By: Kiyoshi Fish
In the heart of Arizona, a basketball phenom is steadily carving her path toward greatness. Meet Jaiyana Bogan-Jacobs, a dynamic 5’11” shooting guard in the Class of 2029 who attends Campo Verde High School and competes on the club circuit for Hoop Code Basketball Academy. While her highlights dazzle and her stat lines impress, what truly sets Jaiyana apart is her character, grit, and love for the game.
A Passion Sparked by Family
Basketball wasn’t just a pastime for Jaiyana—it was a legacy passed down from her father Antwain, who inspired her to pick up the ball and chase her dreams. That inspiration quickly ignited a fire in her, one that’s only grown stronger over the years. “My dad is a big inspiration,” she shares, “but so is my mom, Vanessa. Whenever I’m down, she’s there to pick me up.” With such a solid foundation at home, Jaiyana balances her athletic pursuits with academic excellence, currently maintaining A’s and B’s in school.
Elite Game, Elite Mindset
Jaiyana isn’t just another talented player—she’s a complete guard with a well-rounded game, combining speed, strength, IQ, and instincts. Her playstyle is aggressive and smart, echoing the influences of her favorite players, Stephen Curry and Candace Parker. “I love how Curry shoots the ball, and how aggressive Candace Parker plays,” she says. Those traits show in Jaiyana’s own style: the smoothness of her pull-up jumper and the tenacity she brings to both ends of the court.
According to evaluations from BTN, Jai is one of the most refined and versatile scorers in her class. She has already begun separating herself from the pack through her ability to score at all three levels, break defenders down off the dribble, and apply elite ball pressure on defense.
Strengths That Shine
Defense First: Jaiyana prides herself on her defensive presence. She’s relentless on the ball, with the physical strength and foot speed to lock down top offensive threats.
Mid-Range Mastery: Her one-dribble pull-up is one of the most polished in her class. With a high release and signature eyebrow finish, she can shoot over taller defenders with confidence and ease.
Poised Finishing: Jai shows elite footwork and decision-making in traffic, mastering techniques like the stride-stop jumper and Euro-step finishes to score efficiently at the rim.
Basketball IQ: Her natural feel for the game allows her to make advanced reads, adapt to defensive rotations, and lead with maturity beyond her years.
Work Ethic & Humility
Despite being one of the most talked-about young prospects in the country—currently holding offers from the University of Arizona, SMU, Alabama University , and Louisville University and garnering attention from top programs nationwide—Jaiyana remains humble.
“I don’t care about the publicity,” she says. “I just want to play basketball.”
That mentality has fueled her development. In the BTN Evaluation Series, she showed growth in playing off two feet, enhancing her balance and body control. She continues to hone her mid-range game and is determined to improve her shooting as she matures as a scorer.
Off the Court
When she’s not lighting up the hardwood, Jaiyana is just like many teens her age. She loves beingoutside, enjoys gaming—especially Fortnite—and is passionate about sneakers. “One of my wishes is to have all the shoes in the world,” she laughs.
Jaiyana also has a heart for giving back, having volunteered with Feed My Starving Children, where she learned the importance of community service and gratitude.
Chemistry and Camaraderie
A team player through and through, one of Jaiyana’s favorite teammates is Kolbi Brooks. “We mesh very well together and have great chemistry on the court,” Jaiyana says. That synergy adds an extra spark to her play, turning moments of potential into highlight reels.
Looking Ahead
With her dream of playing professional basketball in clear focus, Jaiyana Bogan-Jacobs is putting in the work—day in and day out—to make it a reality. Her foundation of family support, humility, skill,and drive makes her one of the most exciting prospects in the Class of 2029.
Jaiyana isn’t just chasing greatness—she’s building it.
