Maryland-signee Jahn Lamothe is no stranger to competition. Throughout his time at St. Frances (MD), he and his teammates have consistently competed and succeeded against daunting national schedules. His senior season won’t be any different. Once again, the Baltimore powerhouse is set to face off against some of the nation’s top programs at premier events across the country. And with his team lacking the size, experience, and depth it has enjoyed in years’ past, Lamothe’s responsibilities promise to be greater than ever. As usual, the 6-foot-4 combo guard is up to the challenge.
“I just want to win. I want to win everything – from the City of Palms to the Alhambra; the MIAA and the BCL. This offseason, I focused a lot on strength and conditioning in an effort to prepare to play entire games.” He continued: “I want to win Player of the Year. I want to be 1st Team All-Conference. And I want to lead this young team the best that I can.”
Lamothe is a skilled, two-way guard capable of playing and guarding either backcourt position. Further, he has the ability to impact the game on or off the ball. When considering the looming increase in usage this upcoming season, he elaborated on his goals, laying out ambitious targets that start on the defensive end.
“I want to guard the best player every game. I want to take on that challenge. I want to improve my assist-to-turnover ratio, and I want to average 10 assists per game. I feel like, with the way that I play, I can average a triple-double.” Using a terrific floor game, he contributes to winning in multiple ways. He was able to demonstrate this in his first game of the season, recording 11 rebounds and 8 assists in a win at the Myrtle Beach Chaffin Classic against Shabach Christian Academy (MD).
Lamothe’s multi-dimensional skillset is just one of the reasons he is confident about his fit into Coach Kevin Willard’s offensive concepts and overall style of play. In watching the Terps to start the season, he noted how their fast pace and heavy ball screen action are tailored to his game. Speaking specifically about the pick-and-roll, he said: “I’m confident with the way I’m able to read coverages; and with my experience playing a lot with Amani [Hansberry] and Juju.”
He was also encouraged by Maryland’s pressure defense, saying that it was just another element of Maryland’s style of play that fit perfectly with his own. “On my official visit, I got to speak with the Coach about my role and fit. He mentioned how I reminded him a little of [former Seton Hall standout] Myles Powell, with my ability to play on or off the ball; in ball screen action, and moving off the ball.
Neither the style of play nor the undefeated start are surprising to Lamothe. “I’m not surprised. Some people may be surprised, but I saw it early by going to a lot of practices. Being that I live 30-40 minutes away, I was able to go to a lot of practices and see it for myself.”
While he’s focused on the upcoming season, there’s no doubt that he is chomping at the bit to get started at College Park, where he plans to study Sports Management. “I can’t wait to get there, make my own mark, and bring more championships to the program.” Indeed, Terps fans can’t wait either.
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