The Jaemyn Brakefield Blog: Jordan Brand Classic, Duke title chances and More

Jaemyn Brakefield is one of the top players in the country and is signed to Duke.

Jaemyn Brakefield is one of the top wings in the country and is signed to Duke. After dominating on the Nike EYBL with Phenom University (Wis.) last summer, Brakefield has mirrored his production at Huntington (W.Va.) Prep this season. Now he’s agreed to give SI All-American exclusive access into his world by chronicling everything in his world into a monthly blog on SI.

Hey world this is Jaemyn Brakefield kicking off my new blog on Sports Illustrated!

It’s still crazy to me that Kobe is gone. We had the Kobe memorial last week honoring him and Gigi, and it feels surreal.

It’s a real eyeopener for everyone. It makes me value the game more and really just life period.

I’m definitely gonna keep the Mamba Mentality in everything that I do. That’s a great way to be successful.

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I know Coach K coached Kobe at USA Basketball so I know that at some point I’ll be able to talk to him about that experience and learn some things.

I ended my season last week. I’m the first four-year player here at Huntington so that’s special for me.

I’m averaging 22 points, 10 rebounds and six assists this season and I’m proud of how I played this season.

I’ve got the Jordan Brand Classic on March 27 coming up and that’s something that I’m really thankful to be a part of. I didn’t get in the McDonald’s Game, so I’m really gonna be playing with a chip on my shoulder at the Jordan Game.

I’m going for that MVP award. I’m just ready to show the world that I’m one of the top players in the country.

My Duke brothers are looking good this season and I personally feel like we have the best chance to win the national title.

Everyone has been up and down this season, and we’ve got everything we need to get it done. If we play to our potential, I don’t see a team beating us.

I think people are more critical of the team this year because we’re coming off a season of Zion Williamson and that was like a movie.

We’re still a great team and I know that going forward they’re gonna show everyone what they’re made of even more.

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I’m already thinking about next season and all of the expectations that we’re gonna have coming in. I embrace all of that.

We want a national title, anything less at Duke is a letdown.

OK, on the music side I’m bumping that Rob Wade heavy right now. He’s really starting to get the recognition that he deserves because he makes great music. I don’t even have a favorite, I just let it play and it’s all tough.

School-wise, I’m looking to finish strong.

Right now, I’m doing internships and that’s pretty cool to be able to learn on the job. I did a physical therapy internship recently and I’m already learning a lot about recovery and my body.

I’m coming off a 4.0 GPA, but I’m at 3.8 right now so I have a little work to get it back up there.

I’m on it though!

OK guys I definitely appreciate you reading, but I’ve gotta get going so check back soon for the next blog.

Check me out at the Jordan Brand Classic because, like I said earlier, I’m coming for that MVP!

Don’t forget to follow Jaemyn Brakefield:

Twitter: @Jaemyn1

Instagram: jaemynbrakefield