From JUCO to UCLA: The Rise of Jamar Brown

Jamar Brown's basketball journey has been defined by steady growth, relentless work ethic, and the belief that hard work pays off. His path—starting at Phoenix College, thriving at UMKC, and now heading to one of the most storied programs in the nation at UCLA—is a testament to staying locked in on a dream, no matter the route.

JUCO Beginnings at Phoenix College

For Brown, choosing Phoenix College was about opportunity—an opportunity to get better, to grow his game, and to compete at a high level. "What motivated me was the desire to improve and develop my skills and get the opportunity to compete against some really good athletes," he said.

That mindset quickly translated into results. At PC, he put in consistent work in the weight room, sharpened his conditioning, improved his rebounding technique, and developed a more complete basketball IQ. The daily grind—shooting, ball handling, defensive drills, and finishing at the rim—became second nature. That dedication paid off in a big way: he was named NJCAA DII Region I Player of the Year and earned Second Team All-American honors.

"These honors validated all of the hard work I've put in on my own as well as with my coaches and teammates," Brown said. "It helped me get a D1 scholarship."

A pivotal moment in his JUCO career came at the Jamboree in Colorado. Playing in front of a gym packed with college coaches, Brown seized the opportunity to show what he was about. That exposure turned into offers—and a new chapter.

Thriving at UMKC

Transferring to the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), Brown embraced the challenge of Division I basketball. "The relationships I built with the coaches played a big part. They believed in me not just as a player, but as a person," he explained. The fit, the playstyle, and the coaching vision lined up perfectly.

Adjusting to the faster pace, stronger opponents, and complex schemes wasn't easy—but Brown relied on his strengths and made an immediate impact. His hard work didn't go unnoticed: he was named Summit League Newcomer of the Year and earned a spot on the All-Summit League First Team.

"They signify all of the hard work I've put in since JUCO, the impact I have for any team that I play for, and the ability to perform under pressure," Brown said about the honors.

One of his standout performances came against North Dakota, when he dropped 29 points. "I was just staying in the moment, not being afraid to make a play, and making the winning plays for my team."

Brown's game speaks for itself—an elite shooter, a tenacious rebounder, and a multi-positional defender. "I provide toughness and grit. I have a very high motor," he added. Over the years, he's placed extra focus on developing his off-the-dribble shooting, playmaking in pick-and-rolls, and on-ball defense.

Looking Ahead to UCLA

Now, Brown is headed to UCLA, joining a program with a rich basketball legacy and a head coach in Mick Cronin who values toughness, grit, and defense—the very traits Brown embodies.

"What excites me the most is being able to join Coach Cronin and his staff and contribute to a winning-historic program," he said. "I'll be bringing my shooting and shot-making abilities, as well as my rebounding, toughness, and defense."

Brown envisions making an immediate impact, thanks to his ability to score, rebound, and defend multiple positions. "My versatility on the offensive end and my defensive toughness will help me be successful in this program."

His personal goals at UCLA? Keep getting better, grow as a vocal leader, and continue expanding his offensive game. His team goal is simple but bold: "Make it to March Madness and win the National Championship."

Beyond the Court

Off the court, Brown is down-to-earth and laid back. He enjoys music, exploring new places, hanging out with friends, watching movies, and playing video games. But when it comes to basketball, he credits his parents, friends, and coaches for his growth—especially Phoenix College head coach Duane Eason, who helped shape his mindset and instill discipline that carries through to today.

For young athletes with college dreams, Brown offers sound advice: "Work hard. Be consistent. Focus on your personal growth. Embrace challenges, and never stop improving."

From Phoenix College to the Summit League and now UCLA, Jamar Brown's rise proves that the journey matters—and so does the work.