In the annals of Philadelphia high school basketball, there have been rare individuals who possessed an extraordinary combination of skills, work ethic, and sheer determination. Among these exceptional talents are electrifying shooting guards that command attention on and off the court. In 1991, my homie Bruiser Flint was in the early stages of his coaching career and working with John Calipari at UMass. They were in town and Flint was extolling the virtues of kid he described as a relentless threat not only capable of scoring from all three levels with NBA 3-point range and a refined mid-range game, but also embodying the epitome of versatility, strength, and explosiveness. They wanted him BAD!

I met Flint and Coach Cal at 2101 S Broad St that afternoon, we entered the South Philly HS gym and witnessed a performance that my memory has etched in stone since that day. Kareem “Rab” Townes’ bag was a different kind of deep. With an incredibly varied arsenal of offensive tools and a flair for entertainment, he set the benchmark. Townes established himself as the most prolific scorer and exciting high school player of his era.

No one had reminded me of Townes until the evening of February 6, 2023. At precisely 7:00 pm, the ref tossed the ball in the air and an important game between the visiting Archbishop Wood Vikings and the surprising St. Joseph’s Prep Hawks was underway. Over the course of the next hour and a half, Jalil Bethea evoked memories of Rab Townes, circa 1991-22. With about 20-30 SJ Prep football players, about 5-7 feet from the floor, relentlessly taunting and baiting him every trip down the floor… Bethea BUSSED DEY ASS! The magnitude of the game should not be understated. There was a lot on the line, the regular season championship remained undecided and playoff seedings had yet to be determined.

“Overrated… Overrated… Overrated!”

The rhythmic chant reverberated throughout the gym.

Jab step… swish!

Crossover, stepback… swish!

In and out, hesi… layup… good!

And one…

Bethea BUSSED DEY ASS!

A 40 piece spicy… fried HARD! Plus the win…

He has yet to take his foot off the gas pedal. Indeed, he gave Camden High a similar order last week at Philly Live.

When it comes to scoring, Bethea stands head and shoulders above his peers. His shooting range extends well beyond the 3-point line, mirroring the accuracy and consistency of NBA sharpshooters like Damian Lillard, Klay Thompson and FUCK IT… imma say it… Steph Curry. His remarkable range not only stretches opposing defenses but also instills fear in the hearts of defenders who must constantly guard against his deadly outside shot. His mid-range game is equally impressive, showcasing a refined touch and a keen understanding of angles and positioning. With an arsenal of scoring weapons at his disposal, he creates constant matchup nightmares for opponents.

Bethea is a BAD MUHAFUCKA.

It is obvious that he has invested countless hours in the gym with his mentor John Huggins, relentlessly working to enhance his physical attributes. Recognizing the importance of strength and explosiveness, he dedicated himself to a rigorous training regimen over the past 24 months. Through disciplined weightlifting, conditioning drills, and plyometric exercises, he transformed his body, developing the power and agility necessary to dominate on the court. He is routinely bangin’ on dudes and catching alley oops these days. This physical transformation has not only improved his ability to drive to the basket with authority but has also fortified his defensive skills, making him an all-around force to be reckoned with.

With his expanded skill set and refined physique, Bethea has emerged as one of the most prolific scorers in the class of 2024. He is consensus top 20 prospect according to all of the national scouting services. His ability to create space and separate from defenders is unparalleled, thanks to his vast repertoire of offensive moves. Employing old-school jab steps, he baits defenders into committing, only to explode past them with a burst of speed or unleash a silky-smooth pull-up jumper. He seamlessly combines these moves with crossovers, in-and-out dribbles, and step-backs, leaving defenders in his wake and onlookers in awe.

It is not only his scoring prowess that captivates audiences but also his ability to entertain and excite with every possession. Each time he steps onto the court, fans anticipate something special. His deep bag of offensive tools, coupled with his creativity and flair, results in a dazzling display of basketball artistry. Whether it’s a mesmerizing crossover that sends his defender sprawling or a gravity-defying acrobatic finish at the rim, he leaves spectators on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting his next move. He has breathed new life into Philadelphia high school basketball, rekindling the excitement and passion that the game evokes.

It feels just like it did when Rab dropped 40 sumthin every time he enters the gym in 1991. In the annals of Philadelphia high school basketball, certain players have risen above the rest through their relentless drive and exceptional skills. Jalil Bethea, with his ability to score from all three levels, unrivaled range, and refined mid-range game, stands tall as one of the most formidable and prolific players of his era.

Bethea is a SUPAHIGHMAJAH prospect.

Through tireless dedication and a commitment to physical transformation, he has elevated his game to new heights. Not only does he amass points with ease, but he also captivates audiences with his entertaining and awe-inspiring style of play. As he continues to evolve and leave an indelible mark on the sport, he serves as a constant reminder that passion matters. He wants it… I believe he’s gonna get it!