Jalen Lecque '19 Invited to Play at Final Four
USA Basketball and the NCAA have teamed up to invite top prospects in the 2019 class to attend the Final Four this year in San Antonio. The brand new Next Generation Sunday Program will run from March 30 to April 1.
In an article with Zagsblog, NCAA senior vice president of basketball Dan Gavitt said, "The NCAA has partnered with USA Basketball and the NCAA Academics to create a program that offers future student-athletes the experience of a lifetime."
The program offers players and opportunity to have "a behind the scenes look at the Final Four from a player perspective, attend the games, be a part of engaging programming, play on the Final Four court, and much more."
Christ School Junior Point Guard Jalen Lecque '19 – currently averaging 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists – has been invited to participate as one of the top players in the 2019 class in the Next Generation Final Four program.
"I'm honored to be selected for this opportunity," said Jalen. "The chance to play against the best players in the nation and represent Christ School is something that I take seriously and feel privileged to do."
Players have already received invitations, and the NCAA will provide hotel accommodations and plane tickets. The high school players will attend the NCAA national semifinals Saturday night at the Alamodome, and are scheduled to depart on Sunday before the NCAA championship game on April 2.
Christ School Head Basketball Coach Jeff Depelteau, a veteran of the USA basketball program, says, "I think it's great for Jalen to have this opportunity. It's a fantastic chance to represent Christ School and USA Basketball. Typically, just a select few are invited from an entire class. Having worked some of these events before, it's a great experience for Jalen to be there and begin to learn the USA Basketball culture."
Though he is excited about the chance to play in this inaugural event, Jalen realizes there is still work to be done. "With the season winding down, we have business to take care of in the NCISAA. Playoffs start next week, and we have a lot left to accomplish."
