Taking the Next Step
5'11 '20 Jalen Cone (Walkertown High School)
At Session 2 of the NC Phenom 150 camp, 5'11 '20 Jalen Cone was once again sensational from all aspects of the game. In three camp games, Cone averaged 25 PPG but did it in a very unselfish fashion. You see, scoring comes easy to the young, talented, athletic and explosiveness point guard. He can score from all three levels. Cone can knock down 3-pointers with consistency, has a beautiful midrange jumper and doesn't mind coming down the lane and making the poster dunk!
Back in 2014, we first watched Cone at our NC Junior Phenom camp. We wrote the following. '
'Jalen was one of the more impressive players in the entire camp. His skillset and athleticism are off the charts for his age/grade. The talented young guard scored from all levels on the court. He was beating his man off the dribble, hitting midrange jumpers and hitting 3-pointers with consistency. Rarely, do you find a young player that combines such an outstanding skill set that is matched with superior athleticism. To put it mildly, the sky's the limit for Jalen Cone!'
In 2015, we wrote the following. ''Go ahead and put Jalen Cone's name in your SIM CARD! At 5'10, Cone is super athletic and advanced in his overall skill set. He has the complete package. In addition, he has the motor and basketball skills to take him to the next level. He doesn't take plays off and has his hand in every single play. He the type of player that makes things happen on both ends of the court. Cone has unlimited potential and can be as good as he wishes to be.'
For the past three years, we at Phenom Hoop Report has been raving about this athleticism, work ethic, upside and potential. After watching Cone at Session 2 of the NC Phenom 150, it is evident that he has grown in maturity, poise and most of all leadership abilities. While Cone displayed his usual combination of athleticism and skills, we were most impressed by his vocal leadership displayed on the court. Cone was in total command. He controlled the tempo at both ends of the court and led by example. Without question, Cone has taken the next step. His maturity, poise and leadership can now be used in the same sentences as his explosiveness athleticism and that alone is saying a lot. In addition, Cone continues to be a humble young man that has a quiet and likeable demeanor on the court. You see, Jalen Cone has taken the next step and also the total package, on and off the court.