The most experienced player on the Bellevue Bulldogs men’s basketball team is thriving in early season action on the hardwood.

Bulldogs sophomore Ting-Jhao Jian, who is the only returning starter from the 2017-18 season, is averaging 22 points per game through the first five games of the 2018-19 season. Bellevue Bulldogs head coach Donald Brady isn’t surprised to see Jian dominate on the basketball court. The Bulldogs currently have an overall record of 3-2.

“His numbers right now are just ridiculous. He is shooting 65 percent from the field, 55 percent from the 3-point line and 90 percent from the free throw line. He is doing a lot for us right now,” Brady said of Jian. “TJ is a basketball savant. He really understands the game. We have a little bit of a language barrier but he still probably understands stuff better than anybody else on the team. It is incredible with how good he is in terms of picking stuff up and being coachable. He’s in here (gymnasium) for an extra hour every day, getting shots up and working his footwork. It shows.”

Jian, who was part of the U-18 Taiwan National team back in his high school days, thoroughly enjoys being part of the Bulldogs collegiate basketball program.

“I’m lucky to have met a group of passionate, talented basketball players and I’m honored to be part of them now. Even more so I’m lucky to have met my dedicated coaches,” Jian said. “I enjoy every single practice and I enjoy every single game. I don’t regret coming here.”

Jian said the goal for the Bulldogs during the 2018-19 season is to win the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) tournament this March.

Recently the Bellevue Reporter had an opportunity to ask Jian some questions about his life away from the basketball court.

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

Ting-Jhao Jian: “The Fast and the Furious.”

BR: What is your dream vacation spot?

TJJ: Bali.

BR: Where do you see yourself in five years?

TJJ: I hope I can be on a professional (basketball) team, no matter in what country.

BR: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?

TJJ: It would be coach (Donald) Brady. I’m lucky to have met a good coach that is willing to help me. Despite language barriers, coach Brady is one of those important people that has changed my life.

BR: What kind of music are you listening to the most in your car right now?

TJJ: Chinese and English pop.