A diligent work ethic on the hardwood

Interlake basketball player Justin Jordan is focused on improving his skills

By Shaun Scott • July 13, 2015 7:14 pm

Interlake Saints senior basketball player Justin Jordan traveled 2,791 miles to hone his skills on the hardwood in preparation for his final season of high school basketball.

Jordan, who competed in the Standard of Excellence Basketball Academy Prospect Camp in Charlotte this past June, said learning under the tutelage of former Purdue University coach J.D. Deloney was something he will never forget. There were players from Texas, Montana and New York in attendance at the prospect camp.

“When I first started I thought I was prepared for what I was getting into and was pretty much ready, but when I got there I realized it was a whole new level of work,” Jordan said. “We did drills and exercises that I had never done before. We did three workouts a day and I was sore seven nights a week for the entire month.”

The 6-foot, 4-inch Jordan has a long-term goal of playing college basketball but is focused on taking care of business in his senior season by leading the Saints to the playoffs.

“I want to lead my team into the playoffs. We didn’t make the playoffs last year but I definitely want us to make it this year,” Jordan said. “I do feel a lot of pressure because it is my senior year and I need to perform. This is it. I need to make this year count and I want my team to know that. A lot of my teammates are seniors so this is it for them too. We want to make the playoffs. It either happens or it doesn’t. Everything is on the line.”

Jordan said he significantly improved his game in Charlotte this past June.

“The thing that improved the most was my ball handling,” he said. “It has gotten really tight and to the point where I can just make moves and do what I want with the ball.”

Recently the Bellevue Reporter had an opportunity to ask Jordan a few questions about his life away from the basketball court.

Bellevue Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Justin Jordan: It is “Like Mike”. Something about the kid putting on the magic shoes and going to the NBA was cool about that.

BR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

JJ: Shooting the basketball and watching it rim out. I can’t stand that.

BR: What is your dream vacation spot?

JJ: Hawaii. I have never been their but I have always wanted to go there.

BR: What is your favorite TV show?

JJ: Graceland. It’s an undercover cop show.

BR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?

JJ: I like to read in my free time.

BR: Who was your favorite sports team growing up?