Former NBA basketball player, Jaron Blossomgame arrived in Monaco without quite knowing what to expect. Four seasons later, the AS Monaco star has become deeply connected to the Principality, drawn not only by its beauty and international spirit, but also by its rare sense of community.
In this candid interview, he reflects on the realities of elite basketball, the discipline behind peak performance, the family values that keep him grounded, and the ambitions that continue to drive him forward. Thoughtful, focused and refreshingly humble, Jaron reveals the mindset behind his success on and off the court.
When AS Monaco basketball talent, Jaron Blossomgame first arrived in Monaco, he was simply chasing the next step in his career, unaware that the Principality would become a place of personal growth, reflection, and belonging.
Beyond the intensity of EuroLeague nights, Jaron opens up about sacrifice, family, and the quiet moments that define him just as much as the spotlight. From a father who never saw him play, yet remains his greatest inspiration, to the discipline that shapes his daily life, this is a story of resilience, purpose, and the pursuit of something deeper than success.
Settling in Monaco
Jaron moved to the Principality of Monaco in the fall of 2022.
“To be honest, I had no idea what Monaco was before I arrived. This is now my fourth season here and everything started with a call from my agent while I was playing in Germany. He told me there was a team interested in me in Monaco, and my first reaction was simply to look it up online.
I remember going straight to Google Images and thinking, “Wow, this place looks incredible.” But even then, I didn’t fully grasp what Monaco really is, the lifestyle, the people, the attention to detail.”
What was your first impression when you arrived in Monaco?
“My first real impression came when I arrived and drove through the port with some teammates. I remember thinking, “This place is unreal, it’s so beautiful.” But understanding Monaco goes beyond the first impression. It actually took me about two years to truly immerse myself in the culture and fully appreciate everything it has to offer.
Since then, I’ve enjoyed every minute of being here. My girlfriend moved here from Lithuania last August 2025, and she absolutely loves it. Every friend or family member who visits ends up falling in love with Monaco within just a few days.
It’s a truly unique place, and looking back, time has gone by incredibly fast, but I’ve genuinely appreciated every moment of this experience.”
Before arriving in Monaco, Jaron previously spent time in Israel and Germany.
How easy was it for you to settle here?
“I would say it was actually quite easy for me to settle in. Monaco is a small place, especially compared to the United States, but that also makes it very accessible and easy to navigate.
By the time I arrived, it was my third year playing professionally in Europe, so I already had some experience adapting to new environments.
I was also fortunate to have teammates, especially fellow Americans who had already been here and helped me adjust. They showed me the ins and outs of the Principality, which made the transition even smoother.
Overall, settling in was very natural for me, and the community here is incredibly international, welcoming, and easy to integrate into.”
How would you describe the local community?
“I wouldn’t describe Monaco as boring at all. Of course, as a professional athlete, you experience the place a bit differently, but from my perspective, the community here is incredibly diverse and welcoming.
What makes Monaco unique, though, is its international character. It’s truly a melting pot, with people from all over the world, and English is widely spoken. When you walk around, you hear English everywhere, which gives you a certain sense of comfort and familiarity.
In some of the other countries I lived in, there was more of a language barrier, which can make you feel like a complete outsider. In Monaco, that feeling disappears quite quickly.”
As many long term residents, Jaron discovered the family side of the Principality, where the strong community supports each other.
“Before arriving, you often hear certain stereotypes about Monaco, the luxury, the wealth, and you might expect people to be distant or unapproachable. In reality, it’s the complete opposite. Some of the most successful and wealthy individuals I’ve met here are also the most humble, genuine, and down-to-earth.
I’ve been fortunate to build meaningful relationships, and I’m truly grateful for the friendships I’ve made. The people here are sincere and kind, and that creates a strong sense of community.
I’ve built friendships with people across all age groups, some around my age, others much younger or older. That’s one of the unique aspects of Monaco: it brings together people from very different backgrounds and generations.
Monaco may be small, but that actually adds to its charm. You start seeing familiar faces wherever you go in restaurants, around town, and over time, those small interactions turn into real connections. People remember your name, they greet you, they genuinely care.
I think that’s what makes Monaco so special, it’s not just about the place itself, but the human connections you build within it.”
NBA vs European basketball
Jaron built his path to the top of professional basketball through discipline, resilience, and constant evolution. A standout at Clemson University, his performances earned him a place in the 2017 NBA Draft, an achievement reserved for only a select few each year. Selected by the San Antonio Spurs, Jaron stepped into the world’s most competitive basketball league, where expectations are relentless and opportunities must be seized instantly.
While his time in the NBA was just the beginning of a broader journey, it shaped the foundation of his career, exposing him to elite standards, world-class athletes, and the mental demands of the game at its highest level. That experience would later define his approach in Europe, where he evolved into a versatile, intelligent, and complete player.
Today, Jaron’s story is not just about where he started, but how he adapted; transforming early NBA lessons into a career that continues to rise on the international stage.
How competitive is the path to a professional basketball career in the United States, from childhood dreams to college and beyond? And, what are the key differences between European and American basketball, both on and off the court?
“The difference is significant, it’s almost like two completely different games.
Growing up in the United States, the pathway is very clear from a young age. At 13 or 14, your mindset is focused on getting into college basketball and then making it to the NBA. That’s the narrative you hear from coaches, trainers, and peers; it’s NBA or nothing. What you don’t always realise at that stage is that there is an incredible professional life to be built in Europe, both competitively and financially.
On the court, the differences are just as striking. The rules, spacing, and physicality all vary. But the biggest distinction, in my opinion, is the level of basketball IQ. In the U.S., you often see extremely talented athletes, players with incredible physical ability but sometimes with less emphasis on reading the game. In Europe, players are trained from a young age to understand the game at a deeper level: positioning, decision-making, and fundamentals.
When I first came to Europe, I had the mindset that I would dominate immediately because of my athleticism. But that wasn’t the case. I actually struggled early on, because even though I might have been stronger or faster than my opponent, they were thinking the game better than I was. That forced me to adapt quickly and develop a different understanding of basketball.
European training also places a stronger emphasis on fundamentals and game intelligence, watching film, learning how to read plays, and mastering the basics. That’s why you see so many fundamentally strong players coming out of Europe.
At the highest level, the contrast becomes even more evident. Some high-profile NBA players come to Europe and struggle, simply because the structure and style of play demand a different approach. The game here is more tactical, more compact, and requires constant decision-making.
Overall, that transition helped me grow significantly as a player. My time in Monaco has been especially rewarding, both individually and as a team. We’ve achieved great success in recent seasons, including Final Four appearances and multiple titles, and I feel that I’ve improved every year, both physically and mentally.”
The Principality of Monaco has long been a crossroads where sport, excellence, and international prestige converge.
Just a year before Jaron was born, a legendary chapter in sporting history happened in Monaco when the 1992 USA basketball Dream Team chose the Principality for their Olympic preparation.
“That’s actually one of the first things people tell me when I arrive or when we talk about Monaco. And of course, it’s something special, the Dream Team represents such an iconic moment in basketball history.”
How do you see the public interest towards basketball in Monaco?
“You can really feel that connection here. Basketball in Monaco is growing, and there’s a genuine interest and enthusiasm around the sport. More and more people are following it, and the energy around the club keeps building every season.”
If you could improve or change one aspect of the club or its environment, what would it be?
“Monaco has been my only EuroLeague experience so far, but I’ve played alongside teammates who have been at some of the biggest clubs in Europe like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Olympiacos, organisations with long histories, massive fan bases, and world-class infrastructure.
What makes Monaco unique is how quickly the club has grown. Just a few years ago, it was competing in the EuroCup, and within a very short time, it established itself among the elite of European basketball, reaching the Final Four and consistently competing at the highest level. That kind of progression usually takes many years.
Because of that rapid growth, certain aspects off the court are still catching up. If I had to point to one area for improvement, it would be the overall facilities. When we travel to places like Athens, Istanbul, or Valencia, you see top-tier arenas, locker rooms, training spaces, and recovery facilities. In comparison, Monaco’s infrastructure is more modest.
That said, it’s important to put things into perspective. Monaco offers an exceptional quality of life, we travel under excellent conditions, and the organisation itself is strong and ambitious. You can’t have everything at once.
The current arena is smaller than most EuroLeague venues, but it also creates a very unique atmosphere. Our fans are incredible, and we’ve built a strong home record thanks in large part to their support. Interestingly, many opposing players say it’s actually difficult to play here because the setting is so different from what they’re used to.
Looking ahead, a new or upgraded facility would naturally be the next step in the club’s evolution, something that matches the level of performance on the court. But overall, everything is progressing in the right direction, and the growth of basketball in Monaco has been remarkable.”
Discipline and mentality
How does a typical training and preparation schedule look for you during the season?
“I’m a very routine-based person, and that discipline has been a big part of my career. It really started during my college years, where I was introduced to a more holistic approach to performance, not just lifting weights, but focusing on functional strength, mobility, and long-term health.
In basketball, you’re constantly moving in unpredictable ways, so flexibility and body control are just as important as strength. From a young age, I also became very conscious about nutrition, recovery, and overall well-being.
While many players my age were focused on short-term habits, I was always drawn to longevity; taking vitamins, eating properly, sleeping well, and following a structured routine.
Over time, that mindset has become second nature. I treat my body like a business, because ultimately, it is my career. There’s a saying in sports that the best ability is availability, and in my four years in Monaco, I haven’t missed a single game due to injury. That consistency comes from discipline, recovery, diet, and preparation.”
Do you follow a specific diet or routine to maintain peak performance?
“My routine has evolved over the years, becoming more refined and detailed. Today, I incorporate elements like recovery work, red light therapy, and structured nutrition. If I skip something, I actually feel it, that’s how embedded these habits have become.
On a typical game day, everything follows a clear structure. I start with breakfast and a light practice session, then return home where I work with a sports psychologist to prepare mentally for the game. After that, I take a short nap to reset, before heading to the arena.
There, I go through my full preparation: strength and injury-prevention work, on-court shooting, mobility sessions, and final mental focus. I also have small personal rituals, like listening to the same music or even something as simple as eating apples before the game which help me stay mentally aligned and consistent.
It may not sound extraordinary, but for me, it’s all about consistency. Those routines allow me to perform at my best and stay focused throughout the season.”
Do you ever miss a classic American burger?
“Of course, I do but it’s all about balance.
During the season, I’m extremely disciplined. For around ten months of the year, my lifestyle is very structured: training, recovery, nutrition, sleep; everything is focused on performance and staying in peak condition.
Then in the off-season, I allow myself a bit more freedom. After such a long and demanding period, it’s important to relax, both physically and mentally. I usually take a couple of weeks completely off from basketball, while still maintaining some light training to stay in shape.
That’s also when I enjoy some of the things I don’t really allow myself during the season, like American comfort food, desserts, or certain snacks and drinks you just can’t find in Europe. It’s a bit of a reset.
But overall, I try not to overdo it. I’ve become very conscious of how my body feels, and I genuinely prefer the lifestyle I follow now. It keeps me healthier, more consistent, and ready to perform at the highest level.”
Family and heritage
Do your family members visit you often in Monaco?
“Not really, to be honest. My mom has actually never come over. I have a pretty unique family situation.
My father is blind, he lost his eyesight at 21. Completely blind. Years later, he met my mom, they got married, and had three children. He’s a pastor, and still is today.”
While this sounds like a difficult family situation, growing up, that was just Jaron’s normal.
“People always ask me what it was like, but for me, it wasn’t something unusual, it was simply my dad, my life. He never got to see me play basketball, never played with me in the yard… but he was always there in his own way.”
Did his situation motivated you in any forms?
“Honestly, he’s my greatest inspiration. Losing your sight at 21, when you’ve already experienced the world, that’s incredibly hard. But he never complained, not once. He even jokes about it. His dream was to open his own church, and he did.
He’s 75 now, still preaching, still positive. Seeing how he lives his life… it leaves me with no excuse not to give 100% every day.
But my mom is also a wonderful person. They’re not together anymore, but they still live together. She takes care of him, cooks for him, they’re basically best friends. It’s a beautiful relationship, honestly. I feel very blessed when it comes to my family.”
Do you have any memories with your father on a basketball court?
“I remember my first NBA game in Charlotte. My sister filmed him in the stands, every time they announced my name, he’d just light up and start smiling. It was incredible to see how connected he still was to what I was doing.”
Despite Jaron’s growing European success, his family remained based in the U.S. and long distance is among the challenges and sacrifices that Jaron committed to his career dream.
“They’re back home in Atlanta, so I don’t get to see them often, usually just in the summer.
I have nieces and nephews, and they’re growing up so fast. It’s crazy. I saw my niece last year when she was one and a half, and now she’s three, that’s a completely different person. My nephew was three when I left five years ago, and now he’s texting and calling me.
I’m missing a lot of those moments, which is tough. But they understand, it’s part of the sacrifice. And I do everything I can to support them, so they appreciate it. Still… you definitely feel it.”
Relaxing outside the game
How do you usually unwind and relax outside of basketball?
“Honestly, being in Monaco already makes it easy. It’s such a beautiful place, the weather is great, and there’s a certain calmness to it.
I’d describe myself as a social introvert. I enjoy being around people, I can talk to anyone, and I’m not shy at all, but at the end of the day, I really need my own space. I need time to decompress, to just be by myself.
I spend a lot of time at home, just relaxing, sitting by the pool, switching off. That’s important for me, especially during the season.”
Do you have any hobbies?
“One of my biggest hobbies is photography. I picked it up during Covid, I bought a camera and taught myself everything from scratch. Since then, it’s become something I genuinely love. I even have a photography Instagram (@jaronb.jpg) where I share some of my work.”
It is a much more relaxed way of seeing life.
“For me, photography is very peaceful. I like going out alone, walking around, observing things. It helps me connect with my surroundings in a different way. Sometimes I’ll be out without my camera and see something that I know would make a great shot, and I regret not having it with me.
I’ve taken photos in places like Monaco, Abu Dhabi, Morocco… it’s become a big part of how I unwind. It’s creative, but also very personal.
At the same time, I’m very easygoing. I can spend a whole day by myself and feel completely fulfilled, or I can go to the beach with teammates and have a great time. I don’t feel the need to always be doing something or constantly be around people.
During the season, it’s intense, ten months, two to three games a week, a lot of travel, so those quiet moments become really valuable. Being able to just switch off and be in my own space… that’s probably the most important way I relax.”
The G.O.A.T. debate
What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
“That’s a tough one, because there are a few moments that really stand out for different reasons.
From a basketball perspective, my most memorable game would probably be the Final Four last year against Olympiacos. We came in as underdogs, and winning that game to reach the final was special. I had one of my best performances, playing against a former league MVP, it was just one of those nights where everything came together. That’s definitely my favourite game of my career so far.
But if I think about a moment, something bigger than just one game, it has to be draft night in 2017.”
In the U.S., about 1.2% of NCAA Division I players make it to the NBA. From high school players, the odds are closer to 0.03%
“Only 60 players in the world hear their name called each year, and I was one of them. That’s something I’ll never take for granted. Being there in New York, sharing that moment with my family, it’s hard to describe what that feels like.
I still have my draft hat, my first jersey from my rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs… those are things I’ll keep forever.
What made it even more special was seeing how proud everyone was; my family, my friends, my coaches, everyone who had been part of the journey. It wasn’t just my moment, it felt like it belonged to all of us.
So yeah, if I had to choose, getting drafted, that’s probably the moment I appreciate the most in my career.”
In your view, what defines a truly great basketball player: skill, mentality, leadership, or something else?
“I think it’s a combination of all those things. There’s no single element that defines greatness. It’s about how everything comes together.
You can have a player who’s incredibly athletic but limited in other areas. You can have an elite shooter who specializes in just one aspect of the game. And then you have players who are more complete, who understand every dimension of what’s happening on the court.
For me, the key factors are basketball IQ, athleticism, and a deep understanding of the game. At the highest level, whether it’s EuroLeague or the NBA, you see players who really read the game. From a fan’s perspective, it might look fast and purely physical, but in reality, it’s extremely mental. It’s about timing, positioning, reading coverages, making the right decisions in a split second.
The best players have a bit of everything. They’re versatile, adaptable, and able to impact the game in multiple ways.”
You yourself are also a very versatile player.
“That’s something I take pride in personally, my versatility. I’ve played multiple positions, from small forward to center, and I can defend across the board. Being that kind of ‘Swiss Army knife’ for a team makes you valuable, because you’re not easily replaceable.
I focus on doing everything well; rebounding, scoring, bringing energy, toughness, and most importantly, understanding how to play the game at a high level.
In my opinion, what truly makes a player great is the ability to combine all these elements and use them in the right moments. That’s what makes you not just effective, but dangerous on the court.”
Who is, in your opinion, the greatest of all time (GOAT)?
“For me, it’s LeBron James, no debate. I think the greatest player is someone who brings together everything we talked about before: skill, intelligence, athleticism, versatility, and consistency. And LeBron is the complete package.
What really separates him is longevity. From the moment he entered the league, straight out of high school, he had immense pressure, people were already calling him the next big thing. And not only did he live up to those expectations, he exceeded them.
To still be performing at such a high level after so many years… it’s incredible. Physically, mentally, the way he’s evolved his game over time, it doesn’t even make sense sometimes. Players don’t usually sustain that level for that long.
Of course, Michael Jordan had an unbelievable career, especially when it comes to winning. And every generation has its icons. I grew up a huge fan of Kobe Bryant as well. But the game has evolved. The competition is stronger, the level is higher, and what LeBron has achieved in this era is just unreal.
At the end of the day, every generation has its own perspective. People who watched Jordan live will always say Jordan. And I respect that.
But for me, having seen it firsthand, LeBron James is the greatest of all time.”
Have you ever met LeBron?
“I was actually lucky enough to meet him back in 2016 at his camp. Out of hundreds of players, I was one of the few who got a photo with him, we spoke briefly, and he was incredibly humble and approachable. That moment stayed with me.”
The future
Do you think Monaco could benefit from more basketball infrastructure, such as public courts?
“Yes, I do think there’s room for more basketball infrastructure in Monaco. At the moment, there are very few public courts, so opportunities to play casually are quite limited.”
But do you feel the general love of basketball?
“Monaco is a very unique place. You have two distinct groups of people: those who are engaged with sports, and those who are not really connected to that world at all. Many residents come here for lifestyle reasons that aren’t necessarily linked to following teams or sporting culture, so basketball isn’t always top of mind for everyone.
However, that is gradually changing. With the success of AS Monaco Basketball in recent years, more people are becoming aware of the team. You can feel the growing interest. Fans recognising players in the street, congratulating you after games, and that’s something I’ve really come to appreciate.
Basketball is definitely on the rise here, and with that growth, it would make sense to see more infrastructure develop alongside it. At the same time, Monaco has its own constraints, especially when it comes to space, which makes expansion more challenging than in other cities.
Overall, the interest is growing, the momentum is there and if the infrastructure evolves with it, the sport could reach an even higher level in the Principality.”
Looking ahead, what are your personal and professional ambitions?
“What drives me most is internal. It’s about becoming the best version of myself, constantly improving, year after year.
I’m 32 now, and I’d like to play another five or six seasons at the highest level. Of course, every player will tell you their goal is to win the EuroLeague, and that’s true for me as well, but beyond that, my focus is really on growth. I want to keep evolving as a player, even if I don’t yet know exactly what my full potential looks like.
Over the years, I’ve already seen that progression. I’m a smarter player today than I was four years ago. I’ve improved different aspects of my game, like my shooting, and I want to keep building on that. Longevity is key, staying consistent, staying competitive, and continuing to perform at a high level.
At the same time, I’m very aware that basketball doesn’t last forever. We all love the game, but we’re also doing it for our families, to create stability and opportunities for the future. At some point, the ball stops bouncing, and you want to be in a position where you’ve made the right decisions.
That’s why financial discipline and long-term thinking are so important. You see cases of players who earn a lot during their careers but struggle afterward, and that’s something I want to avoid. I want to build something sustainable beyond basketball.”
Monaco is composed of over 140 nationalities and a remarkable concentration of successful, established entrepreneurs. This unique international mix creates an environment where cultures, ideas, and industries intersect on a daily basis.
Beyond its reputation for luxury, Monaco stands out for its accessibility, where meaningful conversations and unexpected encounters can lead to genuine opportunities. It is a place where global perspectives meet local familiarity, fostering a close-knit yet highly influential community driven by ambition, innovation, and mutual respect.
“Indeed, being in Monaco helps a lot in that sense. The networking opportunities here are incredible. You can meet people from completely different industries, build real relationships, and learn from them. It’s a unique environment, there are very few places in the world where you can have that kind of access and exchange.
What I also appreciate about Monaco is the mindset. People are successful, but at the same time very grounded and approachable. There’s a real sense of community. It creates an atmosphere where you feel inspired, where you want to grow, not just as an athlete, but as a person. So for me, it’s about balance: continuing to push myself on the court, while also preparing for life beyond it.”
In many ways, Jaron’s journey is about far more than basketball. It is about discipline, perspective, and staying grounded while navigating a life that often moves at extraordinary speed.
In Monaco, he has found not only a place to compete at the highest level, but an environment that challenges him to grow as a person. As he continues to push his limits on the court, his focus remains clear: to evolve, to build a meaningful life beyond the game, and to honour the values that shaped him. Because in the end, for Jaron, true success is not just measured in victories, but in the person he becomes along the way.