Before Jaleel Cousins became a USF Bull he already had a connection with head coach Orlando Antigua. As an assistant for Kentucky from 2009-14, Antigua helped recruit Jaleel's older brother DeMarcus Cousins, who would become the fifth overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft.

The connection between DeMarcus and Coach Antigua made a big impact on where Jaleel went to school. After spending two years at Navarro Junior College in Texas, Jaleel headed to the sunshine state to play for Antigua and the Bulls. Being able to look up to someone like DeMarcus has made a significant impression on Jaleel.

"It gives me a goal, and I'm the type of person I'm only going to do something if I see it as a guarantee and I see where his hard work has gotten him, and I see he's happy doing it so it motivates me to keep doing it ."

Jaleel is a fan of the NBA but doesn't have a die-hard passion for one particular team. However, he does have a favorite player.

"My favorite player is my brother, I respect real and I don't really know any other players personally but if I know your background and I know you're not going to persuade people in a negative way I'm going to really look up to you and I know he does that.”

To Jaleel, DeMarcus is more than just an idolized sports figure. He is a positive role model.

"He's not going to change himself for nobody and call him what you want he's going to go out there and work hard and he's going to be himself on and off the court."

Jaleel put extra work this summer and the results are evident on the court. After averaging just 2.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per game last season, Jaleel took to running on his own in the off season on top of workouts and dropped some weight. After 15 games this season Jaleel is averaging 8.2 points and as many rebounds per game.