Maryland men’s basketball graduate student Jahmir Young recently chatted with PressBox about finding a home in College Park, why he chose to come back for another year and more. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound guard averaged 15.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game for the Terps in 2022-23. He is a native of Upper Marlboro, Md., and graduate of DeMatha Catholic High School.
PressBox: How did you first become interested in basketball?
Jahmir Young: I would say just my family playing. I’ve been around sports all my life. My mom, [Iesha Brewster], coached for a little bit in her early days. All my uncles — her brothers — played. My father and my grandfather played. My grandfather gave me a hoop when I was little and I’ve just been playing ever since.
PB: Who was the biggest influence on your game growing up?
JY: I would say my experiences of going through good or rough times throughout the game. Other than that, I would say my mom, my family. I’m very family-oriented. I do everything for my family, so I would say they were probably the biggest influence other than my experiences.
PB: How did playing in the WCAC help develop your game?
JY: Day in and day out, night in and night out just playing against great competition in front of great college coaches. … One of the best conferences in the country for high school basketball, so just being in the spotlight, being able to play with very talented players as well. [It helped] me stay focused and disciplined, just knowing that I have a lot of work to do. It really humbles you.
PB: Why did you first choose to go to Charlotte?
JY: It was the best decision for me at the time, best situation for me. Me looking to get away from home and be on my own to develop as well — just the relationship with the coaches, beautiful campus, beautiful city. The ball was going to be in my hands from the jump, and that’s what I felt like I needed at the time, so it worked out for me.
PB: Why did you choose to transfer back home to Maryland?
JY: Growing up, being able to go to Maryland games, it’s always been my dream to be able to play for the hometown and in front of the people that I love. Being able to play in front of the fans and this atmosphere is amazing. Being able to see that growing up, I wanted to be a part of that.
PB: What was the biggest adjustment going from the AAC to the Big Ten?
JY: I would say everybody’s sharper, everybody’s more athletic, stronger. I would say it prepares you more for the next level, which is where I’m trying to get to. The biggest adjustment, I would say, [is] just the spotlight, the eyes on you. Really just being able to stay consistent and perform day in and day out.
PB: What is your favorite memory from last year?
JY: I would say being able to experience March Madness and the NCAA Tournament — the Big Ten tournament as well, that was also something I will never forget. But just being able to play in March Madness my first time was something that was very special to me.
PB: Why was it important to come back to Maryland for your fifth year of eligibility?
JY: It was important to me personally, and I felt like we left some business to take care of. I feel like we can go further in the NCAA Tournament. I feel like our team’s very capable. I feel like we’re going to do great this season. I really just wanted to give it one last go, experience the college atmosphere and be able to play in front of these fans one more time.
PB: What’s your favorite thing about the University of Maryland?
JY: I would say the fans, the atmosphere, how much they support our team. It feels like nothing else in the world when everybody’s behind you and everybody’s cheering for you. I love that feeling and that’s probably one of my best things about Maryland.
PB: What’s your favorite thing about College Park?
JY: I would say that it’s so close to where I live, about 20 minutes up the road from my house. I just feel great being able to play at home in front of my family.
PB: Who’s your best friend on the team and what’s a story that underscores your friendship?
JY: I probably wouldn’t even say that I have a best friend on the team. I’d say that we’re all pretty close. I would probably say the Italy trip — just being able to bond with them, not really having any service out there, so no phones — just being able to bond and get to know each other, I feel like that was big for our development this summer going into the season. I feel like we all got closer from that.
PB: Has a player stood out this offseason who may surprise fans come November?
JY: Right now, I feel like Jamie Kaiser [Jr.]. He’s plays so mature. There’s not really any flaws to his game. He can really shoot it. And he’s tough. He’s tough physically and mentally, so I feel like the fans will love just seeing him play.
PB: What’s particularly unique about playing for Kevin Willard?
JY: I would say just how he gets along with us on and off the court, just cracking joked in practice. He’s not too serious all the time, but he handles his business. So I would say just being able to make us laugh here and there.
PB: Who did you look up to early in your career at Charlotte?
JY: Coming in freshman year, I would say Jordan Shepherd. He’s overseas now. He played with me at Charlotte for a couple years. He came in as a transfer. He was a veteran point guard. He also played with Trae Young at Oklahoma. Just being able to pick his brain and learn from him is what I was trying to do in my early years at Charlotte.
PB: What advice would you give to younger players?
JY: If you’re looking for a school, go somewhere that loves you and really has your best interests at heart. When it comes to basketball, I would just say being able to move on to the next play, being able to make sure that you’re mentally capable of moving on to the next play, which means not getting down on yourself, not getting too flustered, really just staying level and not getting too high or too low.
PB: What are your goals for after basketball, whenever it ends?
JY: Whenever it ends, I plan to coach. I want to say around the game. Just being able to take care of my family, give back all the hard work my mom did for me and my younger siblings, being able to give that back to her.
Photo Credit: Colin Murphy/PressBox