The 6-foot-5, 215-pound swingman from Houston (Texas) Strake Jesuit, was selected to play in the prestigious Capital Classic at American University in Washington D.C, on April 9th. The game has been running annually since 1974.
“It’s definitely pretty cool,” Brooks said. He is the first future Notre Dame player to suit up in the game since Troy Murphy was his team’s MVP back in 1998. NBA greats that have also played in the game include Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, Magic Johnson and Dominique Wilkins, as well as current stars LeBron James, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony.
“I was really close to getting into the Jordan game, and that didn’t go through, and I got nominated for the McDonalds’ game, and that fell through too. I wasn’t really upset about it, but I got a call from these guys, and I wasn’t thinking about it because I hadn’t heard much about this game.”
That was until Notre Dame coach Mike Brey informed Brooks that an invitation was on the way.
“He told me about it, and I’ve called around, and apparently it’s a prestigious game, and I was just happy to get the invite.”
“Going in, I know I just want to have fun. Also, it’s a national stage and I want to show what I can do, and represent the school I go to now, and the one I will go to next year. Hopefully I play well. I want to win the MVP.”
Brooks might be the MVP of the state of Texas. In helping lead his team to a perfect 35-0 record, the Crusaders will play in the regional semifinals on Friday night. Strake Jesuit is ranked fifth nationally by ESPN Rise, with Brooks averaging 22.4 points and eight rebounds per contest.