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01/30/2024 12:41 AMWhen it comes to raising his spirits and his game in the midst of competition, few will surpass Jack O’Brien. In terms of hustle, effort, and drive to leave no stone unturned on the hardwood, no one can come close to him, as he has served as an impassioned leader for the North Branford boys’ basketball team.
The senior power forward and captain first grabbed the rock on the floor way back in third grade and never stopped bouncing the ball. Also a golfer, Jack continued to swing his way through the varsity ranks with the Thunderbirds' basketball program.
“I was always competitive as a kid, and I enjoy basketball and playing with my friends, many of whom I have played with since I was little,” says Jack. “I have always been a hard worker. I just show up, keep my head down, and work hard. The hard work pays off, and I feel I have been successful. I just keep trying to get better every day.”
The source of Jack’s craving for competition and outworking an adversary comes from his upbringing. He explains that playing against and alongside his current teammate/brother in sophomore Charles, Jack feels inspired to perform at his peak–especially after hearing their names booming off the PA system.
“It all starts with my brother. We always played against each other at home, and we each wanted the bragging rights as the winner,” says Jack on his competitive nature. “It is really exciting to play with him now. We have a great connection on the court, and it is fun when we hear both of our names announced before home games. I love to get things done and work hard, and our whole team works hard.”
Jack gets more introspective when it comes to speaking to how he deals with inevitable setbacks and shortcomings. He takes it little by little before charging ahead past any hurdles, while crafting a sharp shot and even steadier handle.
“Mentally, I take my time and go through things step by step. I always make sure to improve from my mistakes,” Jack says. “I have gotten stronger over the years through my hard work. I have always had a strong shooting game, but I have been working on that to try and get better. I have also been working on my dribbling this year.”
When it comes to pounding the pavement of the court, and more specifically the paint, Jack knows he must muscle through with tenacity. He knows it can be tough taking on big men across the Shoreline Conference, but he loves to rise to the occasion.
“Power forward is not easy, but you can work around it and you just have to be aggressive,” says Jack. “It can be hard to go up against other bigs. But you have to out-rebound them, but I love the challenge because I am a competitor.”
North Branford Head Coach John Donohue details that Jack serves as a strong template of what a strong work ethic can accomplish, while not allowing his stature to let him be boxed out along the glass.
“Jack is extremely hardworking, and he has good relationships with all members of the program while being a good locker room presence,” says Donohue. “He is extremely coachable and keeps the other guys working hard. He is undersized at this position, but he is one of the best rebounders in the Shoreline Conference and is playing good basketball.”
As a squad steward and veteran of the club, Jack is well aware of how younger underclassmen can feel lost at times. Still, he is right there in the spotlight to shine a beacon of guidance for them in all facets of life and hoops.
“As a senior captain, you have to lead and help the younger guys with drills,” Jack says. “I also try to watch over them on and off the court, and also help them out with advice for anything. I try to watch over them as best I can.”
The traits of a team often are reflected upon its leader, and so the Thunderbirds embody Jack’s workaholic mentality with the game. He details that North Branford's record is not indicative of its efforts, and they are looking to make that known to opponents in the back half of the campaign.
“We have had to face adversity as a team this year, and we are still a great team despite our record,” says Jack. “The seniors have worked hard and have helped out the younger guys on the team. But we are excited to work hard as a team and see where the future takes us.”
In his lengthy tenure doubling as an athlete and an academic peer, Jack has discovered that consistently emptying his tank on a daily basis is more than worth the exhaustion. He also grasped the value of getting by with a little help from his friends sporadically when necessary.
“I have learned to just take my time with things, like my schoolwork,” Jack says. “I also have learned that you have to ask for help from others sometimes and to never be afraid to do so. Hard work and giving your best effort certainly do pay off.”