Goals on & off the court

By: Steven Pham

Photos by: Kobi Russom

Photo edits by: Sebastian Turso

Wichita, KS. - I had the opportunity to ask all the players what their goals were on and off the court, and what they were looking forward to this season. The main goal on the court was winning the national championship, but players elaborated on how they can contribute to achieve that goal. The players had some individual goals on and off the court this season as well and are excited for the season to get underway.

Louie Tucker

On the court: “My goals are to help us win as much as we can. I’m not a star player but I can be a key player in helping us win and making the little differences; being tough, diving on the floor, getting rebounds.”

Off the court: “My goals off the court are mostly academics and getting my academics up. I’m a good student but I feel like I can be a better student.”

What are you most excited about for the upcoming season:

“Going for that number one spot and playing for the national championship.”

Gradey Dick

On the court:

“From a team standpoint, just get back to Geico just like last year, and I think our big goal is to just finish it off better than we did last year."

Off the court:

“Outside of basketball, obviously just get good grades and stay eligible as a student-athlete. Bring that good character to school everyday and influence others."

What are you most excited about for the upcoming season:

“I’m most excited about just getting back out to traveling, obviously with COVID messing up last year we couldn't travel a good amount. We had to go into bubbles so we couldn’t see as much or go out as much. I feel like just getting back into traveling and seeing the cities and fans will be fun.”

Armaan Bhakta

On the court:

“Just trying to get better; get better at shooting, make my teammates better, and try to compete where they are at now."

Off the court:

“Be a better person, and be a better person in school. I’m not the best at school but I got to push myself to be better at that. Be a better person by helping other people and making other people happy.”

What are you most excited about for the upcoming season:

“I want to win Geico with my teammates and get better as an individual and team player.”

Dillon Hunter

On the court:

“My first goal is definitely winning Geico National. Personal goal is to get better as a player, a person, and develop before I go onto Baylor.”

Off the court:

“Getting better in school and getting a better education. Here at Sunrise, a great education that is better than most schools I've been at. Also becoming a better person and learning new things."

What are you most excited about for the upcoming season:

“Getting to know new guys and players and getting ready to play. Last year we had a lot of COVID restrictions so there weren’t many fans but I’m looking forward to fans being back and playing in big arenas.”

Noah Pick

On the court:

“The biggest team goal is to win the national championship. Personally, I just want to be able to grow as a player on and off the court.”

Off the court:

“Continue to maintain such a high GPA, get straight A’s, and spiritually grow not only with my teammates but as an individual.”

What are you most excited about for the upcoming season:

“Getting to know the new guys, I think there is a lot of diversity on the team from around the world and around the country. Building relationships with them and the coaches.”

Mark Mitchell

On the court:

“To be the best team we can be, maximize our potential, and win the national championship.

My personal goal is to make the Mcdonald’s All-American game, Jordan brand, and hopefully make hoops summit."

Off the court:

“Mature, lock in and do what I have to do, and take it to the next level. Also grow closer to God hopefully.”

What are you most excited about for the upcoming season:

“Just playing against top competition every week, travelling the country, playing against top guys everyday.”

Scotty Middleton

On the court:

“My goals are to be a great teammate, win the most games, go to Geico and win the championship, and get everyone around me better.”

Off the court:

“Get good grades, I always want to get good grades just in case basketball does not work out.”

What are you most excited about for the upcoming season:

“Play against some of the best players in the world.”

Joe Zhang

On the court:

“Be a good teammate, help the team in any way, and go to Geico and win the national championship.”

Off the court:

“Study for my ACT and get good grades.”

What are you most excited about for the upcoming season:

“We play a bunch of good teams, so we’re excited to play against all those teams.”

Layden Blocker

On the court:

“To win a championship, get better, and just build a good relationship with my teammates and coaches."

Off the court:

“Do good in school and grow a closer relationship to God.”

What are you most excited about for the upcoming season:

“Ready to play against elite competition and play with my teammates. This is my first time playing at this type of level and it’s going to be fun.”

Cam Corhen

On the court:

“Just want to compete every game, definitely win Geico, and have a great season with my teammates.”

Off the court:

“I definitely want to mature as a man. This is my first year away from my parents and I want to learn how to be on my own and independent.”

What are you most excited about for the upcoming season:

“Competing against the top competition. I’ve had spurts and games against top dudes at Peach Jam but I haven’t had those full seasons of competing against the best every game, so I’m excited for that.”

Bobi Klintman

On the court:

“Help the team win, develop, and get ready for college.”

Off the court:

“Do good in school and have fun, and as a senior enjoy my last year.”

What are you most excited about for the upcoming season:

“Playing other good teams and against top-ranked players because I’ve only played in Sweden and a little bit outside of Europe. It’s going to be fun to play the same age group as you.”

Jerome Beya

On the court:

“We want to have a winning season and win Geico.”

Off the court:

“Keep being a good student and being a better person than I was before coming over.”

What are you most excited about for the upcoming season:

“Getting to play against high-level players. I’m pretty excited for that and getting more exposure”

Eddy "Valentino" Pinedo