A BALLER BREAKTHROUGH

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Michael Hwang becomes the first freshman to play on Jefferson’s varsity boys basketball team in 20 years. By Rose Du and Sarah Wang

Baller’s br eakthrough

Heart pounding, palms sweating, surrounded by upperclassmen. Weighed down by intense pressure. A spot on the roster is at stake. No freshman has made

the men’s varsity basketball team in

the past 20 years. But that’s just what Michael Hwang did.

Making the Team

Hwang started playing basketball in first grade, and has worked

to improve his technique since. Despite having several years of experience playing competitively, the news of his placement on the varsity team came to Hwang as a surprise and an honor.

“When I was told I made the team, I was a little shocked,” Hwang said. “Coach [Mark GrayMendes] started talking about how it was really special for me to make the team.”

Varsity basketball coach Mark Gray-Mendes saw great potential in Hwang’s skill with the ball, and believed that his experience would allow for a smooth transition into a team

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composed of mostly juniors and seniors.

“Michael is a very strong ball handler, with a great basketball IQ,” Gray-Mendes said. “He earned a spot on varsity by being one of the best ball handlers.” Tough Training

While veteran team members were familiar with the training regimen and had several years to establish a rapport with one another, Hwang had to quickly adapt to the rigor and team dynamic.

“Playing as a freshman on varsity is difficult because you have to learn concepts that others have been learning for up to three years,” senior Justin Park, a member of the Jefferson varsity basketball team, said.

In addition to adjusting to a new team and environment, Hwang faces another challenge: balancing basketball and school. Instead of seeing this as an obstacle, Hwang’s tight schedule has made him more focused and diligent. With the Team As a young member of the varsity team, Hwang has benefited from interacting and bonding with the older players.

“[My teammates] push me to be better and teach me how to get better and stay mentally strong,” Hwang said. “They really helped me and made me feel like a part of the team, even though I’m a freshman.” Coach Gray-Mendes recognized Hwang’s unique position as an opportunity for him to gain insight from older players, from both a basketball and academic perspective.

“What I love is that he’s had the support of guys with a lot of years of wisdom under their belt, and that he can draw on their experience, which I think is really important,” GrayMendes said. Hwang’s presence on the team has provided older players witwh a chance to serve as mentors, but his skill and performance also promotes healthy competition.

“Having a freshman on the team gives older players an opportunity to give advice and encouragement,” Park said. “It also motivates the rest of the “ I really learned how to deal with hardship, because varsity is really tough,” Hwang said. “It’s taught me how to be resolute and strong.”

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1. Crouching in a defensive position, freshman Michael Hwang guards his opponent during a practice scrimmage. “Playing basketball teaches you teamwork and to put in hard work into things that you love because you want to be successful in them,” Hwang said. PHOTO//Connie Ryu 2. In warmups before a game, Michael Hwang laughs as fellow teammates pass him the ball. Hwang takes every moment to improve himself and have fun. “I don’t really think when I play, I just go with the flow,” Hwang said. PHOTO//Rose Du

team to work even harder in order to not lose their spot to a younger guy.” Park also pointed out how Hwang’s participation in varsity has influenced him personally in positive ways.

“Seeing Michael stay after practices to continue shooting around and improve his game when everyone else leaves motivates me to stay and improve my game as well,” Park said. As his first season of Jefferson basketball comes to a close, Hwang is appreciative of the unique chance he had to play on the varsity team. He is excited to continue to contribute to the team and make an impact.

“I feel undeserving at times, but I’m truly thankful and I’m grateful for the opportunity,” Hwang said. “I want to work hard and prove that I am worthy to be on varsity.”