« DI Men’s Basketball 2012-13

Jonathan Lee

School
Northeastern
Position
Guard
Major
Graphic Design
PPG
13.8
RPG
4.4
APG
4.0

Classroom

Lee is a dedicated, consistent student who has maintained an overall GPA of 3.0 or better during his entire academic career at Northeastern University. He is on pace to earn a bachelor of fine arts degree in graphic design—one of NU’s most challenging majors—doing so in four years despite the heavy time commitment of Division I basketball. Last year, while posting his best-ever season on the court and earning All-Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) honors, Lee also had his best year in the classroom, earning CAA All-Academic laurels.

Character

Lee’s entire life is a lesson in perseverance. He grew up in the gritty, urban setting of Flint, Mich., defying the odds at every turn. He was offered a scholarship by only one Division I school, but was left without when that school rescinded the offer due to budget cuts. He landed at Northeastern where he has blossomed from a freshman who played just four minutes per game to a two-year captain who recently was named to the preseason All-CAA First Team. Lee, though vocal when needed, prefers to lead by example. His quiet leadership is exhibited in an unparalleled work ethic and strength of character. He often is the first player to arrive to the gym and team meetings, and often is the last to leave. He is a consummate teammate who has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches, the campus community, and even his opponents.

Community

Lee is one of the most involved students-athletes at Northeastern. His commitment to the campus and local communities is a model for fellow student-athletes. He has participated in countless youth clinics and service organizations, working with disadvantaged youth in local Boston neighborhoods. He is one of the most visible student-athletes on campus and one of the most vocal supporters of fellow student-athletes. He regularly attends NU sporting events and recruits fellow students to do the same. This summer, Lee volunteered numerous hours each week to participate in the university’s comprehensive orientation program, welcoming incoming freshmen to campus and helping with their transition to Northeastern. His selfless manner has earned him respect and friends in every corner of the campus community. His popularity culminated this fall when he was named Northeastern’s 2012 Homecoming King—the first time in recent memory a student-athlete has earned that honor.

Competition

Lee’s career has been one of incredible growth due to an unquestioned work ethic and resolve. As a freshman, he played in 12 games and averaged just four minutes per game. Last season, as a junior, he started all 31 games and averaged better than 35 minutes per game to rank fourth in the CAA. The 6-2 guard ranked in the top 15 in the CAA in eight other statistical categories, including scoring, assists, steals, 3-point field goals made, field-goal percentage, 3-point field goal percentage, free-throw percentage, and assist-to-turnover ratio. He ranked nationally among all Division I players in points per game, free-throw percentage, assists per game, and steals per game. Lee led Northeastern in scoring (14.5 ppg), assists (3.45 apg), and 3-point field goal percentage (.417), and scored in double-figures in 28 of 31 games. He earned All-CAA honors at the end of last season and was named to the preseason All-CAA First Team this year. He enters the 2012-13 season ranked second in Northeastern history in career free-throw percentage and career 3-point percentage.