes in his last two games). Withers has also started all three games as well for the Cardinals.
Withers has started out strong and it will be interesting to see how he continues to grow and develop, but the young Cardinal is showing early that he can produce and make his mark at Louisville early.