From Wyandanch to Division I: The Journey of Jalyke Gaines Wyatt

Written By: Lada King 

Lead: From the courts of Wyandanch, New York to the hardwood of Alcorn State University, 21-year-old point guard Jalyke Gaines Wyatt has proven that betting on yourself can take you further than doubt ever could. His journey as a college athlete is one defined by resilience, faith, and family and he’s only getting started.

Jalyke Gaines Wyatt didn’t take the traditional path to college basketball. There was a moment after high school when it seemed like his basketball dreams might stall. “I didn’t go to college right away because I didn’t get the offers I wanted,” he says. “The journey was rough.” But instead of giving up, Jalyke stayed the course determined to make it, even if the road wasn’t straight.

Originally from Wyandanch, a tight-knit town on Long Island, New York, Jalyke grew up surrounded by basketball. “I come from a basketball family,” he explains. “My parents inspired me from the beginning.” That early exposure laid the foundation for a future rooted in discipline, faith, and a fierce belief in his potential.

Eventually, Jalyke found his way to Alcorn State University in Mississippi, where he played point guard for the Braves. His first year at the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) was eye-opening. “It was a great experience, my first time at an HBCU,” he reflects. “The environment was something special. It felt like family.”

Alcorn State introduced him to a sense of community that he hadn’t experienced elsewhere. He found that the support from students, staff, and teammates made the transition smoother, despite the significant lifestyle changes that came with moving from New York to Mississippi. "It was culture shock at first," he admits, "but it made me grow up and focus."

On the court, Jalyke quickly made an impact. One game that stands out was during his freshman season, when Alcorn faced Clemson. “That was my come-out game,” he recalls. “I didn’t even want to play because I had left my phone in the hotel and was down about it. But it turned out to be the best game of my career.” The game was a pivotal moment, not just for the scoreboard, but for his confidence. It affirmed he belonged at the Division I level.

Off the court, balancing school and athletics presented its own challenges. As a business major, Jalyke had to learn how to manage his time effectively. “My first year was hard. We were traveling so much, and I missed a lot of in-person classes,” he says. “But my second year was easier because more of my classes were online during the season.”

He adds that online learning helped him stay on track academically while still dedicating time to practice and recovery. "You have to learn to adjust and be mature about it. There's no one making you do anything you either keep up or fall behind."

His typical game day follows a disciplined schedule: wake up, shoot around, attend class, team shoot around, rest, game meal, film review, then back to the gym for game time. After the game? “I go back to my room, watch film on the game, eat, and sleep. Then I repeat.” It’s a strict but necessary routine for someone chasing long-term dreams in the sport.

Through all the ups and downs, Jalyke remains grounded in his faith. “I always lean on God and remember to stay positive and level-headed. You can lose two and win five you never know.” That spiritual foundation helps him push through adversity, while keeping perspective.

His motivation is deeply personal. “I play for my family,” he says simply. But his vision extends beyond just making it in the game. “It’s bigger than basketball. It’s about life lessons. It’s about mental and physical strength.”

As a young Black man from Wyandanch, making it to the collegiate level carries special meaning. “A lot of people don’t even graduate high school where I’m from,” he shares. “So to be here  it means a lot.” His community, his family, and his loved ones keep him going even on his hardest days. “They keep me going every day even on my low days,” he says. “I don’t take any of this for granted.”

Jalyke's outlook reflects a maturity far beyond his years. When discussing the mental side of the game, he emphasizes gratitude and humility. “I keep God first and stay grounded. I remind myself some people would love to be in the position I’m in, so I stay grateful.”

Looking ahead, Jalyke has both short-term and long-term goals in mind. “I want to finish my career at a high-major program, get as many achievements as possible, and make it to March Madness,” he says. Long term? “I want to go pro, provide for my family, and have my own basketball camp.” His dream to run a camp stems from his desire to give back to youth in his community, kids who might feel forgotten or overlooked, just like he once did.

He also hopes to be a role model. “I want to show young Black boys from Wyandanch that you don’t have to be a statistic. You can make something of yourself.” It’s a mission that goes beyond basketball. It's about opening doors for others and leaving a legacy that matters.

Jalyke understands that not every day will be perfect. Some days are exhausting. Some games are disappointing. But his mindset remains consistent. “In my mind, I can do anything,” he says confidently. “I always bet on myself.”

As he continues chasing his dreams, Jalyke Gaines Wyatt carries with him not just the lessons of the game, but the lessons of life. From Wyandanch to the national stage, his story is a reminder that no matter where you come from, faith, family, and belief in yourself can take you anywhere.

Interview Questions:

1. Can you introduce yourself with your full name, age, hometown, and your role on the basketball team at Alcorn State?

2. What first got you into basketball growing up in Wyandanch? Who or what inspired you?

3. What was your journey like from high school to playing college basketball? Were there any key moments or setbacks?

4. How would you describe your experience as a student-athlete at an HBCU like Alcorn State?

5. What’s your major, and how do you balance academics with being a Division I athlete?

6. What’s one game or moment on the court that you’ll always remember? What made it meaningful?

7. How do you stay disciplined and motivated during tough practices or losing streaks?

8. What does a typical day look like for you during the season?

9. Who do you play for  beyond your team? (Family, hometown, future goals, etc.)

10. How has basketball shaped your character or outlook on life?

11. How do you handle pressure and protect your mental health on and off the court?

12. What are some of your short- and long-term goals, both in basketball and beyond?

13. What does it mean to you to be a young Black man from Wyandanch playing at the college level?

14. How do your relationships with family, teammates, coaches, support your growth?

15. What’s one thing people might not know about you that makes your story uni