FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason University men's basketball head coach Tony Skinn announced Tuesday that Jalen Haynes will join the Patriot roster beginning in 2023-24.
 
A 6-foot-8-inch forward, Haynes comes to Fairfax from East Tennessee, State, where he averaged 14.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and shot 57.5 percent from the floor as a sophomore in 2022-23. 
 
"Jalen's a big, physical, scoring combo forward," Skinn said. "When you look at his numbers in a good league, he's been very productive. He's a skilled big - not just a back to the basket guy. He can put it on the deck and will give us the ability to spread out offensively, with him at the five or the four. With his girth, versatility and skill set, he has the potential to develop into an All-Atlantic 10 player at George Mason."
 
An All-SoCon selection for the Buccaneers as a sophomore, Haynes led the team in field goals made (176) and free throws made (111) while ranking second on the team in scoring and rebounding (6.4 rpg). He started 30 of 31 games and dished out 1.5 assists per contest
 
The Fort Lauderdale, Fla., product tallied four of double-doubles, scored in double figures 22 times and posting eight games with at least 20 points. He scored a career-best 27 points at Mercer on January 25.
 
Haynes suited up in nine games for Virginia Tech as a freshman in 2021-22. 
 
Prior to his collegiate career, Haynes played at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale under legendary head coach Darryl Burrows. As a senior in 2019-20, averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks, while leading the Panthers to a 24-8 record and an appearance in the state title game.
 
Following his time at Dillard, played a postgraduate season at Montverde Academy in 2020-21 for head coach Ben Wisniewski. In his one season at Montverde, Haynes posted 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.