Jalen Courtney is in his first season with the McNeese Cowboys.
Courtney comes to McNeese after spending the last three years on staff at Mississippi State where he served as a graduate assistant and also as the team's video coordinator.
Â
The Jackson, Mississippi native signed to play basketball at LSU out of high school where he played three seasons and appearing in 61 games. He finished out his playing career at Morehead State but was limited in action due to multiple knee injuries. He earned his undergraduate degree in communications in 2015.
Â
"Jalen's name will be familiar with people here in Louisiana, having played for LSU for three seasons" said Cowboys' head coach Heath Schroyer. "He has great ties to the Mississippi and Louisiana area. He's someone we needed to bring in to really put a net around Louisiana, Mississippi and the panhandle of Florida, and I think we were able to do that."
Â
A McDonald's All-American at Provine High School, he averaged 16 points and 11 rebounds en route to garnering all-state and all-metro accolades and was tabbed the Mississippi High School Athletics Association Scholar-Athlete of the Year. He also led his Rams' team to two 5A state titles and two runner-up finishes.
Â
"Coach Schroyer's vision (of the program) really drew me in," said Courtney about coming to McNeese. "He talked about his vision for McNeese and making it a powerhouse, and I believe it.
Â
"Lake Charles is unbelievable. It's truly unbelievable. I think any kid would die to be in a place like this. I know I would. This is also a chance for me to get back to Louisiana. This is home for me."
