His jersey says he’s No. 1, and so does his coach.
Jonathan Ramirez plays for the Allan Hancock College men’s basketball team, and Head Coach Ralph Gorton can’t say enough good things about him: Ramirez has the “kind of maturity all coaches would like to have.” “He’s a coach’s dream.” “He’s our best player.” “We need five more of him.”
Gorton said Ramirez never skips a practice or drill. He’s very coach-able. And he tops off his superior talent and attitude by being a good student.
When speaking about himself, however, Ramirez is less glowing and more humble. The point guard, who averaged 19 points a game at the recent Holiday Classic, explained that he strives to play hard and help his teammates.
“The ball goes in when you distribute it,” he said, adding that part of his secret for success is listening to his coaches.
Ramirez started his athletic career as a baseball and football player, until a high school coach got him dribbling on the basketball court. After he started shooting hoops, he never stopped, though he kept playing baseball.
His momentum on the court and diamond carried him into the “Athlete of the Year” title at Hancock last year, and Coach Gorton expects Ramirez to be in the running for it again this year. After that, Ramirez hopes to attend a four-year school to study psychology and minor in business.
“My main objective is to be the first in my family to get a bachelor’s degree and graduate from college,” he said. “That’s why I play hard every day.”
One of his short-term goals is less lofty: He wants to encourage locals to come out and support the team in upcoming games.
This article appears in Jan 8-15, 2009.