Aiden Hooper – Family and Basketball
Written by Michael Bray
Sequoyah head basketball coach Zac Brisco calls Aiden Hooper one of the most talented players in the state of Oklahoma.
“Aiden is as skilled an offensive player as I’ve ever coached,” Brisco said. “He can catch fire at any moment of a game and can score from anywhere on the court. He is also a very skilled passer and a very good on-ball defender.”
Those talents are backed up by the stats. Hooper has scored 1,037 points through his first two years with the Indians, including a career night last season against Wagoner where he recorded 49 points on 29 shot attempts with seven rebounds, four assists and six steals.
“Aiden is the biggest gym rat I’ve ever known,” said Briscoe. “For hours a day he’s in a gym getting up shots or playing pick-up. He’s a fiery competitor who absolutely hates losing anything.”
Hooper’s commitment to the game is motivated by his family and God.
“All glory to God. If it wasn’t for Him, I wouldn’t be the player I am today, and why I love basketball is my family,” the junior said. “I’ve been around a ball since I could walk. My family is everything. They give me the drive and motivation to put the work in day in and day out.”
There is one family member in particular that has been the driving force for Aiden. That’s his role model, his dad.
“He’s done so much for me, constantly putting me through drills, shooting hundreds of shots, rebounding for me when he’s tired,” Aiden said, “countless hours playing 1-on-1 on the court outside and just always letting me know that I’m putting in the work and getting better, and to never get comfortable. He just overall has helped me become a better man. I wouldn’t be the player or man I am today without my pops.”
In his two seasons at Tahlequah Sequoyah, Aiden says that his favorite memory so far is being named MVP at the Henryetta March Madness Tournament.
“My uncle Robert gave me a hug and told me how proud he was of me after that,” recalled Aiden.
Hooper says his pregame ritual consists of some stretching, music, and a quick prayer. He also has one goal in mind for the year.
“Do whatever we need to do to win, even if that involves me not scoring,” Aiden said. “When they put pressure on me, it just opens up my teammates for easy buckets. I don’t care about personal accolades; I just want to win.”
