By MATT WHITFIELD
COLORADO SPRINGS, Col. — JJ Crawford, considered by many the No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2029 prospect, took part in the USA Basketball Junior National Team mini-camp this weekend.
Crawford, the son of 20-year NBA veteran and current NBC/Peacock analyst Jamal Crawford, has learned many things from his dad.
“Next play, next play every time, always have that confidence,” said JJ on what he learned from Jamal.
With the NBA bloodline and top ranking in the Class of 2029 also comes a target on JJ’s back
“There’s always been a target on my back since I was young kid,” he said. “I’m just trying to prove myself every time I hop on the court.”
Jamal Crawford played 17 games for the Michigan Wolverines before being drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2020. JJ is involved with Michigan early on as well and has spoken with members of both Dusty May’s and Mike Boynton’s staff.
“[Michigan] is a great school,” he said. “They talk to me sometimes, talk to my dad and talk to my coach. I’m just trying to build a relationship with them.”
Some regard JJ as one of the top high school players regardless of class. And so, with that comes interest from the who’s who of blue bloods.
“There’s been a lot, North Carolina, Duke, Oregon,” said JJ on other schools reaching out.
JJ said he has no leaders at this point in his recruitment. And said he’ll probably take visits after this high school season. An athletic point guard with a sick handle, his skills jump out when you watch him.
“[I’m a] three level scorer and someone who makes the right play every time,” he said.
JJ is focused on getting stronger and becoming more of an all-around player. His former Rainier Beach teammate Tyran Stokes , now a freshman at Kansas, and No. 1 NBA draft pick AJ Dybantsa also help mentor him as well.
“Big bro Tyran who I played,” he said.. “I talk to AJ Dybantsa la ittle bit and some [other] NBA players.”
Photo: Rodger Bohn
Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter
Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram
