AURORA – Waubonsie Valley alumnus Jared Brownridge graduated in 2013 and makes a point to return to his alma mater to visit and talk with students and staff.
After playing basketball overseas for a year, Brownridge came home to the states and now plays for the NBA’s G-League affiliate for the Philadelphia 76ers. This past season, Brownridge led the league in three-pointers with 187. The G-League is not only a chance to get into the NBA, but a learning experience as well.
“I already knew about work ethic, but I think I took it to another level when I went to the G-League,” said Brownridge, “just because you have a chance to be around guys who have been in the NBA before that just may not be in the NBA right now. So when you have a chance to be around them and see how they do things, see how they work, it gives you that chance to say, ‘Wow. I can put in this extra work. Maybe I can have the chance too.'”
In 129 games at Santa Clara University, Brownridge averaged 17.9 points per game, while shooting 40 percent from the three-point line. Graduating in 2017, Brownridge considers California his second home.
“I definitely miss Santa Clara University. I definitely miss the guys I played with while I was there. I stay in touch with all my coaches because they were all important people on my journey.”
And throughout all that, Brownridge has not forgotten where he came from.
“The people that I have made connections with and that have helped me on my path are very important to me. Anytime that I can come back where it all started is going to continue to help me in the future. It really means a lot to me, and it gives me something to hold on to and know why I still continue to strive to do what it is that I do.”