Dallas Mavericks: Learn more about Jalen Brunson’s time at Villanova

Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson starred at Villanova

The Dallas Mavericks have been profiling Jalen Brunson’s path to the NBA in a series they are calling Home and Away. The first episode centered on his time at Stevenson High School in Illinois. Mavericks fans can read more about that part here.

Episode two dropped on May 29. The focus is on the Brunson’s time at Villanova. To recap, he was fresh off winning a state title. Plenty of schools recruited him, but the Wildcats won out. It turned into a fantastic decision.

Supporters can watch the new episode here.

Brunson had an incredible college career. He was installed as the starting point guard from day one. Brunson helped Villanova win two national championships in his three college seasons. In 2018, he took home the Wooden Award, Naismith Award, and AP Player of the Year. Brunson was the consensus best player in the NCAA that season.

It was shocking to the Mavericks that Brunson slipped into the second round. They did not hesitate to select him. Brunson has already worked his way into the backup point guard role and was a member of the USA Select Team in 2019. The 23-year-old continues to improve and should be an important piece for the Mavs moving forward.

It will be interesting to see if Jalen Brunson can return this season. He had shoulder surgery days after the NBA suspended play because of the novel coronavirus. Coach Rick Carlisle quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the season.

If games do not return until late July, that will be three-plus months on the shelf already. Dallas could make a deep playoff run which gives Brunson time to heel and return to action. Keep an eye on the status of JB as the team begins practicing again. Hopefully, he makes a full recovery and is back on the court balling out.