The impact of covid-19 across the state of Wisconsin was especially harsh to those in the Milwaukee and Madison areas – as both MPS and MMSD elected to not participate in the 2020-21 basketball season. One player who is flying under the radar in Wisconsin’s 2022 class is Jerome Jacobs (Madison West HS). Jacobs averaged double figures (10.8ppg) as a sophomore starter at Madison West in the 2019-2020 season prior to covid and had some really nice showings on the NY2LA circuit this year playing with Movement Hoops Elite. 

At 6’3, Jacobs is a smooth lead guard who has the versatility to play on or off the ball. He has a shifty handle with the ability to breakdown defenders and get into the paint off the bounce, and nice mechanics on his jumper with deep range. Jacobs is a natural scorer, does a good job of utilizing the midrange game, and is not afraid to post up smaller guards when given the opportunity. 

Defensively Jacobs has good instincts to get into passing lanes and into the open floor in transition (where he is deadly) and quick feet to stay in front of opposing Point Guards. He also has shown a competitive edge and does a great job of battling defensively and on the glass on both ends of the floor. Right now, Jacobs projects as a D1 JUCO prospect, with potential to play at the low to mid major D1 level as he adds strength. 

NY2LA Sports caught up with Jacobs to discuss his game, goals for his senior season, impact of covid and his experience on the NY2LA Basketball Association. 

Isaac Dennis: Describe your game in 3 words.
Jerome Jacobs: “Smooth, competitive, and I let the game come to me. I don’t try to force things or do too much unless I have to for my team to win.” 

ID: What are your goals for your Senior season?
JJ: “I want to be at the Kohl Center, to be able to play for a state championship. Also, to be a team player, win conference and be the conference player of the year in the Big 8.” 

ID: How did missing your Junior season to Covid effect you and did it change your mindset?
JJ: “Yeah, it affected me badly because I had high hopes for my team last year. I was able to play in open gyms with a couple of my teammates who were Seniors, and they really improved their game, so I felt as if we could’ve made some noise. It definitely made me go harder and keep pushing.” 

ID: How was your experience playing on the NY2LA Association?
JJ: “NY2LA was a great experience. I had a lot of fun. I played on the circuit the last 3 or 4 years and got better each year. It helped me develop my game against good competition and was a good way for me to get some more exposure for colleges to see me.” 

Look for Jacobs to be one of the top players in the Big 8 Conference this winter.