Athletes Of The Week: Jaikir Fowler

As a freshman playing on the JV team, Goldsboro’s Jaikir Fowler used to wonder when his time on the varsity team would come.

And over the past few seasons, Fowler has morphed into a beast, and that transformation has paid dividends on the basketball court.

The senior is still always looking to get better, but he is pleased with how he has been able to capitalize on his improving skills.

“My junior year, I moved up and played well, and for my senior season, I want to just pick up where I left off,” Fowler said.

After contributing as a freshman and sophomore on the JV team, Fowler has continued to reach new heights since joining the varsity roster as a junior.

Last season, he helped lead the Cougars to a 21-5 overall record, the third round of the NCHSAA 2A state playoffs and the East Central 2A Conference title.

The Cougars have another talented team this season, and Fowler has been a catalyst and critical contributor along the way.

In two games this season, the Cougars are 2-0, and Fowler is averaging a career-high 21 points per game.

Fowler started playing basketball when he 11 years old. He grew to enjoy the game more and more the better he got.

Fowler, who is also planning on playing football this season, said he is essentially always training to get better at his craft. He loves how far his game has progressed, and he does everything he can to bring out his best.

“Ever since then, I just liked playing basketball,” Fowler said.

Not much fazes Fowler, and he can brush off challenging moments during a game and enjoy the moment.

And now that Fowler is bigger, stronger, and faster, his confidence is the highest it has ever been. He is taking his game to a new level, and it is paying dividends on the court.

He is pleased with all the Cougars has accomplished so far, but he is far from satisfied.

“I want to go undefeated in the conference, and hopefully, win a state championship,” Fowler said.