Following his official visit to Champaign, La Lumiere School senior guard Jalen Coleman-Lands has given his verbal commitment to attend The University of Illinois and play Basketball for Coach John Groce.
“The reason I chose the University of Illinois is because they offer everything I was looking for in a school: academics, in particular the business program; the basketball system and level of competition in the Big 10; and the quality of Coach Groce and his staff,” Coleman-Lands said.
On the court, Coleman-Lands is an ESPN 4-star recruit and ranked as the 34th best overall prospect in the class of 2015. In 2014, behind his 19.2 points per game, he led La Lumiere School to the prestigious Dick’s Sporting Goods National High School Tournament in New York City.
La Lumiere Head Coach Shane Heirman says, “Jalen is a coach’s dream. From day one at La Lumiere, he fully immersed himself into this community and has had a major impact on and off the court. He is a special talent, but even more so, he is a special person. I have no doubt that he will have a major impact at the University of Illinois.”
Coleman-Lands discussed how La Lumiere shaped him as an athlete and person.
“Attending La Lumiere School has made me more responsible and mature, which has positively impacted my production both on and off the court, in particular in the classroom," he said. "The independence the School offers has helped me develop my character so that I can be an excellent contributor to the University of Illinois.”
Off the court, Jalen is an excellent student, earning a place on the School’s Cum Laude Honor Roll. He was also the 2014 recipient of the Bransfield Award, the highest award bestowed on an underclassman, recognizing the student who best represents the La Lumiere ideal. He also serves as Vice President of the Entrepreneur Club and is active in the School’s community service program.
La Lumiere Headmaster Michael Kennedy said “Jalen has consistently been a leader in our community and has earned the respect of both his teachers and his peers. La Lumiere has prepared him for success at the collegiate level and in life because he has taken advantage of all we have to offer.”