Some choice quotes from players working out for the Portland Trail Blazers

Jalen Brunson

A 6-foot-2 guard from Villanova, Jalen Brunson helped his team win the national championship this season. And he was named Player of the Year by the Associated Press, among a host of other accolades.

Like Holiday, Brunson is from a basketball family; his father, Rick, played nine seasons in the NBA. Rick was also an assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves before resigning amid “allegations of improper conduct toward women.”

In a 2017 interview, the younger Brunson spoke about playing under pressure.

“I’m always working,” Jalen said. “Especially from a mental aspect, I’ve been learning as much as possible from our coaches, past players and my dad. It’s no added pressure; this is something I’m prepared for. I was always taught that pressure comes when you aren’t prepared or didn’t work hard enough.”