When I first found out that I had to transfer to RHP and REN I was nervous. I had previously been to new schools before but never in an environment where I knew absolutely no one. I worried about what the team and coaching staff were like, and how school life was going to look like for me from now on. By the time my first practice had rolled around, these nerves were still present and weren’t going away anytime soon. The only person I had met prior to the practice was Coach Kitani and he wasn’t even there that day. As time went on, the practice came to a close and my nerves started to go away after I sat down with a certain Australian where we got to talking about how he liked the school and what it was like playing for coach kitani. And that’s all it took, after that, it was rides home from benny or alec and making jokes at lunch or talking about the practice from the night before that made me feel more comfortable with my teammates. Over time, I got to know each of my teammates better and respect them more for who they are and who they became. Whether it’s Pablo’s clear mind or Kenny’s stone hands every single one of my teammates has grown in their own way both on and off the court and that’s why I respect them so much.
After being here for a year and watching over 50 senior speeches I still wasn’t sure what I wanted mine to be about until I realized that I had the perfect subject just from what I experience every day and that’s brotherhood. I didn't realize it at first, but every day I get to spend time with teammates and friends who I consider Brothers. It might sound a little corny but building bonds are important in life and I'm so glad that coach Kitani brought me together with these people that I've made some of the strongest bonds with. And that's because we make each other better people, we're honest with each other. If there's an issue, we communicate about it and if it's serious, we address it head-on. That's just one of the many life lessons that coach has taught us.
Although it has been a long struggle for me to deal with the arthritis in my foot for the past two years while playing here, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Whether it's coach making me yell “screen left” at school because I didn’t talk loud enough or having to help Gio understand something defensively, I’ve loved every moment of it and when it’s all said and done I know I’ll be at peace with it because Coach helped me grow as a basketball player and as a young man and this is the only program I’ve been apart of that allowed me to do that. The time and effort you put into teaching our team things that most coaches would just skip through have helped a lot of us more than you could ever know coach. You brought a group of hardheaded teenagers together and taught them to work hard and push through fatigue and mental roadblocks so that we can put ourselves in the best position to succeed. Through you, we have formed bonds that can’t be broken or ever taken away from us. So I know I speak for all of us when I say thank you, truly.
Happy 18th Birthday Alec
Shoutouts
Alec & Kenny: My Aussie brothers, you guys truly took me under your wing last year and I’ll forever be grateful for the friendship we built over these 2 years together and can’t wait to see how far yall go.
Pablo, J-lee, Mateo, Blake: It’s been great getting closer to you guys this year I love hanging out with yall outside of school and you four are the most dedicated people I know and never fail to make me laugh when I need it.
JV, Kawika: You two always have your head on straight and that’s why you guys are going to go so far can’t wait to see what you guys do in life.
Chance: You are truly an inspiration to me and everyone on the team, you dedication and hard work is unmatched and you continue to impress us everyday.
Gio and Messiah: my guys I loved working out with you guys this summer and I hope you two remain as close as you are now when I’m gone. Feels like I have two little brothers. Love you both.
Mr.Quan: Thank you for being one of the greatest teachers I’ve had, the way you listen to our team’s problems and let us vent to you is great it’s nice knowing that you are always there to talk to me and Alec can’t wait to get our save the dates to your wedding in the future.
Coach Manasa and Coach Corey: Without you guys, we would’ve lost a lot of games, the scouting work and dedication you guys give to helping us prepare and win is unmatched and is better than any other program I’ve been in. You two take time out of your busy schedules to help us and trust it is always appreciated.
Coach Kitani: You’re a great coach and because of you I will always know how to chase perfection and along the way do my best to catch excellence. I hope I talked loud enough, but if I didn’t I know at the meeting you’ll let me know so thank you for always being so honest and for all the work you do for me and my teammates.
Mom and Dad: I love you both so much and I appreciate all you’ve done and sacrificed for me to be where I am today. I hope I’ve made you proud and hope I continue to do so in the future.
Thank you.