'Learning to win in different roles' - Brunson on the most important lesson he learned at Villanova

Jalen Brunson's journey in the NBA has had an impressive development arc. His first role was limited while he was a Dallas Maverick, but JB managed to become a reliable contributor off the bench before being inserted in the starting lineup and becoming a second option to superstar Luka Doncic.

Brunson then joined the New York Knicks and became one of the best players in the league. However, Jalen's college career prepared him precisely for that.

Villanova taught him the value of accountability

In the recent episode of the "Come and Talk 2 Me" podcast, where he discussed his career with his father, Rick Brunson, JB explained what lessons he learned in college and how it helped him later on in the NBA.

"So I thought I had good habits of winning, going into college. But then I realized that I had good habits, but I needed better ones because college is different," he said. "And so being able to be held accountable by the older guys on the team and by Coach Wright and stuff, it definitely helped me."

Jalen committed to Villanova and spent three years there. In his freshman year, he averaged only 9.6 points per game and 2.5 assists. While those are good numbers for a freshman, they aren't enough for the NBA.

Still, Brunson had to learn his role among the older players, which brought him success in his second year with the team. JB's contribution increased with every year on the team before the 6'2'' point guard finally managed to lead Villanova to the NCAA Championship in 2018 before declaring for the NBA Draft.

Adapting to roles shaped his basketball journey

Brunson played 116 games during his college career and was named National Player of the Year in 2018 before being drafted 33rd overall by the Mavericks.

"Learning how to be effective in a limited role my freshman year kind of taught me that I can help win in different ways. And so I don't have to be the guy I can have. I can be a person who can help to win a team, to help to win a championship," Brunson said. "And then I got the chance to lead a team and win a championship my junior year. And so I was able to learn how to win in different roles. And I think that helped me get to the league," he added.

Jalen's constant development finally brought him an All-Star selection in 2024, and an All-NBA Second Team in the same year. In July 2024, Brunson signed a four-year contract with the Knicks, when he took a discount and became a fan favorite in the Big Apple.