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With the 2020-21 Cerritos College men's basketball season on the shelf due to Covid-19, several players had the decision to make whether to stay with the program or move on. One of those who made the decision to leave was guard Jahlen Jack, who signed with NCAA Division I Tarleton State University. The newest member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), the Texans made the jump from Division II in 2020 after leaving the Lone Star Conference.

Jack joins Joshua Harrison (Westcliff University), Jacob Washington (Bowling Green University; now at Humboldt State University) and Jalen Washington (Bethany (KS) College) as members of the 2019-20 Falcon team that has moved on.

"Jahlen had completed two AA degrees through Covid-19 and was ready to transfer academically with three years to play," stated Falcons head coach Russ May. "We worked to find him a place to transfer because of where he was academically. He had a handful of schools interested but with no scholarships available, it was best to take a preferred walk-on close to home and use his three years to earn that scholarship."

Stated Jack, "It was very hard (making the decision to leave) because of the great coaching staff with Coach May and coach Tito (Ortiz) and the culture at Cerritos. My ultimate goal was to be able to transfer to a D1 basketball program where I can continue to advance my basketball skills."

The lack of games, coupled with the missed Covid season, made it difficult for recruits to see enough film of Jack. But what he had accomplished impressed the coaching staff enough at Tarleton State to give him a shot.

"Due to Covid-19, it was hard for coaches to see you," added Jack. "But a few schools took a look at my Cerritos game film and reviewed some film highlights from some of the showcases that I attended so they would have some additional film to see. (Tarleton State) is led by an experienced coaching staff under Bill Gillespie and Tarleton State University has a Sports Management program that I am interested in. I think that I am a very good guard, have a great work ethic, and will be a team player."

After sitting out the 2018-19 season as a red-shirt, Jack made an impact with Cerritos during the 2019-20 season until an injury cut that short. In the 18 games in which he appeared, Jack started 13 times and averaged 6.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists a game, while he converted 55.7% of his field goals. He produced double-digit points in six of his first 12 games, which included a season-high 14 points against Irvine Valey College.

Coming out of Centennial (GA) High, Jack had the opportunity to come California after his senior season to visit a few schools. He felt Cerritos was the best fit for him because the coaches worked on your entire basketball skill set and focused and get ready for the next level of basketball.

"When Jahlen arrived, he was young, athletic, but lacked confidence and needed some improvement in his skill set, especially shooting the ball," recalls May. "He persevered through knee injuries and established himself in our program. We will miss his size, creativity and his ability to attack the rim. He has great confidence now."

In their abbreviated 2020-21 season, the Texans went 10-10 on the year, which included a 5-7 mark in their first season in the WAC. In their final year of Division II play, Tarleton State posted an 18-12 record and had their season end in the quarterfinals of the Lone State Conference Tournament.

Jack feels his all-around game and approach to school has improved, thanks to his time at Cerritos. "Cerritos had me focus on my education, which I have two degrees, and Coach May and his staff prepared me to be a better basketball player and to be prepared for a D1 Basketball program," said Jack. "I learned to not only focus on making plays and playing under control, but competing on defense."

"Jahlen is a big guard that is excellent in transition," added May. "He can get to the paint and score in the half court and has excellent court vision. I believe at Tarleton he will further develop and become a versatile guard that can make plays on both ends."