Jamar Brown is a senior forward for the UMKC men’s basketball team who is striving to have a big year for not only himself, but the team.
Here, Brown talked about his high school career, his first two years at Phoenix College and his excitement for this upcoming year at UMKC.
You played at Hamilton High School where you averaged 11 points and 7 rebounds for your career. You also were a part of the first team All-Conference, All-Region and All-State teams as a senior, just to name a few accolades. How would you describe your high school career?
I was trying to find my way. I played both basketball and football all four years. I took pride in both sports, but going into my junior year, I had a feeling that basketball was going to be the route that I would take. I did get good looks from schools for football during my senior year, but I didn’t feel like it was going to be the best option for me. So, I decided to go with the junior college route for basketball, and I feel like it has done a lot for me. I feel like high school prepared me a lot for my college career.
You started your college career at Phoenix College, where you played for 2 years. NJCAA D-2 Region player of the year, second team NJCAA All American, First Team All-ACCAC, and you even had a game where you scored 29 points and 21 rebounds. How would you characterize your 2 years at Phoenix College?
During my first year, it was a big transition from high school. I really struggled my first year trying to find my way and my game on the court. I feel like going into the summer of my second year at Phoenix College, I found my way and I was able to produce the numbers that are shown. I feel like I had a big jump from the first year to the second, and I was very proud of how I handled myself.
Now, you are entering your senior season, and your second year at UMKC. Why did you choose the Roos?
I chose the Roos because I felt like the relationships with the coaches were going to be great. The teammates during my visit were very welcoming as well. I really liked the environment here, and I just felt like it was a place where I could thrive. I love the people, the school and the atmosphere around here.
What was the biggest adjustment transferring from Phoenix College to UMKC?
I would say the biggest adjustment is just me being on my own. This is the first time I have been away from my family, so I’ve had more responsibilities and I’ve had to do a lot of things on my own. I also had to adapt to the new environment, and I had to do it quickly.
During your first season with Kansas City, you won Summit League Newcomer of the Year, Player of the Week on Feb. 26, and you were a part of the First Team All-Summit League. How was your first year here?
I would definitely say it was an up and down season. We had our struggles at the beginning of the season, but we ended the season on a great stretch. We won our last 6 games. And as far as the awards, I just thank my coaches and teammates for putting me in the position to succeed and pushing me to be the best I can be. I feel like we were able to make each other better in the process, and we also amped up our defense towards the end of the year.
What would you say is the strongest part of your game and the weakest part of your game?
I would say the strongest part of my game is my rebounding and endurance. I have the ability to play a full game because of my high motor. I love to get after it, and I’m a very willing person. As far as things that I can improve on, it would be my ball-handling. I feel like everyone can improve on that. Also, my perimeter defense can be improved, too. I need to be able to guard the smaller guards. So, I would say those are things I need to improve on.
What are your goals for this upcoming season?
Definitely winning the conference championship and making it to March Madness are our biggest goals. We fell short of that last year, and we were very disappointed. So, we want to change things around and make it different this year.
Fans can see Brown on the court this winter. Kansas City’s men’s basketball season begins on Nov. 4 against Hannibal-LaGrange. Single-game and season tickets can be found at this link.
