When you talk about rising stars in college basketball, few names are as synonymous with raw talent and promise as Jaloni Cambridge. As a freshman at Ohio State, she’s already turning heads with her 31-point performance in her debut game this season. But who exactly is Jaloni Cambridge?

Jaloni Cambridge hails from the Cambridge family in Nashville, Tennesee which is well known for its affinity with basketball. One could argue that she is the most talented among her siblings. Thanks in part to her father, Desmond Cambridge Sr., an all-conference player at Alabama A&M, who played a pivotal role in his children’s athletic journeys.

Reflecting on his guidance, he shared, “I’ve always been hard on them, and they needed me here—I made sure to be there. I took them with me to the gym all the time.”

With six family members competing at various levels, the Cambridges are practically a team unto themselves. Yet Jaloni, the youngest, has managed to stand out even among her talented siblings. Her journey has already included notable achievements on the national and international stages, setting her apart as a rising star in her own right.

From middle school phenom to national sensation

Jaloni Cambridge’s basketball career began at the Ensworth School, where she was already starting on her high school’s varsity basketball team, by 8th grade. Over the years, her game evolved into one of the most exciting in the country. By her sophomore year, she averaged 17.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.8 steals per game, which would help her to lead her team to a state championship victory and would earn her the honor of being the Division II-AA state tournament MVP.

But it was during her junior year that Cambridge truly became a household name. She averaged 26.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.3 steals, per game, leading the Lady Tigers to the state championship game. In a moment that would define her career at Ensworth, she scored a career-high 41 points in the state finals. Despite the team’s loss, her performance helped her earn Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year honors.

However, the best was yet to come, as she also became the first Cambridge to represent Team USA, playing in the 2021 FIBA Americas U16 Championship, where she averaged 8.0 points and 3.0 rebounds to help the U.S. win gold with a 6-0 record. In the championship game against Canada, she scored 18 points, added three assists, and notched five steals.

Cambridge’s senior year saw her transition to Montverde Academy in Florida, where she continued to dominate. She averaged 20.7 points, 9.0 assists, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.7 steals per game, leading Montverde to a third consecutive national championship at the Chipotle High School Nationals in 2024.

In the semifinal game against Long Island Lutheran, she scored a game-high 33 points, including a buzzer-beating shot that secured Montverde’s spot in the finals. Her impressive all-around game was capped off with a 17-point performance in the championship game, where Montverde triumphed over IMG Academy.

Her outstanding senior year earned her Florida Gatorade Player of the Year honors, MaxPreps National Basketball Player of the Year, and a place in the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Game. As a three-time Division II-AA Miss Basketball in Tennessee, Cambridge was ready to make her mark on the next level.

Jaloni Cambridge’s recruitment was nothing short of historic. She was ranked No. 2 overall in the 2024 ESPN’s List of Top 100 recruits in the country. Her decision to commit to Ohio State was a monumental moment for the Buckeyes, as she became the highest-ranked recruit in the history of the program. In fact, it can be said that Ohio has drawn the Jackpot as Jaloni’s presence can mean Ohios return to the Final fours for the first time since 1993. Ohio State coach Kevin McGuff had a major win with Cambridge’s commitment, especially after losing two standout guards, Jacy Sheldon and Celeste Taylor, to the WNBA drafts.

Choosing Ohio State wasn’t just a career move for Jaloni Cambridge—it was also personal. She joined the Buckeyes to play alongside her sister, sophomore Kennedy Cambridge, who had transferred from Kentucky in 2023. “Family is a huge thing to me. I really got here because of my family, and what I want to be as I keep playing, I have to do that with a family environment,” admitted the 18-year-old.

Well, that seemed to work in her favor.

Making a loud debut

Jaloni wasted no time making her mark in her college. 31 points, 12-0f-14 shooting for an 85.7% and Cambridge was here to show she was to be identified among the big names. Across 26 minutes, she managed to add 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals. Buckeyes did luck out with the 18-year-old.

The team achieved a commanding 104-69 victory over Cleveland State, establishing a double-digit lead in the first quarter that they never relinquished. Cambridge’s shooting was nearly flawless, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, and she was perfect from the free-throw line, going 5-for-5.

Her debut performance was more than just numbers; it was an introduction. Her basketball IQ and maturity were evident, even in a game where she was the clear focal point of the offense.

Jaloni Cambridge’s arrival at Ohio State might herald the beginning of a new era for the Buckeyes. From her legendary high school career to her historic debut, she’s already proven she has what it takes to succeed at the next level. What remains to be seen is if Ohio State is the right place for her. As Jaloni Cambridge continues to grow and develop in this system, one thing is certain: the basketball world is watching—and she’s ready to shine.