UConn freshman point guard Jalen Adams takes a shot during the Huskies’ exhibition game against the University of New Haven at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015. (Ashley Maher/The Daily Campus)
For those who don’t know, UConn has some pretty exciting freshmen on campus this year. So far, we’ve seen Abdou Thiam score 10 goals for the men’s soccer team and Max Letunov currently leads the men’s hockey team in goals (6) and points (13).
With basketball season starting on Friday, it’s time to turn the focus onto Jalen Adams, a freshman point guard from Roxbury, Mass. Adams is a Top 25 recruit and will provide a spark off the bench for the Huskies this season. Let’s get to know him a little better:
Matt Zampini: What can UConn fans expect from you this season?
Jalen Adams: Definitely an athletic guard who likes to get up and down [the floor], loud dunks, alley oops. Just stuff like that.
Do you have a pregame meal you have to eat before every game?
Usually I try to eat chicken and broccoli alfredo. It’s my favorite meal.
Any other pregame rituals that you have to go through?
Not really, but as soon as I get on the court, if I’m starting, before the tip-off I always wipe the floor with two hands just to get my grip. That’s the only thing I always do.
If you could play any other sport what would it be?
Football.
Did you play football in high school?
Yes. I played all growing up, like Pop Warner football. And then I played one year at Cushing Academy (Ashburnham, Mass.).
Favorite artist that you listen to?
Drake. Without a doubt. Hands down.
What did you think of the Hotline Bling video?
He’s got to stop the dancing, that’s not his thing.
Did you see all the memes that came from that video? What was your favorite?
There was one with the Wii tennis. I liked that one the best.
What did you think of the Drake and Meek Mill fiasco over the summer?
Meek Mill should have never of did that. He bit off a little too much more he can chew. That wasn’t his place.
Did you have a favorite athlete growing up?
Basketball wise, I always loved Allen Iverson, just because he’s a small guard and he’s really tough. I’m kind of a small guard in college now so when I get to the basket, I’m going to get knocked down. Stuff like that. And I liked how A.I. always got back up.
You’re only a freshman but if you could pick the best moment of your basketball career what would it be?
There was two. One was winning the prep school national championship with Brewster Academy. And then two years before that, hitting the buzzer beater in the NEPSAC championship at Cushing Academy to win it all.
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go and why?
Fiji. It’s beautiful. You see all the pictures and stuff and it’s amazing.
Instagram or Twitter?
Instagram.
Do you have a favorite T.V. show?
“Prison Break.”
What would your dream job be if not (besides professional basketball)?
If it’s not in the NBA, I wouldn’t mind being a sports analyst like Shaq and Charles Barkley. I want to do something like that.
What’s your opinion on Shaq and Charles as analysts?
They’re funny, so I like that.
Matt Zampini is sports editor for The Daily Campus. He can be reached via email at matthew.zampini@uconn.edu. He tweets @Matt_Zamp.
