Chaminade’s Jayson Tatum is only a sophomore, but already the 6-foot-8 shooting guard has proven his worth on the basketball court, netting several offers from Division I colleges. Although he’s waiting to decide on a school, he is grateful for the interest and scholarship opportunities, he says. “Being recognized is one of the best feelings,” he says.
Tatum’s lengthy list of accolades includes being ranked the No. 2 recruit and top 2016 graduating player in the Midwest by scout.com. Tatum also was singled out as a standout player at the USA Basketball men’s 2012 developmental national team mini-camp in Colorado Springs, according to insidethehall.com.
Last year was an especially momentous one for Tatum. He was named Metro Catholic Conference co-player and newcomer of the year and was a member of the USA Basketball Men’s U16 National team. After earning a 5-0 season record, the team traveled to Uruguay, winning gold at the FIBA Americas U16 Championship. Tatum hopes to be chosen for the U17 national team that will compete in Dubai this summer.
Tatum’s passion for basketball began when he was only 3 years old. The sport is something of a family pastime—his father played for Saint Louis University and professionally in the Netherlands. “I grew up watching my family, older cousins and uncles play basketball, and always had a love for the game,” Tatum says. “My dad got me started, but when I first played he was overseas, so my mom always would take me to practices.”
Photo by Chaminade College Preparatorty School
Pictured: Jayson Tatum
