"The Fierce Two Way Problem Every Team Must Face"

Photo Credited to @Phenom_Hoops

Tjay Brunson

@tjayyxbrunsonn

IG: @tjayshiftyy

6’6”, Class of 2028

Cleveland HS, NC

Tjay is a long, athletic wing who changes the energy of a game the moment he steps on the floor. With real bounce and a scoring bag that hits all three levels, he plays with a wild mix of power, smoothness, and pure takeover ability. He attacks downhill with force, finishes through bodies, and rebounds like someone who lives above the rim. His versatility on defense is a weapon on its own. He can slide with guards, battle with bigs, blow up actions, and turn stops into instant offense. And when he runs the floor, he brings that explosive lane-filling speed that demands attention. His game is built on energy, length, and a competitive fire that never cools off.

This season, Tjay has been nothing short of dominant, averaging 23.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3 assists, showing exactly why coaches across the country have him on their radars. His confidence has skyrocketed, and it shows in the way he creates shots, attacks mismatches, and leans into being a presence on both ends. The work is paying off, and the proof came with offers from Shaw University and Mississippi State, along with a wave of D1 interest. But he’s nowhere near satisfied. His offseason grind is focused on improving his handles, growing his shooting consistency, building strength, and tightening every little detail that makes him harder to contain.

Tjay is stepping into a new level of leadership, determined to show he’s one of the elite wings in the 2028 class. He loves competing with top teams, thrives in high-pressure moments, and lights up packed gyms with his play. Coaches know they’re getting energy, toughness, defense, effort, and a player who commits to winning possessions. He plays with a team-first mindset, stays coachable, and treats every opportunity like it has something to prove.

When facing adversity, he stays steady. He trusts his work, stays focused, and responds with effort instead of emotion. That discipline fuels his growth. His mindset is to earn everything. Build every day. Evolve in every area. Off the floor, he keeps his world balanced. Training, spending time with family and friends, watching film, and even creating content helps him stay sharp, motivated, and plugged into the bigger picture of who he wants to become.

Tjay is a rising star in North Carolina, and the basketball world is starting to catch on. Cleveland is loaded with size and athletic punch, especially with the combo of Tjay and Chris Tsolenyanu patrolling the lineup. Together, they bring a physical presence that can overwhelm teams. But make no mistake, Tjay is the spark that ties it all together.

I assess that Tjay brings a rare blend of length, athletic movement, scoring versatility, and defensive impact that translates instantly to the next level. He can be used as a scorer, a rebounder, a defender, and a matchup problem that forces game planning. His ability to disrupt defensively while still being a reliable offensive threat makes him a powerful addition to a college program.

With continued growth in his handles, shooting consistency, and overall physical strength, Tjay is moving toward becoming a complete two-way force. His ceiling is sky-high, and his hunger only pushes it higher. As he continues developing his leadership and all-around skill set, expect him to rise into a must-have recruit who brings production, presence, and electric upside every time he hits the floor. Stay tuned.