TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — Jordan Bryant is new to East Lake High’s basketball team, but he’s already making a big impact.

What You Need To Know

  • East Lake High School boys basketball is off to a strong start to the season. A key piece to their team is Jordan Bryant, who is quickly making a name for himself

  • Bryant is on track to become a Division 1 player in college

  • The junior has had three 20-point games and six double-doubles

Head coach Britt Taylor says he has quickly become a crucial part of the Eagles.

“He’s our rock. You know he’s so versatile, he can do so many things, but he really protects the rim for us. Not only just scoring and rebounding, he’s our defensive anchor. He’s just really taken off,” Taylor said.

The junior has had three 20-point games and six double-doubles.

“I love being at the rim finishing the basketball as much as I can because that’s my greatest trait,” Bryant said when asked what he loves most about the game

Coach Taylor says Bryant has what it takes to become a Division 1 player in college.

“He’s a no-brainer division one player, I mean absolute no-brainer. Obviously he has the physical tools: 6’7” jumps out of the gym, shoots it. His goals are to play at the next level. He’s been dreaming about it since he was little and he’s extremely motivated, works extremely hard, so he wants to not only play at the next level of college. He wants to professional,” Taylor said.

Driving his success on the court is his family. He dedicates every game to his dad, a former standout basketball player at Dunedin, who passed away when Bryant was just 10 years old.

“I started taking basketball seriously in eighth grade so up until then, you know, I’m just doing it for him. You know, I’ve seen clips of him here and there, but I was just told how great he was, so I just want to carry on his legacy,” Bryant said.

Bryant leads East Lake with 18 points per game and has been a key part of their 10-1 record.

“Every time he steps on the floor, he’s just having success and he’s been extremely dominant,” Taylor said.  

Bryant says he’s just getting started. His goal is to win a state title for the Eagles and in honor of his dad.