Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Fresh off a trip to China where it hosted 547 boys and girls in 10 clinics over three days in Macau and Hong Kong, Brooklyn Basketball, the youth program run by the Nets and Liberty, wasted no time giving back to the Brooklyn on their return … emphasis on the giving.
The day after the Nets arrived back in New York following a 17-hour flight, Jalen Wilson visited P.S. 335 Granville T. Woods in Crown Heights to surprise all 183 students with new sneakers from Adidas, bookbags, and classroom essentials, all Brooklyn branded, before running a clinic for the fourth and fifth graders…
This event is the latest high-profile community effort from Brooklyn Basketball … both domestically and overseas. Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of Brooklyn Basketball, the Nets and Liberty, has a broad agenda.
It’s brought basketball training into gym classes at 200 city schools reaching over 40,000 students through its clinics. That’s a lot of t-shirts advertising the Nets and Liberty! They’ve renovated playgrounds across the borough and their new 18,600-square-foot youth training center atecross from Barclays Center opened three weeks ago. A group of its “clinicians” also traveled with the team to China, where the Nets are also building a fan base…
It’s all part of a plan to build the base through “generational fandom,” capturing the hearts of fans between 8 and 12 whether in Brooklyn or Macao. It’s admittedly a long-term project.
“We think it fits,” said BSE CEO Sam Zussman at the ribbon-cutting at the Training Center. “We are planting roots in this community. It does take generations, and I think this is a fantastic way to get ingrained. I can’t think of a more organic way.”
The two teams’ players are on board as well, making appearances like Wilson’s. Wilson, in fact, was one of three Nets players on hand at the opening of the training center. Before Tuesday’s event got underway, the Texas native spoke in general about the importance of using his platform to help inspire others.
“As an athlete, it’s very important that we use the resources we have to give back to the next generation,” Wilson said. “I hope to really make an impact and make it a scene the kids can remember.”
Preparing for What’s Ahead
Now entering his third season in the NBA, Wilson is also hoping to make a lasting impression on the court and on Nets’ decision-makers.
With the regular season just a week away and roster cuts looming, the 24-year-old forward finds himself in a pivotal stretch as he looks to secure his spot on the Nets’ 15-man roster.
The Nets entered the offseason with four players on partial or non-guaranteed contracts. After waiving Keon Johnson and Drew Timme, that number is now down to two, Wilson and Tyrese Martin.
When asked about his expectations for the near future, Wilson didn’t talk about his chances, just that he is focused on his improvement as a player.
“I want to improve every single year. To continue to be a sponge and soak everything from the guys on the team…To be a guy that learns and grows, keeps getting better,“ Wilson said. “I’m always confident. I know that I’m always prepared. I’ve had some good games in the preseason.”
Through three preseason games, Wilson is averaging 5.7 points and two rebounds per game while shooting 66.7% from the field and 62.5% from beyond the arc. Last season, he made noticeable improvements to his game, playing the most minutes on the team and nearly doubling his scoring average from his rookie season while averaging 9.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.
With the regular season just over a week away, the 2024 Summer League MVP touched on some aspects of his game that he’s focused on improving.
“I want to be the best defender, best teammate and shooter that I can be.” Wilson said, before highlighting the importance of self-belief. “Being confident. I think that’s the biggest thing for any NBA player. No matter how much you’re playing.”
He’s also noticed the energy within Brooklyn’s young core, particularly from their NBA-record five former first-round picks. He also hopes to be a veteran presence.
“They look phenomenal,” Wilson said. “They look confident. You can see the energy. They’re out there smiling and having fun.”
“I can’t give myself the vet card, but I am some years older than them and I’ve played [in the NBA],” Wilson said. “My rookie year I was soaking up from [teammate] Day’Ron [Sharpe], and guys who only had been there two or three years at that time.
“Now it’s my third year and I just want to be a guy they can depend on for help. And I can learn something from them, too.”
As Wilson continues to find his footing in Brooklyn, it doesn’t hurt that he’s been chosen to rep the team in the community. Late Tuesday, he tweeted, “Had an amazing time, a blessing.”
Jalen Wilson ‘confident’ as battle for final Nets roster spot nears end – Peter Botte – New York Post