By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor and BRANDON VILLALOVOS There are many outstanding basketball players within Pasadena and the area. But none better than Pasadena High School senior Bryce Hamilton. The 2016-17 Pasadena Sports Now Boys Basketball Player of the Year officially signed his letter of intent to play for the University of Nevada Las Vegas. […]
By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor and BRANDON VILLALOVOS
There are many outstanding basketball players within Pasadena and the area.
But none better than Pasadena High School senior Bryce Hamilton.
Bryce Hamilton, Jamie Jackson
The 2016-17 Pasadena Sports Now Boys Basketball Player of the Year officially signed his letter of intent to play for the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
Hamilton did that with friends, coaches, teammates and family by his side Tuesday afternoon in front of the ‘Bulldog’ statue on the Pasadena campus.
The PHS senior had 20 some schools vying for his services, including UCLA, Arizona State, Georgetown, Ohio State, Utah and Missouri.
But when it came to make a decision, Hamilton felt good about heading to UNLV after connecting with coaches within the Runnin’ Rebels program.
Hamilton averaged 24 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks per game over a junior season that saw his Bulldogs make the CIF-SS title game, as well as the State Regional Finals.
What makes his story so special is the strong guidance and influence Hamilton’s mom, Jamie Jackson, and older brother Blake have had on his life.
Jackson raised Hamilton to not only work hard in the gym, but she’s been the reason he’s become a quality student and a better human being.
His brother, Blake, played his college ball at the University of Buffalo, and was very helpful in seeing his little brother through the recruiting process.
“I had good relationships with all the coaches and players. UNLV is a high major school that is trying to get back to their winning ways, which is something that I want to be a part of,” Hamilton said. “It feels real good to concentrate on PHS hoops now. I really enjoyed the process and everything, but it’s time to focus on our upcoming season, which will be great.”
Now that the courting of Hamilton is through, he and his PHS teammates are just days away from beginning what could and should be a record season.
Hamilton, Darius Brown II and Darius Mason are all back, and they are joined this season by transfers Omari Moore and Tavian Percy to make up the area’s ‘Dream Team.’
Pasadena tips off with Eagle Rock on Tuesday, November 28, at 6:30 p.m.
The Bulldogs open the season in the Rose City Classic at Maranatha High School.
Quotable:
Pasadena coach Tony Brooks: “UNLV is getting a high-character, high quality athlete, and an excellent student, and really, that’s the trifecta. I am most proud of his hard work. This didn’t come easily. He understands the commitment and dedication that is required to be excellent. He’s constantly working on his progress as a human being.”
Pasadena senior Bryce Hamilton: “It was the best fit for me and my family. They are family orientated and I enjoyed the process. I connected with the coaches real well. Not it’s time to get ready for the basketball season. (My brother Blake) helped me prepare for the process.”
Bryce’s Mom, Jamie Jackson: “I am grateful that he had the opportunity to go through the process meeting and building relationships with a lot of kind people. As for his decision. I am extremely blessed and excited that his choice allows me the opportunity to continue my support of him in person, as he is just a mere hop, skip, and a jump a away.”
Pasadena senior Darius Brown II: “I am proud of him, and expecting big things from him at the next level. The whole city is. I respect how humble he is, and how he carries himself. His work ethic will make him successful. He puts in long nights and early mornings to get better every day.”
Bryce’s Brother, Blake Hamilton: “I am truly happy for Bryce. There’s a lot of hard work and time we have put in on basketball, and it’s a blessing to see all of it paying off. A lot of people doubted that he could play at such a high level, because he’s 17 years old, when most seniors are 18 and 19, and he proved a lot of people wrong. I’m proud of him, but he’s not done yet. There is a lot more hard work to be done.”
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