Personal Statement
Offense is fun, defense is work. In offense, I’m creating my own world: producing my own style of music, writing my own set of drama. It lights up the crowd and amplifies the energy. On the contrary, defense is tedious, dull, and ordinary. It tests my determination and patient. It takes great responsibility and self-discipline to complete the repetitive, boring task. Basketball has given me more than just friends and fun memories, it allows me to discover my personalities and realized the importance of teamwork.
Ever since 6th grade, I have always been the star on my basketball team. Always worrying about my double-digit scoring performance, I never paid attention to the importance of teamwork. But things quickly changed once I entered high school basketball.
Unlike the freedom I once have on the court, I was now told to run systematic defense and plays. But coaches’ orders did not stop me from being who I am. Soon, I started to get pulled out of the games by my coach, seemingly for no apparent reason. A few games, we actually lost and gave away big leads because my coach wouldn’t put me in. When I asked why, he just told me to watch the game.
Soon, I realized coach’s motives through a highly competitive game against a basketball powerhouse, Bishop O’Dowd. Just like before, I got pulled off the court early into the game. While I was feeling frustrated, I started to realize how well our team work together as they pass the ball around and quickly find the open man on the court for a scoring opportunity. Not only that, our defensive intensity was so strong, like a magnet repelling a coil of wire, minimizing all the opponents’ scoring opportunities. Although we didn’t win that game, it was the turning point of my basketball career.
Realizing the importances of teamwork and defensive skills, soon I regained my minutes on the court. Unlike the selfish player I once was in the past, I began to get everyone involved in the game. Not only players on the court, but also players who are on the bench, constantly cheering for their own teammates and reminding those who made a mistake on the court. Just like that, I became the leader of the team on and off the court, carrying this position through my 2 years on JV. As I entered my Varsity season in my junior year, I was no longer the best player on the team. But as the main ball handler I chose and executed the most appropriate game plays for the success of the team.
