Dreams don’t come easy. They take sweat, sacrifice and committed support from people who believe in you. Follow along as we meet top high school athletes and share their stories of inspiration, support and success. #Get2TheGame
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PLAYER PROFILE:
Jonathan Isaac
School: IMG Academy (Brandenton, Fla.)
Position: Shooting Forward
Height/Weight: 6-10/185
Class: 2016
Jonathan Isaac, small forward for IMG Academy, knows what he wants – to play basketball for the pros. And he knows what it takes to make that dream his reality.
“What I love about the game of basketball is that you get exactly what you put in. How hard you work is how successful you become.”
FAVORITE PLAYER
Kevin Durant
SOMEDAY I WILL:
“Play professional basketball.”
BIGGEST INFLUENCES:
“My mom, my coaches, and my faith.”
BE PASSIONATE, SELF-MOTIVATED, AND WORK HARD – AND REMEMBER THAT PROGRESS IS PATIENT.
A DREAMER TO WATCH
One word that describes Jonathan Isaac? Humble.
Despite being one of the best high school basketball players in the country, it’s his modest humility that is touted as one of his best assets.
“John Isaac is a very humble kid – quiet, sensitive, but fun to be around,” says his coach, John Mahoney. “However, at the same time, he’s a very, very competitive person. He hates to lose.”
That drive to be at the top of his game, coupled with his approachable, respectful personality is one of the reasons Jonathan has become a powerhouse – both on and off the court.
“Working hard is just a lifestyle to me,” John says. “You have to work hard and be passionate at everything you do.”
His lifestyle stems from his deep commitment to his family. He sets the example for his younger siblings, and acts as a leader. His mother, Ordeth Allen, has seen it firsthand.
“I taught my kids to always take care of each other, be there for each other, and love each other. I think that’s what’s really important,” she says. “That’s what’s going to keep him grounded, knowing that he has his family with him a hundred percent.”
With his feet firmly planted and his goal – to play professional basketball – in his sights, Jonathan has been doing what it takes to achieve his dream. His philosophy is that “work ethic is everything,” and his grueling schedule between the classroom and the court is proof that he takes it seriously.
Jonathan dreams of the day his talent and hard work comes to fruition – draft night. He reveals that in addition to his accomplishments, his family would always be top of mind.
“In my speech, I would say, ‘I’m here, I made it, but I’m not done yet,’” envisions Jonathan. “I would thank my family because my plan was to give them the world, and now I have the ability to do so.”