Before the season officially started, the Men’s Basketball Team already had a claim to fame. Fame may be subjective in this case but the team has gained a loyal following on Tiktok due to their quality content. The account has amassed over 90 followers and 360 likes in just 5 videos. The account biography describes them as the “Tuffest hoopers in the 843,” something there might be some debate around. On the other hand, they are indisputably the 843’s ‘tuffest’ dancers.
Post-Practice Dances
The team believes there is no better way to relax after a difficult, two-hour practice than to bust a move in the locker room. Sophomore big man sums it up saying, “I love dancing for the guys.” The dances really build the comradery and chemistry the team will need to succeed this daunting season. It is great that this unifying habit can incorporate underclassmen like Eli to further build the connection between teammates.
Odes to AJ Silber
In the eyes of the current team, previous player, AJ Silber, is a legend. They have used their platform on TikTok to show the respect and admiration they have for AJ. 2 of the account’s 5 videos are dedicated to Mr. Silber. The first video really is something special. Captioned “Gone but never forgotten” the video shows team members at an AJ Silber shrine they created in the locker room showers. The shrine included printed photos of AJ, balloons, and other decorative items. Players such as Billy Baer and Lucas Browder take credit for the shrine as they claim to be AJ’s biggest fans.
He inspires me to be a better man on and off the court.
— Noah Orza
The team has nothing but love when asked about him. Junior starter Noah Orza has high praises for the man, the myth, the legend. AJ inspires him “to be a better man on and off the basketball court.” He even went to the extent that he is dedicating this season to his inspiration saying that he had second guesses about playing this season but he knew that AJ would want him to. Multiple players labeled him as a “gentleman.” Lucas Browder adds that he is “my glorious king.” There might be more than a friendship between the two with Lucas offering additional commentary, saying, “his perfectly tan skin and exuberant smile are the reasons why I wake up in the morning.” This might not be the way AJ would want to be appreciated but I’m sure he still loves his fans.
Collabs with the Girls
The team has collaborated with the slightly less clouted AMHS Girls Basketball team Tiktok Account. These collabs have come in the form of duets, or, copying each other’s dances to the same music. James King and Billy Baer danced to “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas in sync tapping feet together. James King really had to focus on this dance while the girls got it quite more naturally and fluidly. Unbiasedly, the AMHS Girl’s team aka @magnetballers produces much better dance content. Maybe more collabs between the two accounts will allow for both to go viral but they have certainly built a tight-knit community between the two teams.
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