In men’s basketball at Neumann, senior forward Jalen Vaughns has asserted his conference dominance again this year, becoming a three-time Atlantic East Player of the Week on November 13 and 28, and again on December 4.
Vaughns also shined as a student, joining the Atlantic East Weekly Honor Roll on November 20 and claimed the prestigious Philadelphia School College Basketball Association Player of the Week title on November 30.
Hailing from Tobyhanna, Pa., Vaughns is an alumnus of Pocono Mountain West in Pocono Summit.
During his senior year in high school, Vaughns played a pivotal role as the Panthers achieved an impressive record of 22 -5, culminating in a top-standing position with a remarkable .815 winning percentage.
“Motivation fuels everything I do in this sport. It’s been my life since I was three, and I owe it all to my parents who gave me this opportunity. Their support is my driving force, pushing me to work tirelessly both in the classroom and on the court. I strive to repay their faith in me through my dedication and efforts in everything I pursue,” said Vaughns.
Coming to Neumann, Vaughns wasted no time making an impact to the team’s performance in his freshmen year with the men’s basketball program. Vaughns' debut season statistics rewrote the program's record books, amassing 637 points. He averaged 22 points per game throughout his first season of play in the Atlantic East Conference.
Throughout his sophomore year, Vaughns tallied an impressive 599 points throughout the season, securing the third spot for most points scored in a single season at Neumann University. Vaughns' scoring average of 23 points per game stands as the best in the program’s history, a testament to his offensive dominance.
“Watching film has been crucial for my game, especially in handling the double teams I face. Teams often double me on plays, so it’s about finding those gaps and being effective even with added pressure. It's a constant learning process, figuring out how to make the most impact regardless of the defensive matchups thrown my way on the court,” said Vaughns.
This semester, Neumann’s men’s basketball team stands at an overall record of 2-8, but Vaughns is averaging an outstanding 25.3 points per game, showcasing ability to consistently contribute to the team’s offensive output. Being the rim protector on the court, Vaughns also proves he can be force on the boards, showcasing his versatility as both a scorer and a player capable of securing possessions for his team.
