QUESTION: When did you start playing basketball, and what was your inspiration for starting?
JL: I started playing basketball at four years old and my inspiration was watching my older brothers play. I was always at their games, always going to shoot at halftime and stuff like that. I was just always excited to get out there.
Q: How many siblings do you have?
JL: I have three brothers, two older brothers and we all play.
Q: What is your favorite or most memorable moment from your high school career?
JL: Scoring 57 points and my dunk at Mt. St. Joseph.
Q: What high school did you go to?
JL: St. Frances Academy in Baltimore
Q: So have you been to PG County a lot?
JL: Not since coming here, but I played for Team Durant so that was down here.
Q: If you were to organize a team bonding activity or event, what would it be and why?
JL: Probably paintball, because that's when everyone is having fun. You gotta use your team to hide and communicate. You just don't wanna get hit and do whatever it takes to win.
Q: It sounds like you've gone before, do you use all the armor and everything?
JL: Yeah of course, I'm not trying to get hit with those things! I went for my birthday and had it all over my back and knees. It was crazy.
Q: What type of music do you listen to before the game? Could you give us a song suggestion?
JL: I listen to rap and I'd probably put on YG Teck - Different Motion.
Q: What made you choose Maryland?
JL: The coaching staff came to all my games and kept up communication with me during the recruiting process. I get along with the players, I have been coming to games for a long time and the fan atmosphere is crazy. I also really just wanted to stay close to my parents and brothers.
Q: How have you been preparing for the transition from high school basketball to college basketball? Are there any specific aspects of your game that you have been focusing on improving?
JL: The greatest aspect is just consistency, especially with my shooting. Coming in as a freshman, I have to make shots and get stronger. Even the little guards are strong in college. Getting stronger is the biggest aspect I have been focusing on.
Q: Have you been able to connect with any of your new teammates so far? How do you anticipate building chemistry and camaraderie within the team?
JL: JuJu and I went to high school together, so we already had a tight bond. We have played together for two years and we grew up together. Me, DeShawn, and Jamie have been playing with or against each other since about seventh grade so I know them pretty well. I came to watch a lot of games last year, and ever since I committed, Jahmir and I have also been keeping in touch on Instagram.
Q: Do you have any funny or interesting nicknames that your previous teammates or friends have given you? How did they come about?
JL: They called me 'Jelly' in high school. When I first came in, that's all I did for real. It's like a type of layup. Jelly fam.
