The Surge

For freshman Javier Landazuri, playing basketball on the professional level has been a dream since he was young. After playing for the Bay’s JV team this winter, Landazuri has stayed disciplined and aims to play overseas when he is older. Landazuri said that even during the offseason and rest days, he likes to keep active.

“I love that basketball has brought me so many friends and has led me to so many people that are so important in my life. Basketball has been my passion since I was very little, so some of my teammates have been with me since my childhood,” Landazuri said. “Me and my teammates meet a lot at Regional Park, almost every day, to make sure we are still in shape to have the best season and games.”

Despite a rocky start to the season, the team fell into a rhythm and ended with a 5-4 record. Landazuri said that losing is the hardest part of the game, not just for the team, but because of the standards he holds himself to after playing for his entire life. He focuses on taking space before a game to keep a good mindset no matter what.

“Before a game, I make sure to have some time just for me so that I can mentally lock in and get ready, especially if it is a really big game. Usually, I will also talk to my teammates and listen to music so that I really get an idea on how we are going to do,” Landazuri said. “In my opinion, the JV team here at the Bay has really great communication. We all have such a great friendship so that alone makes it a lot easier to understand each other and communicate in the court.”

COWRITTEN BY OLIVE JONES-TORRES & LAURA OLIVEIRA