NAME: T.J. Shorts
SPORT: Basketball
ACHIEVEMENTS: 2016 OEC MVP as a freshman, all-state selection, led the Gauchos to the state championship game by averaging 12.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Shot 50% from the field and 80% from the foul line. Usually the smallest player on the court at 5’10”. Signed a Letter of Intent to continue next season at U.C. Davis.
Who got you into basketball and when did you start playing?
My mom signed me up for basketball at the age of 4. It was my first organized basketball league and, out of about 100 kids, I received the league MVP award. I was hooked and I’ve stuck with basketball for the past 15 years.
If you weren't playing basketball, what other sport would you want to play at the college level?
I always wanted to try football. I’ve never played it at any level but I thought it would be fun to try. I think I have the speed for it.
What makes Coach Andy Ground the type of coach you love to play for?
Coach Ground is always pushing you to improve. He has an attitude that he’s never satisfied so he makes you continue to try harder. I think it has helped me improve both on the court as well as academically.
What are you majoring in and what's your favorite class?
I’m getting my degree in Liberal Studies at Saddleback but my major will be different at UC Davis. I like my Kinesiology classes because they take a “hands on” approach to learning.
What is your perfect pre-game meal?
I like the chicken teriyaki and white rice from Sarku Japan in the mall because they give you big portions, or else I’ll just grab a footlong at Subway.
Walk us through your pre-game warm up.
If there’s extra time, I’ll come to the gym early to get some extra shots up. I like coming into the gym with music playing, and then I get my mind set to the task at hand. During the National Anthem I’ll say a prayer and then, during introductions, I’ll do my handshakes with my teammates. Then, it’s game time!
What are the first 3 songs on your pre-game playlist?
I’ve got Sneakin (by Drake) and Big Amount (by Drake) and then Chill Bill (by Rob Stone), but sometimes I just set it to random selections.
What do you enjoy doing on your day off?
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha (laughing). If I DO get a day off I usually go back into the gym and get in some extra work. Otherwise, I just try to relax. I’ll use the foam roll or jump in the Jacuzzi or just chill.
Who on the team are you closest with?
Jake Hawes is my roommate, but I’m probably closest with Justin Faison. I’ve known him since my junior year in high school because we played on the same AAU team.
What is your leadership style?
Hmmm, probably like Chris Paul’s. He’s strict on his teammates because he wants the best out of them. I try to push them (my teammates) to get to their full potential, but I also realize there are times when all someone needs is a little encouragement.
Once you're done at Saddleback, what do you want to be remembered as?
My goal is to reach – and surpass – what I did last year. I want people to look back and say, “He really went above and beyond to be the best player he could possibly be.”
What is the plan once you graduate?
When I leave Saddleback I’ll be headed for U.C. Davis. After Davis, I hope to have a chance to play professionally either in the NBA or even overseas. Then, I’ll go into business and try to make it in this world somehow, some way.
What do you want to say to the fans who have watched you play during your time at Saddleback?
I’d just like to say thank you for all of the support and for believing in me when not a lot of people believed in me.