ALL-STAR GAME: KENNY'S YOUNG STARS VS. CHUCK'S GLOBAL STARS

February 16, 2025

Jaren Jackson Jr.

Kenny's Young Stars

Mixed Zone

Semifinals: Chuck's Global Stars 41, Kenny's Young Stars 32

Q. How did it feel to be out there?

JAREN JACKSON JR.: I'm good. The air is great. It was a great experience. Rare company, rare air, around some great talent. That's really all it is, man. It's a great experience, great weekend.

Q. Was it a better format for the All-Star Game?

JAREN JACKSON JR.: I mean, that's up to everybody else. That's up to everybody else to decide. We're just out there, I couldn't even figure it out.

Q. What was it like, you were pressuring Donovan Mitchell? Did he say anything to you? What was the experience like?

JAREN JACKSON JR.: No, it was whoever had the ball. It was whoever was getting the ball first, I was just making sure I put a little pressure there. That's Donovan; I've known him for years, so obviously there's that. But that's my dog.

Q. Did anybody make fun of you for playing a little more defense than anybody else?

JAREN JACKSON JR.: No, I don't think anybody is going to make fun of me. They probably know I'm going to play defense because I told everybody I was going to play defense. So, they were asking me if I was serious, and I was like, well, I didn't know everybody told everybody, so yeah, I'll be serious.

Q. Did you like the format of going to 40 points to keep it more competitive that way?

JAREN JACKSON JR.: Yeah, it was great. It's great in general. Obviously, we lost, so because we lost, maybe I should just say I hate it.

Q. Is it appropriate that the highlight maybe of the game for you is a block?

JAREN JACKSON JR.: Yeah, super appropriate. In an All-Star Game, I'll remember that. There you go, get a block -- did we score? I forgot if he even scored.

Q. He missed it.

JAREN JACKSON JR.: Well, clip that anyway. I don't care.

Q. What was the entire weekend like for you? What did you take from all this and what did it mean?

JAREN JACKSON JR.: If you know me, you know I have a large team, a lot of partners, and we do a lot of good work. It was just a great moment for my team to go and kind of show the work they've been putting in for me off the court, and then for my family to be around and see it firsthand and be excited for me in this journey that I've had.

It's just a great experience. I'm just ready. I'm ready to get back home for sure. I'm ready to get back home and start preparing for what's next.

Q. Did you have a favorite part out of everything you did?

JAREN JACKSON JR.: It was a blur, man. Favorite part? I mean, going to see Zach [Edey] and chilling at Rising Stars was great. A lot of our staff was there. Just like a reunion, man. It was dope. Some of my friends, my family. Just everything like that.

Q. Victor Wembanyama said he was not on vacation, he said he was here to play and defend. How do you feel?

JAREN JACKSON JR.: Yeah, that's the goal. We're all here to just play, and this is definitely not a place you come to vacation. All-Star Weekend is not a vacation. It's just a place for you to enjoy some time with your family and reflect and kind of just -- I don't know, do whatever you came here to do and accomplish.