By Jesus Nunez Hernandez
I interviewed Cyree Jenkins, his brother Cam Jenkins, and Michael Payne about being named on honorable mentions and for one of our players being named region player of the year. I asked them how it felt to be recognized as a player. Cyree’s response was “it feels good, but it doesn’t feel as good as it will be we win the championship next year”. Michael’s answer was him saying, “It feels great knowing that people are recognizing me and awarding me for my work”. Cam’s response for that question was, “It feels good”.
Next, they were asked, what do you think sets you apart as region player of the year? Cyree’s response was, “My ability to be able to go past anyone that’s in front of me”. Michael responded, “I believe that most people don’t have the mindset and/or the trust in themselves to be as great as they can. But I think I do”. Cam says his work ethic is what sets him apart from that.
After that, I asked them if they can share any memorable moments or achievements from your basketball journey. Cyree’s achievement moment was his freshman year team he won a championship in basketball. Cam’s response is being able to play with his older brother Cyree. Michael’s response on his achievements are 2021-2022 4A Freshman of the Year, 2023-2024 1st team all-region, and ranked guard in Arizona.
Then, I asked how has being honorable mention or region player of the year impacted your mindset and approach to the game. Cyree said it shows that hard work pays off even when people are not looking if you put in the work it will show. Cam said “just honestly need to work harder and harder for it.” Michael said “the only thing about my mindset that has changed is my want to do it again.”
Subsequently, I asked what advice would you give to aspiring basketball players who hope to achieve similar recognition? Cyree’s advice is anytime and anywhere always work on your game the more repetition the better and play with people who are good at basketball it helps you get better. Cams advice he said is work harder than everyone around you. Michael’s advice is trusting your work because only you know how good you can really be.
When asked how do you stay motivated and focused on improving your skills, Cyree said he stays motivated by just thinking about all the money my parents put into basketball I hope to repay it back plus more. Cam said just trying to be the best player he can be on the court. Michael said he thinks how good his life could be if he succeeds in what he wants to do.
Cyree overcame the challenge of not living with his family for a couple of months that was hard for him cause his family means everything to him, he overcame it just by talking to them every chance gets. Cam’s biggest challenges he’s had is seeing people start over him and he overcame it by working harder. Michaels was he tore a bunch of ligaments in his foot and wrist which sidelined him for 10 games of his sophomore year.
Cyree’s goals and aspirations are to be able to take care of his family and put them into retirement early and inspire little kids to work hard no matter what it is. Cam’s goal and aspiration is to play professionally basketball. Michael’s goals and aspirations are to make it to college and make money playing basketball.
The players had to balance academics and sports to excel in both areas. Cyree says his parents do a really good job on getting on him about his grades saying “you can be the best player in the world but if your grades aren’t right the colleges are not going to look at you no grades no basketball,” he says. Cams said just knowing his goals can’t come true if he’s a bad student. Michaels has both of his parents help him a lot to stay focused on what is important.
Lastly, I asked can you share any tips or strategies for maintaining a positive team dynamic? Cyree says, “give credit where credit is due and if you want to be a great team you must be a leader that gets on people about certain things to make them better”. Cam says he thinks “just wanting to win honestly makes it easier to be a team player”. Michael says, “don’t think about what happens if you fail, think about what happens if you succeed”.
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