COLUMBUS — Booneville felt like home to Columbus senior guard Jayden Tatum.
The boys basketball standout signed his National Letter of Intent to continue his career at Northeast Mississippi Community College on Tuesday morning, and in finding his future home, the Tigers felt every bit like Columbus.
“The love, it felt like home, like family,” Tatum said. “Their coaches have been following me ever since ninth grade, talking to me. I felt comfortable with it. My family felt comfortable with it.”
Tatum has grown in his role with the Falcons since finding his way onto varsity as a freshman, a spot that he wasn’t originally expected to play at, but was needed due to eligibility issues for other players.
That opportunity opened up a realm of possibilities for him with Columbus, and the trust instilled between him and the coaching staff has allowed him to flourish.
“He’s a great example of a kid that’s worked his way to where he’s gotten,” head coach Phillip Morris said. “He’s worked hard for everything he’s got. He was never a kid that was super athletic or naturally talented, but he’s put in the work, day in, day out. I’m super proud of him and super happy for him because this is something he’s always wanted since he was young.”
Columbus has been a program that has prided itself on success, including two state championships in the past decade.
For the Falcons who have come before him and have had success at the next level, players like Robert Woodard II, Tatum will be the next in line.
Along with being prideful as a program, there’s that much more significance added to being from Columbus itself.
Those from the town aren’t shy about wearing the name across their chest, and to see another face in the community fulfilling their aspirations of success, it only fuels those in the wings to follow suit.
“It’s been a dream of mine to be someone to come out of Columbus, making a name for myself, making a name for the school,” Tatum said. “My goals aren’t done yet, but this is one goal accomplished.”
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