Allison Canada catches up with the head boys basketball coach, Jacob Alegria, and varsity players to talk training, teamwork, and motivation. From workouts to mindset, here’s how the boys’ basketball team is preparing for the new season.

Who’s ready for tip-off?

Nayeli:
Hello, Divine! This is your Offseason Broadcast, and today we’re interviewing the basketball boys and their coach, Coach Aguilera. Hope you enjoy the show!

Canada: As a student-athlete, how do you balance your school life with basketball?

Player 3: Honestly, just plan when you’re going to study and when you’re going to do your homework around practice. Get tutoring if you need it.

Canada: Are there any teams you’re looking out for this season?

Player 3: I really like the rivalries here, like Rondo and stuff, so I’m excited to see if we play them.

Canada: What’s something you like about Coach A’s coaching?

Player 3: I really like the intensity—the level. It’s very game-like.

Canada: In a 1v1, who would you want to go against, and who would you not want to go against?

Vasquez: In a 1v1, probably Jace. As for someone I wouldn’t want to go against—honestly, there’s not really anyone.

Canada: Who would you say is the dynamic duo on the basketball team?

Vasquez: I’d probably say Rashan and Mason.

Canada: Who is your favorite NBA player?

Vasquez: Probably Jalen Preston.

Canada: Is there a particular reason why?

Vasquez: I really like how he plays. His play style is just really nice.

Vasquez: Hi, I’m Daniel Gil Vasquez. I’m a sophomore.

Canada:
Okay, Coach, what are your main goals for your team this offseason?

Coach Jacob Aguilera:
I think our main goal is building chemistry—being able to work on our defense and making sure everyone understands their roles. But team chemistry and the team concept are the biggest things we’re pushing for. That’s what will help us get over the hump.

We’ve got a good mix of younger and older kids. We have seven or eight seniors this year, which is great, but balancing the chemistry between them and the underclassmen is a challenge. We’ve got some freshmen and sophomores who can really help us, and if we blend them right, it’ll pay off big time.

Players who’ve stood out—Carson Ray has had a great offseason. He’s a senior, and we’re expecting big things from him. Zane Fritz is another one—he had a really good summer, got a lot better, and played with some of our older guys. He’s going to be really good for us in the future.

Time management is probably the biggest thing our guys have to balance. In summer, you have more freedom unless you’re working, so finding a schedule between being a kid and getting in the gym—whether lifting or playing—is key. What I love about these guys is that they hold each other accountable. They’ll call and get each other out of bed to come play or lift. That’s something special.

Team-wise, our goals are to win a district championship, make the playoffs, and bring back some pride and tradition to Divine Basketball. It’s been lacking for a while, and these guys are laying the foundation to change that.

Canada:
What’s your favorite drill to run with the team?

Aguilera:
My personal favorite is the Iron Man Drill. We don’t do it a ton because it’s pretty physical, but it’s great. Players have to play defense, dive on the floor, save a ball, and finish with a layup. It’s taxing, physical, and requires sacrifice. We do different variations, and it’s one I really enjoy.

Canada:
Do you have a favorite draft pick or NBA player?

Aguilera:
Kind of shows my age, but back in 2000, the Houston Rockets selected Yao Ming. I was skeptical at first, but he was a 7-footer who had done great in China and came over to do big things in the NBA. I guess I’m biased since I’m a Rockets fan, but I really like Alperen Şengün too. He came from Turkey, played for the Rockets for a couple of years now, and just led his team to the finals in the FIBA World Championships. They lost to Germany, but he’s an up-and-coming, really underrated player.