The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz - GOOD FOLLOW - Minnesota Lynx Guard Jaylyn Sherrod Talks First Days in Minnesota, Saying Goodbye to New York & More

Episode Date: August 14, 2025

Ros sits down with Minnesota Lynx guard Jaylyn Sherrod to discuss being waived by the New York Liberty and then picked up by the Minnesota Lynx, navigating her rookie season, and the first couple of days in Minnesota. Then Jaylyn breaks down what her first tattoo meant to her, what she hopes to bring to the Lynx, what pushed her to succeed in academics & more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You're listening to Draft Kings Network. Hey, what's up, everyone. Hey, what's up, everyone? Welcome to Good Follow, presented by Draft Kings. I'm Roz, Golden Wode. And today on this episode, we have an exclusive interview with somebody that I've been covering since her college career and now into the pros. She is a 2024 WNBA champion. She's only a second year player out of Colorado where she was a two-time all Pac-12 selection. And now, newly of the Minnesota

link, my girl, Jalen Sherrod. What's up, Jane? How much. I appreciate it. I appreciate it. Yeah. You know, we appreciate it with you. I mean, the fact that you made time for this, you just told me this is your first day in Minnesota. Yeah. Yeah, it's been a day, but it's been school so far. I can't complain for real? Yeah, like, can you actually take me what this,

take me through what this last week has been like for you? Because if I could even just go, like, August 1st, the New York Liberty announced that they waived you, then Saturday, August 9. So we're talking about one week. You get picked up by the links. And then the very next. Sunday, the very next day.

So Sunday, one day later, you're playing against your old team in the New York Liberty. And interestingly enough, your schedule, the next two games are also against the Liberty. Can you just take me through all of that? Yeah, it's been a hell of a week. A very emotional week. I feel like, you know, initially, I mean, getting wave wasn't a surprise or a shock or anything. We knew it was coming, it was just business, so it wasn't, no, like, bad feelings or love loss there. They made a decision, so they had to do what they had to do.

But just more so, like, saying goodbye to, like, the relationships and friendships I had built over the past year and some change. But then stayed in Brooklyn, I gave myself the week, honestly, because I didn't know what was happening, and I didn't know what was going to happen. The trade deadline was happening as well. just a lot of moving parts, and I just, I stayed in Brooklyn, stayed in myself. I put my phone on Do Not Disturb, and I just, I had a solid week. If you ask me, I was chilling. So, um, then many called and they were like, you know, want to sign you. And I was like, okay, um, it was a little, you know, I mean, being the, the finals last year and everything, I was kind of like, I don't know where it's just going, but they gave me an opportunity.

And like I said, it's business at the end of the day. And I said this yesterday, too, like, you know, just because the name across the front changed don't mean a mission to. So it's still trying to win a championship and do whatever I can to help my team. So it just is what it is. But yesterday was crazy, being back in Barclays and being on the other side. Yeah, it was a little different. But I had fun.

We got to win. So first game in the least uniform with a dub. so I am out at it. Dubs in the chat is what it is. Dubs in the chat. Dubs in the chat, but obviously you're in the building that, you know, so many Liberty fans loved you,

the team loved you. Were there any special moments, good, hellos, goodbyes that you had with certain players? Yeah, I mean, it was a lot. The fans were very welcoming and everybody, for the most part, was just happy that, you know, I got picked up and I got another opportunity. but yeah the teammates it was it's just been in a week man I actually got to say goodbye to a couple of them

earlier during the week I said about goodbye to a lot of them in Connecticut when I left initially so yeah got to see Tosh before the game the video they gave right before they gave um and yeah so I didn't get to talk to a lot of them but uh at the game because we got on the road right after but, I mean, I'll see him over the next week anyway. But, no, the video and just the fans more than anything, it was just really touching it, really sweet. And just to know, like, even though I didn't play all the minutes in the world, I still had an impact there,

and I still meant something to that fan base and that team mean something to me, because it just goes to show, like, you still have impact no matter what. So, yeah, it was cool. It was cool. Yeah, no, the video tribute is deserving. You're a champion, you know, and those fans, They loved you. I mean, when you got on the court, man, people went crazy. And let's just talk about part of why people fell in love, just even the journey of your rookie season.

From going undrafted, you know, last last draft out of Colorado to being waived by the liberty, then getting repicked up by the liberty, to sticking with them throughout the season and winning a championship. Can you talk about just your rookie season and navigating some of the extreme high. and lows that you had to as a rookie? Yeah, for sure. I think for me it was just more about being with my feet worth. I think last year it was a tough journey for me, just in a new environment and a new space

and learning how to navigate, you know, constant changes. Going undrafted wasn't planned, so that started at all. But then, you know, going to training camp and actually, you know, I feel like more so training camp proves to myself that I could play in this league, and I was like, all right, we're good. Like, I just need a shot. And then getting cut and going back home was the toughest because I still had to stay motivated. I still had to stay ready.

I still had to, you know, put in work without knowing where the work was going. And so then got the call to come back up. And it was just like, I mean, it was smooth sailing because I was in training camp and I knew everybody already. So it wasn't that much of an adjustment. But last year, in general, I've always said delay, not the nod. And I've always said that, you know, it taught me to be with my feet where it taught me how to be a good teammate, even though I wasn't playing 40 minutes. It taught me how to, you know, show up for people, even though I didn't feel like I was, you know, getting what I wanted out of the situation and just like how to how to still be present even on days you don't feel like being present. So that was not something I really had to worry about in college because, like, I didn't have the luxury of not being present at Colorado.

though. I didn't have the luxury of, you know, not showing up on a game. It was, you know, for five years, it was kind of, I was the engine and the energy behind that team. So I had to show up. I knew that was my job, whereas here it was more so like, you know, you're not the one that's always getting looked at. You're not always being the one that's dependent on a high pressure moment or whatever, whatever. So what do you do? How do you still, you know, make an impact? How do you still be a good teammate? How do you still show up in a new role? So it really taught me how to just be a good teammate. and I think that was the biggest lesson of all. And obviously winning the championship is a blessing.

It was a lot to take in because I think I said in one of the videos, like I wasn't even here three months ago. So it was just trying to, you know, figure it out and adjust. And it worked out in the end, so I can't complain at all. It worked out your maturity, your growth,

the lessons learned, are so key and also like there have been rewards along the way. So can we just talk about God real quick? Because, you know, you said it worked out. Like, after all of that, you won a championship with the New York Liberty on your birthday. Game five of Liberty versus Links with October 20th. Your birthday is October 21st. So essentially at midnight, as you're bringing in your 23rd birthday, it had to have

happened somewhere around the celebration, like the popping of champagne for the championship. Did that mean anything to you after all you've been through that you get a championship on your actual birthday? Yeah, I did. I mean, honestly, I was just in so much, like, it wasn't shocked with just more like a disbelief of how to, how the year turned out. Because if he would have told me, like, in March, that would have been what happened in October.

I would have told you, like, you know, all right, bro. like he's doing too much so it was just the way it all worked out um but no god is just i said this yesterday i don't remember who i was talking to but i was like man i haven't questioned god on his journey so far i'm not about to start questioning them now and i really don't know why the cars get where i get dealt the cars the way i do but like i said it's it's worked out for me god has allowed me to get here he's allowed me to be here he's allowed for you know two of the best teams over the past two years to want me. And, you know, I can't question that because I think like most people don't realize the emotional, like, pull all of it is, especially like I'm still

very young. Like, I'm only 23. So I'm still trying to figure out life on top of my job that is always constantly changing and just trying to always like, you know, be the best version of myself while I'm dealing with all of this. But now I've always leaned on God and I'm going to keep leaning on them. Like I said, I don't know why, you know, we could go out with New York and this week on with many, but I don't question him. I don't question his plan on his purpose because it always has worked out for me. So we're going to keep riding with it and I'm going to keep showing up and then, you know, his life's trying to me as much as possible. I heard you have a tattoo is, and I think it's the first one you ever got. It says without struggle, there is no progress.

That was your first ever tattoo. So when did, when did you get this tattoo? And at that, point why I got it because I mean that's just like at that point in time it was just a constant reminder of myself like it's going to be a struggle it like life is not easy it's never going to be easy um and it's going to come with the you know to us that I mean at that point I was dealing with what was I dealing with at 15 16 um I think it was around that time my my hip had first started to become an issue and if I was 16 I was turning 17 because I graduated high school and 17. So I didn't play but eight games that season of high school.

So I was dealing with that. And, you know, being told, like, I probably would ever play basketball again and trying to figure out what to do and walking on crutches throughout my high school. It was just a lot. And especially when you go from being, like, the best player on your team to, you know,

having to sit there and just watch. It was very hard and very tough. And that was the first time I had ever dealt with an injury of that magnitude. So I think it was just, like, a reminder. like you you have to go through something in order to get to the other side it's never it's never a one-way path it's going to be some some fight it's going to be some hill in there but you got to get to the other side so I feel like that was just the start of me and starting to understand like immature into a ways of understanding you know life ain't easy I was only child

growing up so I kind of got everything you know I was the baby and I got you know I'm spoiled a little bit and hand it to a little bit. So, like, it started to really understand, like, life was bigger than that and mature in that level. Hey, guys, we got to go to break. We'll be right back. UFC 319 hit Chicago for the first time in six years, bet the card with Drafking Sportsbook, the official sports betting partner of the UFC.

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responsible gaming resources, see dkng.com slash audio. Welcome back to Goodfellow. Today's episode is presented by Draft Kings. Draft Kings, the Crown, is yours. I'm still here with an exclusive interview with Jalen Sherrod, newly of the Minnesota Links. Let's take a listen. So I know you're an only child, but it's interesting.

I also feel like we've talked and you've talked about, like, I do my own, I'm very comfortable doing my own thing. Like, in some ways, you're an introvert. Like, how have you navigated being an introvert, but at the same time, maybe stepping up outside your comfort zone, but also being yourself? I would say for me, it's just about finding that balance. I think I said this my whole career, like, who I'm on a basketball court versus who I'm on a day-to-bat, it's kind of like two separate people. I feel like, and I've heard that a lot, too, because people. You like Bianca, because Miaza got her Sasha Fier's, and then Beyonce got regular Beyonce.

Yeah, yeah. For sure. I mean, I get it like, when I was at Colorado, I got it so much, like, you're so quiet off the court, but on the court you're so fiery and passionate. And it's just like, I don't really know, like, how the switch flips. But I do know, like, it's just kind of who I am. I don't really like doing too much off the court. I never have.

I always kind of stay to myself and been comfortable in that. So I think also allow my teammates to see that side of me. helps. People can't like meet you where you are if they don't know you. I'm really big on that. So kind of like letting them in my world like we would go to the movies, we would go out to eat,

we would do different things that necessarily like I wouldn't have done unless they invited me out unless they brought me along with them and stuff like that. So I try to like never turn down an offer to do something with teammates because I feel like that just kind of allows you to jail and

and build camaraderie and stuff like that together. So, but no, I, most of the time I'm chilling by myself. It's just me and my dog most times. What have you done so far with the links and the players? Have you had a chance to, like, mix in? Have any of them try to mix you in? I mean, I just got here, like, 48 hours. No, we haven't had, I got here, we had a game.

And then we went, we came back to Minnesota. And so then today I've been moving because I had to, like, get my stuff in and moving to the apartment and whatnot. So I really haven't had time to, like, do anything because, like I said, it's only my second day out here. So, well, I'm excited. I know they be out of, I know they be out of the about. I've seen the stud buzz and whatnot.

So we'll see, very, we'll see. Are you going to make the stud button stream? I don't know, man. I don't know. They asked me, you know, I just said I don't turn down opportunities for teammates. So I can't go back on my word. And I was joking with him that I was going to, you know, I'll one day get a pink lock or something.

I'll throw a lock in there. So we'll see. I am screaming not a single pink lock just to, you know, I can't do nothing more. Can't do nothing more for you. I'll give you one, though. Yo, so many teams could use a point guard right now. I'm sure you've seen all the different news and injuries and all the things.

Like, why the links? Why do you think this is the right fit? and what are you hoping to bring to this team? Beyond popular belief, when you're in my position and you go and drafted and, you know, you kind of get dealt the cards you get dealt, you don't have a luxury of picking your opportunities. You just got to go where you get them.

And if God brings me with an opportunity, who am I to tell them no? So that's kind of where this move was and how we got to that point. In terms of, like, other moves, yeah, I mean, I can't speak for other people, But I just know, like, for my situation, it just kind of happened the way it did. And Minnie was actually, when I went undrafted, the two calls I got to go to training camp was Minnesota and New York.

Ultimately, I decided to go to New York. But Minnie has been, the relationship has been there. My agent has had a relationship. We just decided to go to New York. But so, yeah, it's been interest there. I know Cheryl came to a couple games, my fifth year of Colorado, so it's been there, but I'm just excited. I think it's a good fit for me just because of like their, for one, defense, obviously. And then two, just seeing like, you know, you hit a too small gesture a lot when you're my size, but to see like C-Will and T doing what they do at the level that they do in the system that kind of works to, you know, who they are.

place to their strengths regardless of their size and them being able to be so good in it i think is just showing where i can go i'm showing you know the next move for me and and so yeah i'm excited especially to be around people that i think has the same kind of emo as me in terms of like defense and just being a dog and just you know we on paper we might not stack up or you might not think of us as this and that but they carry themselves in such a high standard and they carry themselves with so much confidence that it just kind of breathed through this team. And, I mean, like I said, I ain't been here for 48 hours, but you can see that already. So I'm excited.

And a really good teammates to one another. Like, it's a genuine connection here. I think this is like a genuine group of people. And like I said, this is all off two days of being on this side. But, uh, for the team, man, it's genuine and they really care about each other. They really want to win. And when you got people that's very passionate about what they do, he's kind of hard to stop. So I'm excited.

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18 plus subscription required TNCs apply. For sure. I think that there's a lot of relatability between the players. I think you certainly fit the mold there of maybe players that have been slept on or got a chip on their shoulder. And, you know, one thing about Cheryl Reed, man, she's going to bring it out and put a squad together. So it's a really nice situation. And I think you don't even have to comment on this. But I think if like if it were the liberty and the links in the finals, I think you'd possibly be eligible to get a ring. either way. But you know, I musta say with a contender, but we shall see how the season plays out. You mentioned though, you know, Courtney and Natasha, but you've had a chance to learn some some very elite point guards when you were, I mean, that's part of the reason why you kind of had to wait your turn at the Liberty. Literally you come in and it's one of the legends of the league in Courtney Vandersluat.

This season, I know you were very close with Natasha Cloud, and she was whispering in your ear. Even Sabrina, there's a lot to learn. Like, what did you take away from the chance to be that close to these types of star point guards? I just learned a lot. Each and every one of them presented something different. Just to go, I went down the list like two months ago about what I learned for each one. But, like, she was more like a tactician type, like how to get your shot off, how to slow down and decal and. picking spots, picking angles off the board.

I just learned so much in terms of how to work as a point guard in this league and my size from Sloop. Tosh. I love Tosh. You just kind of learn, like, I think the biggest thing I learned from Tosh was off the court, honestly, is just be yourself, no matter what room you walk into. I think, you know, I tend to shy away from things, and Tosh is still the opposite. So being around somebody who is so proud and open and vulnerable

with who she is and what she's about and the things she loves it was just admiring the she especially a black woman in that space too it was admiring to see Saab was sad man

Sav gets thrown so much that I think from her I just learned to like weather the storm I think people don't realize the outside pressure sap put it on herself but then also her own pressure

Sad wants to win she's so competitive so just like it was so many times I would tell me, bro, like, breathe, bro. You ain't got to carry the weight in the world on your shoulders, you know, you're human. So, um, that. And then also, I got to throw M.J. in there. MJ, my dog, man.

I love Marie. Yeah. She's a silent assassin. She don't say too much, but I ain't ever seen somebody move like that at all. Like, the stuff she do is just crazy. Like, I remember one time I asked you, like, bro, did you really, like, grow up doing that? Because, I mean, most people, you know, you do. do the stuff that Marine do, they're going to be like, hey, bro, you're doing too much.

So it's just like, bro, the fact that she, like, she practiced that she works at it. She's comfortable at it. She's confident in it. It's like, hey, bro, I can't be mad at you. It's crazy. I just, I shake my head every time I see it. It's crazy. The stuff Marine be doing. That's actually funny when I found out that Marine Johannes is actually like, that's your dog. That was your peoples on the liberty. Can we expect to say. a little one foot two foot from you ever or that's just marine thing and i don't know but one foot i told her yeah i told her i said i'll do one and then we can change like the speed we can we can swap it so i maybe one day far future though no no near future far future but i don't know it's

fun i used to like mess with her and like getting her workouts and try to do it bro it's crazy though it's literally like no she's one-on-one for sure i'm gonna get you out of on this because you are so many things, Jalen. You know, another cool part of your story is you have three degrees from Colorado. Am I correcting that? So take me through your degrees. Like my question is with all of the success you were having involved in college and like rebuilt, like building this program up to success, what was fueling you to succeed in academics as well?

Honestly, my mom is still in the early. Like you, you a student first, actually second. I was her M.O. She was, you know, valedictorian. She was similar to lie. My mom was all of that. So I kind of like, ain't had no choice, man. She was going to snatch the ball away if I went doing good at school. And I tell people all the time, like, I don't like school. Like, it's not that I like it. I'm just like, it's a blessing, but I'm just good at it. So it was like, I kind of like, I don't know. And I also think, like, growing up and looking back at it, it was a discipline things. Like, it kept me, disciplined. It kept me, you know, grounded. It taught me, like, prioritization and managing my priorities and knowing, like, okay, you can't go out to school and party if you got a paper due the next day. You got an 8 a.m. class. But, yeah, I think, you know, my undergrad, I got it in three, and then my actual quote-unquote senior year. I got a master's in leadership. And then my fifth year, I did start at the criminal justice, which I just finished.

So it was cool. I actually, like, didn't know what to do with myself this whole summer without being in school. It was the first summer I ever had where it was just ball and you go home. Like, it was nothing else. I ain't had no schoolwork. I ain't had no homework. So it was different. It took a lot of adjustment.

But I actually got out, started hanging out with the team a lot more and doing things. So I wasn't just sending the crib. But, yeah, it was an adjustment without. school for sure. I'm actually taking a course starting next week because I just, I couldn't. I don't know, bro. I miss school a little bit, so it's just one course, but it's not,

it's nothing creepy. Guess what? For someone who's like, I don't really like school like that, you like it. You like the drumbeat of it. I definitely like my degree program that I'm in right now that I was in. Just a criminal justice aspect. And I don't know, it gives me something to do other than basketball, honestly.

It's important to have something else that defines you as well and that you can pour into and like look at your life girl you just getting started you are 23 you got three degrees shout out to mom you're a wmdena champion you only play for contenders you are an inspiration to come full circle um it's no surprise you got that kind of reception when you came back to to play against the liberty at barclays and as a broadcaster who's seen you think through college it's just been a pleasure to watch you grow and blossom and just see your maturity. Thank you. I appreciate you. Anytime. Thank you for making time. All right, guys, that's it for this episode of Good Follow Show presented by Draft King.

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