WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Jaylen Alston's college basketball career began at Gardner-Webb in 2018 after he graduated from Eastern Guilford High School.

The Gibsonville native transferred to Winston-Salem State after his freshman season and helped lead the Rams to a CIAA championship during the 2019-20 season after averaging 12.8 points per game. However, Alston decided to take a break from college due to personal reasons after the season.

What You Need To Know

  •  Jaylen Alston is a senior guard on the Winston-Salem State basketball team

  •  He's on track to graduate in May with a degree in health care management and a minor in communications

  •  Alston has been named to 2 CIAA all-tournament teams, winning MVP in 2022-23

During his time off Alston worked at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro.

"It taught me a lot actually. Honestly, it was a great experience. I feel like some people never experienced it before, but if they did, they would have a different mindset coming back to what I came back to at school," Alston said.

Due to COVID-19, Alston was out of school for two years and re-enrolled at WSSU, helping the Rams win another CIAA Tournament championship last season, taking home MVP honors.

This season Alston, a senior guard, leads the team in scoring with 17.2 points. The Rams are favorites to compete for another CIAA championship, which means Alston could be one of only a few Rams to win three CIAA Tournament titles in his career.

Alston is on track to graduate in May with a degree in health care management and a minor in communications.