Joe Gaiter: What does basketball mean to you?
Jamal Hinkle: Basketball means everything to me. It made me a better person on and off the court. It took me places I would have never thought I would go. I have made long lasting friends and it continues to bring me joy in many ways. I’m very grateful God gave me the opportunity to play this game
Joe Gaiter: How was your childhood?
Jamal Hinkle: I was born in Macon, Ga and raised in Augusta. My parents did their absolute best raising me and made sure I didn’t have to worry about anything. They tried their best to give me everything I wanted. Throughout my childhood, they always gave me advice that still sticks with me to this day. It made me to the man I am today.
Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories at Burke County High School and Team Power?
Jamal Hinkle: I played one of my best friends who was also my AAU teammate my senior year. We were both going at it the whole game. We ended up losing by one point but it was fun playing him because we knew how each other played. We also played Cross Creek High School in a tournament. I ended up getting the game winner and coaches was there to see me as well so it was a good feeling at the time. Playing for team power gave me more exposure and a bigger platform to show my talent to coaches and play ranked teams. Everybody on the team was the man of their school in the area and it was a joy playing with them.
Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your recruitment experience.
Jamal Hinkle: My recruitment was pretty good. I had a couple of D2 schools and JUCO offers.
Joe Gaiter: How was life at East Georgia State Community College?
Jamal Hinkle: Life was good there I really feel like East Ga. It brought the dog out of me because our team was stacked and I came straight out of high school and it was players who were hungry just like me. I had to go to war every single day with them in practice. Things didn’t go the way I expected but it made me a better student athlete and person overall.
Joe Gaiter: Why did you choose Paine College?
Jamal Hinkle: Both of my parents played at Paine and are alumni and the coach was really familiar with my game and wanted me to come while I was in high school and it was already home so I just took to opportunity to be there.
Joe Gaiter: What makes you a good Forward?
Jamal Hinkle: I can impact the game in many ways and I’m very versatile. I have a high motor and I try to help the team win any way I can.
Joe Gaiter: Paine College was 5-21. What went wrong?
Jamal Hinkle: We were in process of just finding ourselves during the season and trying to put everything together. We had a new coach, new players and a lot was thrown at us. The second half of the season we had just started to click. We will be ready for sure next year.
Joe Gaiter: How did you face adversity this season?
Jamal Hinkle: I just kept putting my head up because I knew that everything was going to turn around and I just kept playing hard and providing for my team.
Joe Gaiter: What is your major and how do you plan on using it?
Jamal Hinkle: My major is Sociology and I plan on being a marriage counselor.
Joe Gaiter: Where are you working out during the off-season?
Jamal Hinkle: Due to Covid-19 workout spaces is limited, however I use the backyard and my neighborhood to stay in shape for now.
Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?
Jamal Hinkle: When I was in 7th grade I got cut from tryouts and that made me want to go harder. So everyday I end up working on my game so I can be better than everyone. Before every game I always remember that and it brings me fire and passion when I perform.
Joe Gaiter: How is life for you outside of basketball?
Jamal Hinkle: Life is great. I’’m starting to get into photography now.
Joe Gaiter: Who are some athletes we need to put on our radar?
Jamal Hinkle: All of the athletes here in Augusta because I feel like we don’t have exposure. There is a lot of talent here.
Joe Gaiter: What is one quote that you live by?
Jamal Hinkle: “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish”
Joe Gaiter: What are some of your goals?
Jamal Hinkle: My goals is to play professionally and to continue to make my family proud.
Joe Gaiter: What do you want your legacy to be?
Jamal Hinkle: Hard worker, humble and dedicated to the game.
Joe Gaiter: Final Words?
Jamal Hinkle: I just want everybody to know you can do whatever you want if you put in the work.
Joe Gaiter: Shout outs?
Jamal Hinkle: Shout out to my beautiful mom Melissa Hinkle and my dad Kenneth Hinkle for always being there for me.
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