The Man Behind the Jersey: Jarron Crump
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Posted By: De'Ondria Kyles on November 25, 2015 I had the luxury of interviewing an old friend who is an aspiring professional basketball player. Interview: PUC Pioneer, Jarron Crump, answers questions about basketball, life, and his journey! Q&A Interview with Jarron Crump of PUC by Dee L. Kyles For starters, tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from? I'm from Dallas, Texas, Highland Hills to be exact. My mother and grandmother still live there. I was raised in a split parent home, with my dad’s side of family in Oak Cliff and mom’s side in Highland Hills. What are your beliefs? My beliefs are in the man above. I believe Christ is King and with him & hard work all things are possible. How did you get to where you are today? I'm in the position I'm in today because of prayer and my praying family. Also by being strong and never giving up through struggles, adversity and down falls. When did you find basketball to be a significant part of your life? I started playing basketball at the age of 5 but that was just pick up, 21, open gym etc. but at the age of 17 I really fell in love and realized I could make some money and provide for a family with the game of basketball. From that point on I started to take it serious and built my work ethic & hours in the lab (gym). Would you describe basketball as your first love? My first love would be my family but as far as sports, actually, football was my first love. Why basketball? Why not a different sport? Baseball, Track, Soccer? I think the Texas heat steered me away from football after high school. I was a great high jumper as well but never pursued it. Aside from basketball, football, and track, I just wasn't blessed with talents in those areas. Do you ever regret choosing basketball or not trying something else out? Not at all, I believe I'm just getting started. Basketball and I have a long way to go. What is your before game prep? Typical. Calm, relax, a little music, focus, look over game film and stats. What does clutch mean to you? It means everything to me. Growing up my mom was always, "clutch." If my sister and I didn't have this or that she always found a way. That's how I feel at the end of games with the ball in my hands. I've seen highlights of your games and closing moments, what goes through your mind as the clock is running out? Touching more on what I said above, clutch time is the time to get it done. I just feel so confident in the clutch because it's just time to use all the hard work and training that I have put in. How do you get over a loss and/or a bad game? I get over it by getting in the lab (gym), my happy place, getting better putting in more work. Then if we lose I'm low-key not over it until we win the next one. Then even in the wins I'm the hardest critic on myself finding every little thing I can get better on. What keeps you so determined in everything you do? The fact that I'm so close to where my mom and grandmother don't have to work; I can provide for them to live the life they sacrificed for me to have. Also, paying back my sisters school loans, and just being able to give back to my community, church, and school is what drives me daily. Anyone moving towards success is going to get their fair share of negativity. What is the one time, or few times that someone tried turning you against your dreams? In my stop at junior college a coach and I bumped heads and he started using that to kind of black mail me. However, I'm a faithful person so I forgave him but that was a huge hurdle on my journey trying to move forward. What has been the hardest thing to overcome on your journey? The hardest thing to overcome is that I didn't have the drive or work ethic I have now at an early age. It would have put me in a way different situation, but everything is all in God's plans. No regrets. How many schools have you attended, including high school? I went to 4 high schools and I am currently on my 3rd college, which I will graduate from. I remember you made a big decision to go to a prep school was it? What was the ultimate factor in your decision to do that? I did go to God's Academy Prep, It was great for my growth and experience as a basketball player. I feel if I would had two full seasons there, I would have went high major D1 straight out of high school. In prep school I had the privilege to travel places I'd never been, and play against players that are now pro. It elevated my game. I know you have a sister and a close relationship with your mother. How have they helped you along the way? I moved to California all alone at the age of 19. My mother and sister keep me positive and focused with constant words of encouragement. Is your family where you get your movement, Hard Work & Faith in God? It literally just came to me one day. Then I branded it. Now the plan is to turn it into my business company name. Speaking of your business you plan to make, what are your goals after college? After graduating this year, I'm signing with one of the most well known popular sports agents. He has 22 clients in the NBA, 40+ overseas. After dotting the line with him I will start my professional basketball journey abroad. While overseas, I want to motivational speak or train under privileged youth, speak at juvenile centers, and talk with teams/churches all over the world. Then after retiring from ball, I will continue full time under, Hard Work and Faith In God as a business, helping youth get into colleges and give them second chances. What has been the biggest transition that you have had to make thus far? My biggest transition has been standing out as a young man of God. It's not the quote on quote, cool thing or the way everyone thinks is fun, but this was one of the best decisions of my life; constant prayer, reading and sharing his word with others. What are you doing now to prepare you for your future endeavors? At the moment, I'm just trying to work as hard as I possibly can, and improve my faith and grow as a man on and off the court. Have you ever had a mentor, (other than mom and grandma)? I would have to say my grandpa. He's always so positive and watches every game he can online. He’s been keeping up with my career since way back when and even has articles from high school and jerseys hung up at his house. How important is it to have a mentor at a young age through high school and in college? Now days it's very important to have someone steering you in the right directions because so many people are trying to knock you off focus. Then there are others trying to make the same things happen that you are. So it's like a big competition and only the most hungry eat. Have you had the opportunity to play AND impress scouts overseas and here in America as well? I would humbly say yes, we (myself and team of supporters) are on the right track. People know my name in the basketball world. The step one right now is getting the college degree, with my hard work and faith, God will guide the basketball journey. Lastly, what advice do you give to the kid like you, and to younger ball players and athletes? Keep hard work and faith in GOD! Never give up, anything is possible, there are going to be downfalls and adversity but if you really want it work for it! If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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De'Ondria Kyles
Publication Editor, Prairie View A&M University Prairie View A&M University class of 2015 Member Since November 2015 |
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