Boston’s Newest Friar - Jaylen Harrell

Dylan Thayer | Tuesday, July 9th, 2024

Last week, Cats Academy & Expressions 6’5” wing Jaylen Harrell (Juke) announced his pledge to Providence College following the 2024-25 season.

 

Harrell’s decision came down to a top six of Alabama, Kansas, Providence, Rutgers, Virginia Tech and Xavier.

 

The Boston Native’s journey was a memorable one, starting out his high school career with a bang winning the ISL title with St. Sebastian’s, and making the First Team All-ISL as a ninth grader. 

 

He along with AJ Dybantsa, helped form a dynamic tandem of underclassmen and have since taken off on the national level.

Harrell, Dybantsa and the rest of the St. Sebastians 2022-23 team celebrating a victory.

 

In his sophomore season with St. Seb’s, he helped the Arrows to a second consecutive ISL title, as well as an appearance in the NEPSAC Class-A title game against Milton Academy.

 

Harrell’s ascension to high major status was due in part to immense success in the Nike E16 last spring. When the season was all said and done, he finished top five in scoring with 20.8 points per game. 

 

Guarding Harrell is a tough assignment for opposing defenders, he’s got a strong body to go along with a smooth handle and a knack for getting to his spots. He scores the ball at all three levels, and has game-changing length on the wing.

 

In April 2023, he picked up offers from Alabama, Providence, Georgetown and Washington. By September Xavier, Wake Forest and Rutgers entered the mix.

 

Entering his junior season, Jaylen made the move to CATS Academy in Braintree where he joined his Expressions coach Cary Herer.

 

His first season with CATS was one to remember as he averaged 24 points and 7.1 rebounds per game leading the Griffins to a 21-10 record and a NEPSAC-AA playoff berth.

 

Harrell at the HoopHall Prep Showcase (Jan. 2024 via KylePruePhoto/IG)

 

Shortly after, he was named the 2023-24 Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year.

 

When making his commitment, Juke had this to say about his decision to choose Providence, "I ultimately chose Providence because of the relationship I have with the coaching staff," he said at his live commitment ceremony.

 

"I believe in the goal of winning at a high level there, and I believe in [Kim English]'s vision of what we're going to do in the next coming years." 

 

Harrell is now the third New England player to commit to the Kim English regime in the past two recruiting classes, joining Ryan Mela and Oswin Erhunmwunse on the Friars.

 

Jamier Jones, another nationally ranked prospect out of Oak Ridge HS in Florida committed to the Friars back in May as well.

 

With a big senior season on the horizon, the Friars commit has a lot to look forward to.

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