Getting to Know Jaden Geron
10/26/2021 3:48:00 PM | Men's Basketball
RiceOwls.com sat down with this year's Men's Basketball newcomers for a Q&A. The next installment features freshman guard Jaden Geron.
What was the recruiting process like?
"Honestly, the recruiting process was kind of stressful. At the time, the pandemic was picking up so it was kind of tough to play in front of a lot of schools and get live periods. That's why it really meant a lot to me that Rice was the first to offer. They really trusted their eye and what they saw."
What was it about Rice that stood out to you?
"Really, just how much I felt like (the coaching staff) wanted me. How hard they recruited me, I felt like they were very invested in me. I talked to them and had non-stop communication with them. I feel like it's just a great place to work on my craft and get better. They want to develop me I think they have the same goals for me that I have."
You've been on campus for a few months now. How has practice been going?
"It's been great. It's been a great adjustment, just trying to soak everything in and learn everything. Adjust to the speed of the game. It's new terminology. All in all, it's been great."
Has there been a veteran that has taken you under his wing and helped you out?
"I'd have to say Carl Pierre. He's been great to me, almost like a big brother. From the first day, he's kind of taken me in (and) holding me accountable for stuff. Really just acting like a big brother for me."
What basketball player do you try to model your game after?
"I wouldn't say that there is anybody specific really. Growing up, I was a Kobe (Bryant) fan, obviously. He's one of the greats in my opinion. I feel like I'm a hybrid player. I think I can shoot the ball (and) handle it. I'm athletic and can pass the ball. I feel like I can do a lot."
What are your goals for the season?
"I just want to make as big an impact as I can on the team. To do whatever I can to help the team win. I want to win the conference championship and make it to the NCAA Tournament."
When you are not on the court or dealing with school, what do you like to do in your downtime?
"Not a lot really. I'm a very low-key, chill person. I'll play some video games like (NBA)2K. I'll go get something to eat with some friends. But, really just chilling off the court.
What are you listening to before a game?
"I always have some Lil Uzi Vert on. Any time you see me, anywhere, I have some music on."
What is your favorite movie?
"I'm a huge movie person. I'd have to say one of the Avengers movies."
What is your favorite color?
"Probably red."
What is your favorite food?
"I'd have to go with just a simple hamburger and fries. You can't go wrong with that."
What is something you found out about yourself during quarantine?
"I really learned to trust myself and the work that I put in every single day. To trust in that and trust in God that everything will work out."
Who is your favorite athlete to watch?
"Jamal Crawford is very fun to watch."
If you could have dinner with any three people, past or present, who would it be?
"Lil Uzi Vert, Kobe Bryant and probably my Grandpa who passed away before I was born."
What was the recruiting process like?
"Honestly, the recruiting process was kind of stressful. At the time, the pandemic was picking up so it was kind of tough to play in front of a lot of schools and get live periods. That's why it really meant a lot to me that Rice was the first to offer. They really trusted their eye and what they saw."
What was it about Rice that stood out to you?
"Really, just how much I felt like (the coaching staff) wanted me. How hard they recruited me, I felt like they were very invested in me. I talked to them and had non-stop communication with them. I feel like it's just a great place to work on my craft and get better. They want to develop me I think they have the same goals for me that I have."
You've been on campus for a few months now. How has practice been going?
"It's been great. It's been a great adjustment, just trying to soak everything in and learn everything. Adjust to the speed of the game. It's new terminology. All in all, it's been great."
Has there been a veteran that has taken you under his wing and helped you out?
"I'd have to say Carl Pierre. He's been great to me, almost like a big brother. From the first day, he's kind of taken me in (and) holding me accountable for stuff. Really just acting like a big brother for me."
What basketball player do you try to model your game after?
"I wouldn't say that there is anybody specific really. Growing up, I was a Kobe (Bryant) fan, obviously. He's one of the greats in my opinion. I feel like I'm a hybrid player. I think I can shoot the ball (and) handle it. I'm athletic and can pass the ball. I feel like I can do a lot."
What are your goals for the season?
"I just want to make as big an impact as I can on the team. To do whatever I can to help the team win. I want to win the conference championship and make it to the NCAA Tournament."
When you are not on the court or dealing with school, what do you like to do in your downtime?
"Not a lot really. I'm a very low-key, chill person. I'll play some video games like (NBA)2K. I'll go get something to eat with some friends. But, really just chilling off the court.
What are you listening to before a game?
"I always have some Lil Uzi Vert on. Any time you see me, anywhere, I have some music on."
What is your favorite movie?
"I'm a huge movie person. I'd have to say one of the Avengers movies."
What is your favorite color?
"Probably red."
What is your favorite food?
"I'd have to go with just a simple hamburger and fries. You can't go wrong with that."
What is something you found out about yourself during quarantine?
"I really learned to trust myself and the work that I put in every single day. To trust in that and trust in God that everything will work out."
Who is your favorite athlete to watch?
"Jamal Crawford is very fun to watch."
If you could have dinner with any three people, past or present, who would it be?
"Lil Uzi Vert, Kobe Bryant and probably my Grandpa who passed away before I was born."
Players Mentioned
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