Jalen Brunson is a professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A two-time NCAA champion, he won the 2018 Bob Cousy Award and was named a first team All-American in 2018. Born in New Jersey on August 31, 1996, Brunson attended Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois and won back to back state championships before moving on to college. He played his freshman season at Villanova University under head coach Jay Wright where they went 33–3 and reached the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament.

In his sophomore year at Villanova, Brunson became an integral part of one of college basketball’s greatest teams ever as they went 35–4 with their only loss coming in the national championship game against North Carolina. That same year he also became Big East Player of The Year after averaging 14 points per game as well as earning All American honors for his performance throughout that season. He capped off his collegiate career by leading Villanova to yet another Final Four appearance and being named Most Outstanding Player during their title run through March Madness in 2018.

The Dallas Mavericks selected Jalen with the 33rd overall pick during the 2018 NBA Draft making him just the second player from Villanova drafted into a pro league since Kris Jenkins left school early following their 2016 championship season. During that summer he impressed many with what he could do on both ends of floor showing great potential even though injuries hampered some parts of training camp due to foot surgery prior to draft day.  However once healthy enough he showed why many had ranked him so highly prior getting drafted by regularly contributing off bench while also delivering several clutch performances throughout rookie campaign including 15 points vs Rockets during Christmas Day matchup which ended up going down wire ultimately resulting win for Mavs over Houston Rockets 123–120 OT victory despite trailing much larger 3rd quarter deficit when Jalen entered fray late 4th frame .                                             
                                                       
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Brunson spent most of 2019/20 regular season playing behind veteran point guard J.J Barea but increasing minutes began take shape once Mavs made it official that would finish 7th seed Western Conference guaranteeing them opening round playoff action thereby allowing more opportunity showcase what capable doing both offensively defensive end despite suffering severe shoulder injury mid April kept him sidelined rest way through postseason play thus far into 2020/21 regular campaign has been consistent contributor off bench while occasionally taking starting role ahead Dallas star Luka Doncic every now again en route helping team prime position make it even further come April due plethora options roster plus impressive production thus far regardless amount playing time has received each night out court alongside improved shooting stroke 37% mark beyond arc already exceeding marks set last couple seasons puts solidified place rotation front office looking dependable piece build around years come .