Heart & Soul

Article & Photos: Elise Leepin // elisenoell.com

From the moment Jackson laces up his KD's, it's game time. He hustles on both ends of the floor, seeing the whole court both offensively & defensively. He's a unique player and a leader by example. 

He helps to control the tempo of the game, slowing down the ball when needed or picking up the pace to hit that clutch three. Whether it's the perfect assist, the tricky steal, or the famous shot from his sweet spot, Jackson gets it done. 

With big dreams to make it to the highest level in this game, anyone that watches him play will quickly believe in those big dreams of his. 

Because dreams become real when you put you heart & soul into this game.

What do you looking forward to in the upcoming season?

I'm excited to play in tournaments and travel.

What do you love about basketball?

I love it because it's a fast moving sport. Also, you get to bond with your teammates over the season, making lifelong relationships.

Describe your game in 3 words.

Tiring, challenging, fun

What are you working on in particular this season?

Getting better at my shooting

Pre-game ritual?

Before I leave for my game, I go outside into my front yard to practice my shooting & listen to music.

Where is your sweet spot on the court?
Three pointer from the left wing.

Favorite NBA player?

Steph Curry

Favorite NBA team?

Warriors

What are your favorite pair of shoes to hoop in?

KD's & Kobe's 

Do you have any dreams for your basketball career? 

I want to get to the NBA.

You wear number 7. Did you pick that number or was it random?

I picked it; 7 is my lucky number.

What motivates you do get better every day?

Just thinking of the going to the NBA someday. It would be amazing to do what I love for a living. 

Charged Up

Article & Photos: Elise Leepin // elisenoell.com

Parker gets a pass from his teammate and makes his way down the court, as this point guard casually glides the ball between his legs and behind the back, scheming up a brilliant play in his mind. This is just who Parker is.

 He makes it look easy. 

And although it may look easy, you can trust the work to make it look easy has not been easy.  Parker works at his craft, putting all his efforts into being the best possible athlete he can be. He sees the bigger picture of the game, doing the little things just as his coach, Tino Zaragoza, has taught him to do. After all, a point guard has to be an extension of the coach on the floor and Parker fills that role perfectly. This talented young point guard does it all,  eager to make the steal, grab the board, hit the buzzer-beater three, get the assist to his teammates. 
And that handle of his, well that's something you've got to see for yourself.

Whatever needs to be done, Parker gets it done. He's prepared for the season ahead, with more motivation than ever to help lead his team to success.

Parker is charged up & ready to go.

What are you excited for this season?

I'm excited to play a lot of basketball and just have fun out there on the court.

Describe your game in three words.

Quick, sharp-shooting, handle

Favorite NBA player?

Kobe Bryant

Starting 5 dream team.

Kobe, MJ, Magic, Bird, and Kareem

What are you looking to improve upon this season?

I really want to work on my passing.

What is your favorite part about basketball?

I love shooting.

Sock game or shoe game?

Oh, that's tough! I'd say sock game.

Any players in particular that you enjoyed watching in college last year?

Aaron Harrison of Kentucky

Favorite basketball moment?

In a game a few weeks ago at one of our tournaments. There were 20 seconds left in the game and I hit a 3 to win it.

Alright, who is going to be the 2016 NBA champs?

Golden State Warriors

What motivates you?

I strive to be the best.

Goal for this year for your team?

I want our team to win a championship.

Be About It

Article & Photos: Elise Leepin //  elisenoell.com

Calm, cool & composed. That’s how Tino gets it done.

Tino Zaragoza is an Orange County native, attending high school in Irvine and then going on to study at Vanguard University where he played ball and always had dreams of becoming a coach. After a successful college career, Tino chased after his coaching dream. He went onto coach for Huntington Beach High School. As FBA recently launched a program in the Huntington Beach region, Tino would be the ultimate guy for the job. Not only is he a young coach being able to relate with these talented athletes, he also has an incredible basketball background and a gift for coaching.

He knows what it takes to teach the little things, as this was considered one of his strengths during his playing career. He knows how to coach in a way that gains respect from those around him, athletes, parents, officials, and coaches alike, as he keeps his composure throughout the game having this quiet confidence about his team. He knows what it means to inspire the next generation as he leads by example in coaching each individual athlete building them up as young men, on & off the court. 

They say don't just talk about it, be about it.

And that's exactly who Tino is.

He is about this game.

What are you looking forward to this season?

I'm excited for this team to connect and become a unit. Last year, the guys only took about two weeks to learn how to really work as a team and I know that's going to happen again this year.

What does it mean to you to bring FBA to Huntington Beach?

It's awesome. There are a lot of great athletes in HB and having a program here where there aren't many travel teams is really cool.

Starting 5 dream team.

Russ Westbook, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Nowitzki, and DeAndre Jordan

If you could tell your team to look up to an NBA player, who would that player be?

Chris Paul

2016 NBA Champs?

Miami Heat

Why did you decide to be a coach?

 I love basketball. God gave me a gift to communicate and help these individual athletes work together as a team.

3 words to describe your coaching style.

Calm, patient & understanding

Describe your ideal athlete to coach.

I look for a ball player who listen to instructions and is open to corrections to his game. I also believe an athlete should work hard and give 100%.

What do you want to teach these players for future after being on your team in this program?

I hope these players gain confidence, both in basketball and in life. I want them to be able to grow and come out of this program as young men. They should have self-respect and know how to treat others the right way, on & off the court.

What is the most challenging part about coaching?

There are times when you really have to go back to the basics. As a coach, you want your players to always be progressing, but sometimes, you have to go back to what is simple. That can be challenging and a test of patience.

What is your favorite part about coaching?

I love being able to interact and be a role model for these young athletes. I want to be able to help them grow in basketball and in life.

How do you balance leadership & friendship?

I just recently finished playing in college, so I am able to relate to them. I'm a pretty calm coach and I believe that works for my team dynamic. I'm thankful that the friendship and leadership role combined comes natural for me.

What advice do you give to athletes?

Treat everyone with respect- yourself, opponents and teammates.

100 till nothin' left

Article & Photos: Elise Leepin //  elisenoell.com


                 

From the tip-off to the final buzzer, these two athletes give 100. Their love for this game shows through their hustle and heart. The versatility and speed of these athletes brings their style of play to a whole different level. They love this game and it shows by the way that they put their sweat and soul into every minute of every game.

Introducing:

Zach Fuji & Ben Lawson

These two 7^th graders have been with Fryer Basketball Academy for quite some time now, faithful to the game and their craft. They are in for an exciting season and a bright basketball career. 

Get to know why love this sport, their favorite kicks, and dreams for their own game.

 What are you looking forward to this season?

Z: I hope our team can win a championship.

B: I’m excited to getting the team better.

Favorite aspect about basketball?

Z: I would say getting to play with your team & building teamwork.

B: I like getting to play as a team.

What skills are you working on this year?

Z: My shooting overall

B: My shooting form

Describe your game in 3 words?

Z: Fast, Physical, Hustle

B: Pass, Dribble, Shoot

Favorite post-game meal?

Z: I usually want a double cheese-burger after a game

B: Post-game In-N-Out for me

Sock game or shoe game?

Z: Shoe game

B: Shoe game

  

Pre-game ritual?

Z: This is weird, but we always put on chapstick & eat a mint.

B: I just mentally prepare before the game by myself.

Favorite pair of basketball kicks?

Z: Kobe’s

B: Me too, Kobe’s

Choose 3 on 3 match up [you can be on one of the teams]:

Z: Me, Ben, & Max Wallace vs. LeBron, Kobe, & CP3

B: Me, Zach, & Coach Jonah vs. Durant, LeBron, & Nash

2016 NBA Champs?

Z: Warriors

B: Cavs

Favorite NBA player of all-time?

Z: Kobe Bryant

B: Michael Jordan

If you could play for any NBA team, who would it be?

Z: Lakers

B: Lakers

Dreams for your basketball future?

Z: I want to make the varsity team in high school

B: I’d like to make varsity as well in middle school

Who inspires you?

Z: My family and, in basketball, my dad, because he got me into this sport.

B: My parents.

What motivates you?

Z: My mom and dad pep-talking me and pushing me

B: My parents and coaches

Getting to Know FBA Coaches

Article & Photos: Elise Leepin //  elisenoell.com

"Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best in which you are capable."
-John Wooden

Coaching is a high privilege, a position that requires someone who can be a leader, teacher and role model all in one. The coaches at FBA are just that, as they lead athletes to not only bettering themselves at the game of basketball but also at life. To kick off the season, we sat down with a few FBA coaches to talk basketball, what it takes to be a solid athlete, and the role of coaching.

Fryer Basketball Coaches:
Jeff Fryer- Executive Director
Jonah Ganz - Head Coach
Brett Matsen - Assistant Director & Coach

 






What are you looking forward to for the upcoming season with FBA?

Jeff: I can't wait to see the kids improve and continue to lean how to be the best teammates they can possibly be.
Jonah: I'm looking forward to working with all of the players, both new to the program and the returning players. I am excited to help the new athletes develop and improve upon the skills of the returning athletes.

Brett: I'm excited to build off of the success from last year. There are quite a few returning players which is a huge indication of these athletes being excited about the program. We are going to continue to grow and develop.

Describe your style of coaching in three words / phrases.

Jeff: Have fun, work hard & be positive 
Jonah: Hard work, energy & positivity
Brett: Energy, communication & trust 

What do you look for in a solid basketball player?

Jeff: A good athlete is tough, smart, and unselfish. I also believe that athletes need to be a good teammate.
Jonah: I look for an athlete who is coachable and willing to learn as well as improve. Being a good teammate is so important, whether it's giving a teammate a high five on a good play or helping pick guys up when they're down.

Brett: I believe a solid player is unselfish, energetic, passionate. They should always hustle hard.

Two favorite basketball coaches of all time:
Jeff: John Wooden (UCLA) & Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat)
Jonah: Steve Spencer (Orange Coast College) & Doc Rivers (Los Angeles Clippers)

Brett: Mike Krzyzewski (Duke University) & John Wooden (UCLA)

Favorite NBA role model: 
Jeff: Kevin Durant 

Jonah: Steve Nash 
Brett: Steve Nash

Choose a starting 5 dream team of current players.
Jeff: Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Hassan Whiteside 
Jonah:  Russell Westbrook, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and DeAndre Jordan

Brett: Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis

What's your favorite part about coaching?
Jeff: It's incredible to watch the development of these athletes. I enjoy being a good example and light in their lives as well.
Jonah: I love to see the players' reaction when they see themselves improving. 

Brett: I enjoy connecting with players and building a journey from a vision. It's amazing to be a part of a group that is bigger and more important than yourself.

2016 NBA champions?
Jeff: Miami Heat

Jonah: San Antonio Spurs
Brett: Cleveland Cavaliers

What's your best piece of advice that you give to athletes?

Jeff: Get your priorities straight: God, family, school, and friends. 
Jonah: Work as hard as you possibly can at whatever you love most.
Brett: If you want to be happy, make someone else happy.

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