WINTER PARK, Fla. - Jah Nze has a mantra.
- Brother Isaac also played for Hagerty
- Ranks second all-time in scoring for the Huskies
- Grew up admiring Michael Jordan
“Confidence comes from success," the Hagerty boys basketball forward said. "And if you’re not succeeding, you have to build that confidence from something within.”
There is certainly a correlation for Nze. Whether he’s in the practice gym or in a playoff atmosphere, this Huskies star believes he can beat anyone, just like his idol.
“I could be playing against Michael Jordan, and I always think i can be beter than him, no matter what. It’s just your mentality. It helps you have no fear when you get on the court.”
That MJ attitude has netted number 23 more than 1,300 points for the Huskies, as he currently sits second-all time in school history. Not bad for a sophomore.
"I try not to dwell on the accolades," he said. "I try to focus on what’s in front of me."
Nze was called on Feb. 12 in a district playoff game against rival Oviedo. On this night, his father Rogatien kept his eyes locked on his son. By trade, he’s a pastor. And he knows firsthand the roots of Jah’s competitive nature.
“Whatever you do, you have to do it to the best of your ability," he said. "Faith does not accommodate mediocrity."
Faith fuels Jah's fire. He says it has allowed him to become one of the best to ever play at Hagerty.
"Being here will develop me to be the person God has for me, so I can become the best of myself," he said.