Jaylin Fleming- St. Rita High School

           Typical fourteen-year old boys enjoy playing video games and watching TV, while many others are just barely breaking into the thought process of “what do I want to be when I grow up?” Despite participating in many aspects of the life of a typical teenager, Jaylin Fleming is by no means a “typical fourteen-year old boy.”

            Since an early age, Fleming has been recognized by highly reputable members of the basketball community for his advanced player development and leadership skills, which are beyond others in his age group. At the age of nine, Fleming was given the title “basketball prodigy” by Mouthpiece Sports, and as a fifth grader, he was recognized by the Chicago Tribune as one of “the best 10-year old hoops players in the U.S.”  

            Fleming’s profound basketball abilities have landed him appearances on the George Lopez Show and a McDonald’s commercial, among others. He also recently costarred in the movie “Dreams” in which he plays a talented athlete reconnecting with his father.

“They’ve all been amazing,” Fleming says of his unique experiences, “Meeting the people I’ve met and having these experiences have [created] an amazing life for me.”

Fleming details his surreal experience performing at the McDonald’s All American game under the spotlight of the United Center, “It was like I was a Bulls player, playing on the Bulls’ court, in the Bulls’ arena in front of 20,000 people.”

Although his display at the United Center may have been his most memorable, Fleming is quick to name his appearance on the George Lopez Show as his ultimate favorite, having shown off his ball handling skills on camera alongside NBA legend Reggie Miller, where he also won a year’s worth of DiGiorno’s Pizza.

Of course, Fleming enjoys the on-screen spotlight and free pizza, but what is most important to him is succeeding on the basketball court along his journey to the NBA with a hopeful stop in Chapel Hill on the way.

“I would like to be a great leader to my team in all aspects of the game. I want to be an all-city and all-state point guard, while winning a state championship. I want to graduate from high school and maintain great grades. Personally, I just want to be a great person to my little brother and my family. [However,] my biggest goal is to make it to my dream school: the University of North Carolina.”

In spite of his love for the Tar Heels, Fleming has looked to former Duke star and recent Milwaukee Bucks draftee Jabari Parker as one of his greater basketball influences stating, “I’ve known Jabari since he was in 7^th grade. I used to spend the night at his house and work out with him and train with his dad. He’s been a big influence, teaching me the game and just teaching me what he has learned throughout his career.”

Jabari’s father and former Golden State Warrior, Sonny Parker, has a high respect for Fleming’s game and sees great potential in the young star.

“He’s a good kid,” says Parker, “He has a real passion for the game, but the thing I like about Jaylin is we have a personal relationship beyond just basketball.”

Parker adds, “He’s a quick learner, he’s very coachable, and he listens. He always wants to get better and, most importantly, he’s a team player.”

Similar to Jabari Parker, Fleming has maintained a strong devotion to his religion throughout his life and basketball career.

“My faith is very important to me,” says Fleming, “My mom is a pastor, so she teaches me everything I know about the Lord. I feel like God has given me this talent, so I have to perfect it, work hard, and not give it up.”

He adds, “God keeps me stable and keeps me away from the distractions. People may try to leach on to me because of the good things that have happened to me so far, but God keeps me in order.”

Fleming is an active member of the youth organization “Triple Threat Mentoring,” which, according to their website, “facilitates relationships between youth and volunteers through passion-based programs.” Fleming has used his passion for basketball to connect with other kids his age who have been affected by defeats, such as incarceration and abandonment, and encourages them not to give up on their dreams, despite bumps in the road, just like he does not plan on giving up on his own goals.

“They don’t have anybody,” says Fleming of his experience with the program, “I have to learn to appreciate the life that I have and learn to be a better person because I have been blessed with this life, and they don’t have anything. It makes me appreciate what I have and inspires me to take advantage of the [life that I have been given].”

In a 2010 interview, Chicago Bulls’ star Derrick Rose was quoted stating, “[Jaylin] is better than me—that’s what’s crazy about it. His talent is one of a kind. Kids his age rarely do the stuff he does…He does moves that a grown-up does.”

        Fleming is humbled by Rose’s encouraging report, stating, “I feel like that’s a great accomplishment. I appreciate it, but I know I still have to keep focused on my game and not settle on that. Of course, I thank everyone that has given me those props because I really need it to keep me motivated, practicing, and working hard.”

Fleming is most well known on the court for his ball handling but still sees room for improvement in other aspects of his game.

 “I have great dribbling ability, and my jump shot has improved a lot through the years. It is becoming a deadly weapon of mine, but I have to be better on the defensive side of the court. I know I can be a much better defender. Also, I should improve on my lateral quickness because when I get older and go to high school, I’m going to need lateral quickness to keep up with the older kids.”

Fleming will attend St. Rita of Cascia High School, where he will play alongside University of Kentucky commit, Charles Matthews, for his first season.

“I know it’s a great program for me, and it is a great fit. The St. Rita coaching staff is great. My dad loves what the program is doing, and I love it too. Their academics are great, too, which is also important,” says Fleming.

Since his recognition on the court has become more frequent as Fleming’s publicity continues, he says that it only puts a bigger target on his back. However, as players recognize his game and go after him even more, he is only encouraged to step up and prove to others what the truth is behind the “Jaylin Fleming hype.”

“Now, I have to play harder and play like I’m supposed to play. I can’t back down for anybody because everybody wants my name now. I just have to play hard and play my game. That’s all.”