The Jacob Cummiskey Interview (Doylestown, PA)

July 12, 2023

The Jacob Cummiskey Interview (Doylestown, PA)

Name: Jake Cummiskey

Hometown: Doylestown, Pennsylvania

Height: 6-4

Position: Point Guard/Shooting Guard

High School: Central Bucks East (PA)

Graduation Class: 2024

AAU Club: Penn Warriors HGSL

GPA: 3.8

Status: Uncommitted

DOYLESTOWN, PA -- Jake Cummiskey is a 6-4 Combo Guard from Doylestown, Pennsylvania. He's a rising senior at Central Bucks East High School, and runs with the Penn Warriors in the Hoop Group Showcase League. In his junior season, Cummiskey averaged 16.5 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, while shooting 35% from the perimeter to lead the Patriots to a 24-5 record, PIAA 6A state playoffs appearance, Suburban One League First-Team All-Conference, and to the Bucks Courier Times All-Star team.

The RPN's high basketball chapter is coming to a close, but what better way to go out then adding Cummiskey into the rotation. The 6-foot-4 guard is one of the more college ready prospects in the state as he scores smoothly from all three levels, plays low to the ground in his size up game, extremely smart with the ball, and has a knack for competition that's rare within today's game. Seeing Cummiskey last week at Hoop Group Summer Jam Fest, I was impressed with everything that I've researched and heard about the young man, but he is showing why he's gaining interests from Division 1 schools. Cummiskey is looking forward to leaving his mark in his senior season, but for now, he's ready to share a bit of his story with the world.

I caught up with the Southeastern Pennsylvania prospect on his junior campaign, Philly basketball scene, and preparation heading into the next chapter.

Jake Cummiskey Interview

When did you first start playing basketball?

"I started playing for real in the first grade. Watching Kevin Durant on the Thunder made me fall in love with the game. I immediately started playing with my fourth grade brother at the time, so I was always playing up and naturally doing well."

Describe your game from the skill standpoint.

"I'm a big lefty guard who makes winning plays based on what the game presents. Excellent getting to the basket, finding open teammates from making good reads, relentless competitor that can clean up on the glass, and handle the ball against pressure. Also, I can extend my game as I am a knockdown shooter from three, and is consistent off the dribble."

How was life growing up in Southeastern PA?

"Peaceful place to grow up but full of activity. Going to school at CB East has given me friendships that will last a lifetime, which is the reason I never ventured out to catholic schools. Obviously there are less basketball players out here, which has put a chip on my shoulder because getting my name out there is much harder. Nonetheless, I’ve been blessed with any opportunity I want growing up in Doylestown."

How was your junior season?

"The most fun year of basketball in my life. Playing with all my boys from middle school ball, we had a natural chemistry that flowed our offense super well. There were questions around the success we would have, and we ended the year with one of East’s best seasons ever. Wouldn’t take last season back for anything with our locker room laughs, and trip to Arizona that we took. Some of the best memories I’ll ever have."

"For me I had a solid year overall." Cummiskey continued. " I had some big games with high scoring outputs, and other games full of assists. This summer I’ve been making big improvements to my jumper, so I’m looking to come off more screens this year, and increase my average into the 20s."

Even though CB East is on the outskirts, parts of the metro are attached to Philadelphia basketball culture. Growing up around the area, talk about the high level of play and even competition within the Suburban One League?

"Obviously, the SOL is not as covered as the PCL, but the spirit of the playoffs is still just as strong. Our goal is to win a district championship, same as their goal is to win a PCL chip. Me and my team are buying in all the way this year because of how bad we want this. As a competitor, being away from the culture of the PCL burns a little bit, but it also allows me to work in silence and stay true to myself. I know all the work I’m putting in. I’m doing for myself, and not for the hype of social media."

You’re still at a very early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?

"Being from Southeast PA especially where I’m from, basketball is not the biggest thing, so all the training I do gets done by myself. I like training myself because I can get creative, and have freedom, but adjust myself when necessary. Instead of having a trainer have me do it the way he likes it. I’ll just go on YouTube and find shooting drills, strength workouts, plyometric, ball handling, and whatever else I want to learn. I tend to do two workouts a day, or sometimes three within five to six days a week in the off-season. But, I always take one day where I do NOTHING, and just enjoy life."

Who is your favorite player and why?

"Steve Nash because he wasn’t gifted with any of the athletic abilities, but he used his decisiveness and skill to win 2 MVPs and have a great career. As a guard on the smaller side who isn’t jumping out of the gym, I respect guys like Steve Nash, Jalen Brunson, and Tony Parker because when they score it’s pure skill."

Who do you consider your role model?

"My role model is my dad because he always keeps my priorities straight, and at the end of the day, he’s the only person that wants to see me succeed the most."

What do you believe are the greatest challenges that athletes are facing in today's era?

Social media has definitely changed the game in good and bad ways. It has been a challenge because the kids with more footage to offer tend to get more attention, then someone who doesn’t have guys with cameras at all his games. It limits what I can put out to coaches, which is also giving them less of a chance to see me. Social media also promotes clips and does not focus on winning basketball plays most of the time. As a player who is not jumping out of the gym, or getting these nice mixtapes made for him, I just really stay off social media and try to play my best for whoever is actually watching.

Editor's note: Respect.

You’re now at the endgame of the recruiting cycle, but what do you ideally look for in a school?

"I look for a school with a lot of basketball spirit, a nice campus, and a style of play I feel I could thrive in. I don’t want to overcomplicate the recruiting process, and stress myself out cause I don’t feel it should be that way. But, I certainly want to be comfortable with the coaching staff and other players and things of that sort."

What are your expectations heading into the last chapter?

"For my senior year, I’m looking to appreciate every day and enjoy my life outside of basketball. For example, with the football games I’m looking forward to leading the section, and having a good time with my friends. Come October through March, best believe I’m dialed in, and our team has goals of reaching the district championship. During that time me and my team will be focused, but once that is over, I’m looking forward to having a few months to reflect and enjoy my final months as a high schooler."

Thank you Jake for taking the time to talk with me this morning. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people? Any last words?

"The person who shows up regardless of how he feels will always beat the person who shows up when he feels like it. Thank you so much again Tyreese for helping me get my name out there!"