Jared Bynum on his future basketball career at St. Joe’s
Currently ranked 12th in the Washington D.C. area, Jared Bynum of Georgetown Preparatory School has officially committed to St. Joe’s basketball.
What compelled you to select St. Joe’s?
“I knew about the program from watching a lot of basketball. Growing up, I watched Jameer Nelson, Delonte West and [head coach Phil] Martelli as well. When they reached out to me and started recruiting me, I already had an idea of what they were all about.”
What kind of influence did Martelli have on your decision?
“He had a great influence on me. He’s been coaching for a very long time. He knows what he’s doing. I have trust that he can not only make me into a better basketball player, but also a better person. He didn’t just talk to me about basketball. He also talked to me about life as well.”
Was there a specific player that influenced your decision to come to St. Joe’s?
“Most of the team actually had a lot of influence on me. It wasn’t one specific person just because of how tight knit that group of guys is. Being with them on and off campus made me feel like they’re the people I want to be around for the next four years.”
How do you think your game will translate into college?
“I think my game will translate well into college. Just by how my AAU (Amateur Athletic Union Boys Basketball) coaches and my high school coaches have prepared me for college. A lot of stuff they do isn’t necessarily catered to my transition into college but it gives me that extra step. I’m able to see what it takes as it relates to being a college point guard. I’m constantly improving and taking my game to the next level.”
What do you believe you can bring to this team on a chemistry level?
“On a chemistry level, I’m able to be a really good teammate to guys. Being a leader and being there when the team needs me to be is incredibly important. Also, as a freshman, I’m not the kind of guy to have a huge ego. I can come in and listen to guys. These players have more experience than I do. I just want to be a better player and help the team.”
What can you bring to this team on a technical basketball level?
“On a technical level on the court, I can be a scorer and get players involved. I feel like I’ll be able to come in and produce like other guards have at St. Joe’s in the past. I’ll be able to do what they ask me to right away.”
What aspect of your game are you most confident in?
“Right now I’m most confident in being a playmaker on the court. Whether that’s scoring when we need to or getting others guys involved. I’ve been shooting well this year, around fifty percent from the field. Right now, I think that’s one of my strong suites. My passing ability has been very good this year as well.”
What do you think you need to work on before you get on campus to prepare for next season?
“I need to continue to get stronger and faster. Coming in next year as a freshman, I don’t want to be a guy that can’t keep up with the physical aspect of college basketball. Especially on the defensive end, they’re going to need players. I want to be able to transition right in and step on the floor and be able to contribute.”
What NBA player do you model your game around?
“I’ve always been a fan of Chris Paul and the way he plays basketball. He plays basketball the right way. He doesn’t force anything. He sticks to his playing style. I also admire Steph Curry and his confidence. Even if he’s not scoring, he’s still impacting the game the right way.”
What are your expectations for winning once you get to St. Joe’s?
“In the past, St. Joe’s has had a lot of accomplishments. They were back to back A-10 champs a couple years ago. That’s my goal. I want to win an A-10 Championship. It’s also been a dream to play in the NCAA Tournament. Not only play, but to make a run to at least the Elite Eight or even the Final Four. You always want to win at whatever level you’re at.”
