Gregory Jamaal Leggett '22 Recruiting Profile

In my redshirt junior college basketball year, my aspirations revolve around a holistic approach to my growth, balancing my faith, family, and academics with my passion for the game. My family’s values drive me, instilling a resilience that fuels my "I'll show you" mentality on the court, especially as someone who has faced doubts about my size. Drawing inspiration from my godfather’s success in football (Rutgers HOF 98) and my father's basketball journey (Jr . College), I remain determined to make my mark. My freshman year was transformative; after a setback from a Lisfranc injury, I channeled my energy into academics, achieving a 3.32 GPA and earning a spot on the dean's list. On the court, my stats reflect my dedication: 10 PPG, 4 StPG, 6 APG, and a tenacious defensive presence. I aspire not just to excel individually but to be a vital asset to my team, supporting my coaches and teammates in every way possible, and helping our program thrive as we prepare for success together.

Although I was never the tallest or the fastest, I always played with heart and seized every opportunity to improve. In my High School sophomore year, I tried out for the school team but didn’t make it, leading to a temporary loss of focus and a dip in my grades. It took me two years to recover from that lost year. Still, with the support of my faith, parents, and AAU coaches, I fought back, earned mostly A's and B's in my junior and senior High school years, became the leader in scoring, assists, and steals on my AAU team, and graduated on time.

Despite not receiving any offers after high school, Coach Lee Deforest of Florida Coastal Prep offered me a partial scholarship. By the end of that season, I became a second-team All-Star at the Big Shots Post Grad Tournament in Rock Hill, SC. 

When the Emmanuel Coaches saw me play during a tournament, they recognized something in my style and determination. Despite facing challenges, including doubts about my height, I consistently played with heart and hustle, impacting both ends of the court. My stats—leading my prep team in assists, and steals—spoke volumes about my commitment and skill. The coach appreciated my resilience. & saw my potential as a player and a leader who could contribute to the team's success. His belief in my abilities ultimately led to a partial scholarship offer that opened the door for my college basketball journey at Emanuel University.