Matt Mistretta ’28
Staff Writer
With a lot of turnover as the main headline of Holy Cross Men’s Basketball, a new big name is set to take the court at the Hart Center in the fall. Jaelon Germany, a three-star guard from Crowley, Tex., announced his official commitment to Holy Cross this past month and looks to make a big impact on the Crusaders.
I was lucky enough to interview Germany to learn more about himself and his game, and to get a clearer sense of how we as fans can expect him to help take the Crusaders to the next level.
While he’s originally from Texas, the six-foot-two guard was the 2025 Arizona Class 2A Player of the Year before returning to the Lone Star State for his senior year. Prep Hoops ranks Germany as the 32nd-best player and seventh-best point guard from Texas. This year, Germany averaged 18.7 PTS, 2.5 AST, and 1.0 STL, yet he views his game very differently.
“I’m a pass first point guard and I love to defend…I get the job done and do anything to win,” Germany said.
When asked what he’s most proud of in his game, he pointed to his willingness to get downhill, get paint touches, and play off ball screens as key strengths. A true threat at every level of the floor, Germany’s ability should be evident on the court, even as a freshman.
Germany’s recruitment process included offers from across the college landscape, including schools like Mississippi State, San Jose State, and Denver. Yet he ultimately chose Holy Cross, citing a defining moment when he knew it was the right place for him.
“When Coach Paulsen was showing me how he gets his players better, he loves players that impact winning… [that] just caught my eye,” Germany said. “It was the place I wanted to be right from the jump.”
Looking ahead to his collegiate career, Germany is excited to see how his skill set transfers to the Division I level.
“I feel like I bring a different source of energy being down here from Texas, there’s intentionality, a willingness to win and playing for your teammates,” Germany said when asked what he thinks he can bring to the program.
Germany is part of a recruiting class that includes five new commits, featuring Division II transfer Kole Hanson from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and incoming freshman, Tristen Wilson, from Maryland.
Even as a highly touted recruit, Germany understands there is still room to grow. When discussing his day-to-day training and how he responds to adversity—whether a bad game or a rough stretch—he emphasized his mindset.
“My mentality is always next play, even in life situations looking forward…it’s helped me develop into a young man,” Germany said.
With his commitment now official, Jaelon has clear goals for himself and the program.
“I see us winning a couple conference championships, becoming an all-conference player, making the [NCAA] tournament…getting way better as an individual and as a young man,” Germany said.
When asked what Crusader fans should look forward to, Germany said, “Passion. That’s not gonna change whether I make shots or miss shots, [they will] get passion, effort, and attention.”
Germany will likely compete for significant minutes at the guard position, fitting well with Holy Cross’s playstyle and complementing fellow guards Jude Haigh and John St. Germain III.
It was an absolute pleasure speaking with Germany, and I know I, along with the rest of Crusader fans, should be excited for the impact he will have on the program.
Featured image courtesy of Holy Cross Men’s Basketball & @jaelongermany on Instagram
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