Faces off the Field: Jason Ward, junior point guard, Round Rock
What is your favorite basketball memory from high school?
It’s when we had an overnight tournament in Abilene last year. We stayed for two nights in a hotel. It was most fun off the court because I got to spend a lot of time with my teammates and that enhanced our chemistry.
Do you have any game-day rituals?
I always have to listen to music. There's something about it that gets me in a zone, gives me something to focus on, calms my nerves. I always do some visualization before the game. I try to picture myself in moments I frequently come across in a game and run through different situations in my head.
What’s the hardest part of being a point guard?
Holding yourself and your team accountable. You set the example for your team, first off. They’re only going to go as far as you go. Most of the time, point guards aren’t the best players on the team. Sometimes you might have to hold the best player accountable, so you really have to have respect from everybody on the team.
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Has basketball taught you any lessons you apply to daily life?
Most of all, it’s perseverance. In basketball you have a lot of off games. The only way you can respond is to come back harder the next time. Not only that, putting the work in. … In the real world, the world’s not going to stop for you. Nothing is going to be given to you.
What do you plan to do after you graduate?
The goal has always been to play college basketball. If I do play, I hope it’s on full scholarship. If not, I’m thinking about studying engineering in college. I really like math and science and I want to learn all the little things. I like seeing things come together.
If you could have dinner with four people in the history of the world, who would they be?
My No. 1 would be Michael Jordan. Then Kobe, Kevin Hart and Kyrie Irving.
Kevin Hart?
He’d be small in that group. He’s always been picked on about his size. Not only that, I’ve seen some things on social media about his upbringing. He actually played basketball himself. … Although he’s a comedian, he really has a deep story.
Tell me something about you that most people don’t know.
The reason I wear (jersey) No. 4 is because of Derrick Rose. He was my first favorite player, especially before his injury. I used to watch his highlights all the time. I bought the first (Adidas) shoe he ever had. It was all red.
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What has been your favorite vacation?
For sure, Hawaii. I went there with my (maternal) grandmother and my brother (Ryan) two summers ago. I love the water. I didn’t know I’d like it as much as I did. There were a lot of people surfing and body boarding. I went to the beach every day, sometimes twice. There’s something peaceful about the waves and the sunset is my favorite part.
What is your favorite food?
It’s the bacon burger from Roaring Fork. First of all, it’s huge. The way I eat, it’s one of the few meals that fills me up. I like the bun because the meat is really juicy and the bun soaks up all the juice. The bacon makes it perfect.
— Rick Cantu
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: High school basketball: Jason Ward, junior point guard, Round Rock
