Five-star making his own way
Having a famous family member comes with advantages. When that family member is a professional in the same sport you play, it also sets up expectations that aren't always fair. Five-star point guard Jalek Felton is learning to make good use of the help his NBA uncle Ray Felton can give him while carving out his own identity.
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So far, the 6-foot-3 sophomore from Mullins (S.C.) has done a great job of creating his own identity. Already ranked the No. 6 player in the class of 2017, he was a standout during October's USA Basketball Developmental Camp in Colorado Springs.
"I felt good out there once I got used to the altitude," Felton told Rivals.com. "Once I got a feel I felt good with everything. I liked the fast pace and competition."
Physically gifted with terrific size and next level athleticism, Felton has a skill level that matches his athletic ability. He sees the floor as well as any player in high school basketball and is already comfortable navigating the pick and roll and making pinpoint passes to teammates from all angles and positions on the floor.
"It really comes from watching NBA basketball and watching my uncle," said Felton. "I really look at him when he works out and how he is a pure point and has to pass."
Felton admits that it can be frustrating at times to always be compared to his uncle when he wants to be his own player. However, he doesn't pass up any chances to learn from a family member who knows what it takes to play at the highest level.
"Whenever he's home, I'm there with him," said Felton of his uncle. "I learn a lot from him about what it takes to be a high level point guard and how hard I have to work"
Because his uncle starred and won a national championships at North Carolina, Roy Williams and the Tar Heels have naturally been involved. Somewhat surprisingly Felton said at USA Basketball that he didn't have any scholarship offers but he also listed heavy interest from Kansas, Louisville, Wichita State, Wake Forest and Virginia.
As far as the gifted young point guard is concerned, the offers will come down the road and he's happy with where he is. Besides, he isn't too concerned with his recruitment at this juncture anyway.
"I haven't started thinking about recruiting yet," said Felton. "Right now I'm just hooping and focusing on having fun."
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