Scholar-Athlete, Jaedon LeDee, Shines on the Court and in the Classroom
As the San Diego State Aztecs enter the Mountain West Men’s Basketball Championship during the second week in March, much of the spotlight will be on power forward, Jaedon LeDee, who has been averaging over 20 points and over 8 rebounds a game.
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LeDee, who is in the hunt for the 2024 Karl Malone Award and the U.S. Basketball Writers Association’s Oscar Robertson Trophy, is also an award-winning student having been honored as a Mountain West Scholar Athlete for 2022 - 23 and Malik Award winner which is given to athletes who have achieved “a perfect a 4.0 GPA over a semester at San Diego State.”
After earning his bachelor’s degree in May 2023, LeDee entered the Fowler College of Business as an MBA student last fall where he continues to be as much of a star in the classroom as he is on the basketball court.
He recently shared with us his thoughts about why education is important to him and his dream of playing in the NBA.
Q: Why did you choose to pursue an MBA degree?
A: I felt an MBA is universally applicable. Almost everything is business and I wanted to learn more about how the business world works.
Q: Both of your parents are former college athletes and coaches. How did they influence you athletically? And academically?
A: My dad is the one who first put a basketball in my hands. He taught me the game and was always there to help me improve my skills. My dad and mom value education and they went to great lengths to make sure I always got the best education possible.
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Q: What drives you as a student?
A: My mom is a first-generation college student and graduate. She works in education and has always taught me that a good education is extremely important.
Q: You were recently named an Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar, which requires service to the community and/or the university. Can you elaborate about your service?
A: Our team participates in a lot of events that give back to the community. Most recently, we were involved with the San Diego Food Bank Senior Food Distribution program and the ALS Walk this past fall. So many people have helped me get where I am today and it’s a blessing to be able to give back.
Q: Who inspires you?
A: My family and Jesus Christ inspire me. He has given me gifts to share with the world. My family has worked hard and shown me what it takes to achieve my goals.
Q: As your collegiate basketball career comes to a close, what are your plans for the future? How will your MBA degree figure into those plans?
A: I’d like to pursue a career in the NBA and what I’ve learned in my SDSU MBA courses will give me some practical knowledge about the business side of sports.
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Q: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in the classroom at SDSU?
A: The most important lesson I’ve learned is the significance of networking and building connections. The relationships I’ve made in the classroom at San Diego State will last and be cherished forever.
