Jarkel Joiner has had quite a journey to this point of his basketball career, and the 24-year-old believes that has helped prepare him for the next chapter in his life.
Joiner, who is from Oxford, Mississippi, began his collegiate career by playing two seasons at Cal State Bakersfield. After earning second-team all-conference honors as a sophomore, Joiner returned home and spent three years at Ole Miss.
The opportunity to return to Oxford proved rather meaningful to Joiner. He was able to play in front of his friends and family and put himself on the basketball radar in the process. After graduating, Joiner transferred to NC State for his final year of eligibility.
It resulted in his best season to date.
Joiner was named to the All-ACC second team after averaging 17 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.3 steals on 35.4% shooting from 3-point range. He finished fourth in the conference in scoring and fifth in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.25).
The 6-foot-1 guard produced some of his best performances against the top teams in the conference, including a 21-point, nine-assist effort on Jan. 4 in a win over No. 16 Duke. He also tied a season high of 29 points on Feb. 19 as the Wolfpack defeated North Carolina.
Saved his best for last.
📈 @JarkelJoiner pic.twitter.com/9bbOF2vynj
— NC State Men's Bball (@PackMensBball) March 21, 2023
Now, Joiner is looking to carry that momentum into the pre-draft process.
He competed in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament last month and was one of the top scorers, averaging 13.7 points, four assists and three rebounds on 38.9% shooting from 3-point range in three games. He was also tied for the third-highest vertical jump at 32.5 inches.
Joiner is training daily in preparation for the draft with other prospects. He has already worked out with the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets and has others scheduled in the coming weeks.
Rookie Wire caught up with Joiner to discuss the pre-draft process, competing at Portsmouth, his collegiate career, playing with Terquavion Smith and more.
Note: This interview was edited for clarity