Brunson Talks Villanova

Yesterday, Rivals Class of 2015, five-star Stevenson (Ill.) High School point guard, Jalen Brunson gave a verbal commitment to Villanova and last night he was gracious enough to spend part of his exciting day talking with VUSports.com about his decision and what lies ahead.

VUSports: What was the deciding factor on choosing Villanova?

Jalen Brunson: "Just the school and coaching staff. I loved the campus and the team really made me feel like part of a family."

Did Coach Wright tell you where you fit in moving forward?

"He said I fit right into the system and he's giving me the opportunity and I just got to go out and earn it."

Villanova has had some very good guards over the years. Did that play any role in your decision?

"Coach Wright has had a history of producing very good guards so that caught my eye, caught my interest ... and Coach Wright's a great coach and is gonna push you to the best of your abilities. "

What Assistant Coach was the most instrumental in your recruitment?

"I'd say Coach Ashley Howard and Coach Baker Dunleavy."

Did you feel like you were under any pressure to stay home in Illinois or attend your parent's alma mater?

"Not really. I mean obviously a lot of people around here were telling me Illinois. A lot of my family and their friends were saying Temple is for you but at the same time they also said to do what's best for you. So they gave me the support to make the best decision for myself."

At what point in time did you know that Villanova was the best school for you?

"I mean it was on and off for the past couple of weeks. I always really liked Villanova but just wasn't sure what I was going to do."

Would you say your visit to Villanova pretty much sealed the deal?

"It pretty much got it close. And once I woke up this morning I said "that's what I want to do"."

So did you decide in the past 24 hours or did you have a feeling where you wanted to go?

"I kind of had a feeling. I just wasn't 100% positive but once I left the campus and kept in touch with them guys from Villanova - and they made me feel like one of them, I was like yeah this is what I want to do."

I understand the Illinois and Villanova coaching staff's were in to see you yesterday. Could you tell me what that was like?

"It was good. We just had a long conversation. We talked about the opportunities at both schools and we talked about life after basketball and jobs and stuff like that."

Is there anything you would like to tell the Villanova fans who have followed your recruitment?

"I'm just excited to be part of the Villanova family, 'Nova Nation, and I can't wait to come in there and put in the work"

How do you see yourself fitting in with current Villanova guards Ryan Arcidiacono and Phil Booth?

"I already see myself fitting in off the court with them. We already have such a good relationship so on the court I feel we could put it together very well."

Do you see yourself as 1 and done, 2 and done, or a 4-year player?

"I see myself as planning to be there for four years."

How important is the college education and academic aspect to you?

"It's very important to me. I want to go to school to get a degree and if I have the chance to leave for the NBA, I'll talk that over with my coaching staff and my parents. As of right now I want to finish school and get a degree".

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