By Kris Rhim
@krisrhim1
Senior guard Jaden Springer shined at the Hoophall classic this past weekend. The six-foot-five, 195-pound guard led his team to a 1-1 record in their action. In a win over the Patrick School, Springer — the 17th overall recruit in the country according ESPN’s high school 2020 recruiting class — finished with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals to earn player of the game. The Student talked to the University of Tennessee commit about why he chose the Vols over schools like North Carolina and Michigan, his teammates with the most swag and more.
Why did you choose Tennessee?
“They showed me love from the jump. Every time I go out there it’s like a family atmosphere, my mom and dad like it too and it’s close to home. All the coaching staff kept it real with me and all those things made me want to go”
What’s been the lowest point of your basketball career so far?
“Probably like eighth grade because I was barely dunking, then I go on social media (and) I see guys in eighth grade wind milling. You know I’m like damn, man, but my bounce came a little bit.”
When did you start playing sports?
“I started playing sports when I was six, that’s when I started playing basketball. I tried a bunch of sports, I tried soccer but then I quit like the second day — I didn’t like football, but then I came back a couple years later and I started loving football. When I was younger I was better at football than basketball. Then I stopped playing football like my eighth grade year because that’s when basketball really started taking off for me, so I might as well focus on that.
If you weren’t playing basketball, what would you be doing?
“Probably playing football.”
Who is your Favorite player in the NBA?
“LeBron James, man. He’s the GOAT. That’s been my favorite player my whole life.”
What’s the best game you ever played in?
“It was definitely Geico (National Championship) against Montverde. We thought it was over for us and we came back. That was probably the best game of my life.”
Who has the best swag on the team?
“Definitely my boy Gupp! (Brandon Huntley-Hatfield) He different. He might have a blue shirt on some red pants, some green shoes, he just stands out.
What does the team do off the court?
“We used to play (NBA) 2K in the beginning, but now we started playing (NFL) Madden a lot. I’m definitely the best in 2K and Madden. I usually use the Lakers in 2K.”
What artists are you listening to in your headphones before the game?
“Lately it’s been Moneybagg Yo, Lil Baby, (NBA) YoungBoy, that’s my go to right now.”
In ten years where will you be?
“Hopefully in the NBA playing basketball.”
Photo Courtesy of Danny Priest