Santa Rosa Junior College sophomore basketball player Jordan Hickman is no stranger to the court’s spotlight.

Hickman was the best player on his team on every level; elementary, middle, high school, AAU ball, pickup games, you name it. Coming off a below average freshman campaign both for himself and his team, time rejuvenated the lanky 6-foot-7 forward who is looking forward to a breakthrough sophomore season.

Hickman was a four-year starter at powerhouse St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School in Vallejo. He averaged 10.9 points, seven rebounds and two steals his senior year, leading his school to a superb 26-9 overall record.

Local colleges like Sonoma State, Chico State and CSU East Bay heavily recruited Hickman, but he came to SRJC instead.

“I had family ties here. My mom went to SRJC and my dad went to Sonoma State. And I thought about how they did win state last year, so they obviously must be doing something right, so that definitely was a huge factor,” Hickman said.

When asked about the Bear Cubs’ failed playoffs run last season following a 2013 state championship, Hickman said, “Last year was a little rough, but it was a learning experience. I don’t think I met my own expectations, but I figured out a lot of things I needed to work on. This year should be better than last year.”

Last season he came off the bench in more games than he started, which was unfamiliar territory.

Hickman plays for renowned coach Craig McMillan. “He’s interesting and very opinionated. If you’re doing something wrong, he’ll definitely let you have it,” Hickman said. “But the more we listen to him, the more we’ll get better and the more success we’ll have.” 

Most successful athletes follow the motto “there is no offseason; you’re either getting better or you’re getting worse.” Hickman used this mindset to add more elements to his gamethis summer to make him more effective and efficient on the court.

“I’ve changed my whole shot, where I elevate more so it’s more of a ‘jump shot.’ I’ve been getting shots up, working on my conditioningand lifting weights so I can add a little more strength and be more physical on the court,” he said.

Hickman is excited about this year’s roster, with its wave of talented freshmen. Notable newcomers include Montgomery standout Michael Septimo and redshirt freshmen Sadik Sufi and Kiel Long. Arnold Silva, Siaan Rojas, and Jacob Wilson are all key returners, as well. “I’m stoked. The sophomores this year are going to be leaders, and we’re expecting to make the playoffs this time,” Hickman said.

For those who have not seen him play, he describes himself as an “energy guy.” A “stretch four,” who likes to pick and pop, set screens, block shots and attack the basket. Hickman compares his overall game style to Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green, but he loves to watch Kevin Durant of the OKC Thunder since he is similar in size and stature.

Rojas and Wilson are Hickman’s closest friends on the team. They never had the chance to play on the floor together last year, but all three think that it will happen this year. The three Bear Cubs all live together in the Elliot Apartments, where they spend lots of time together hanging out after practices and games.

Coach McMillan is excited about Hickman’s potential this year. “He’s going to be huge for us,” McMillan said. “He can do a lot of different things on the floor and is a great teammate, which is a must if you’re playing for me.”                                                                                               

Basketball has taught him lots of life lessons transfer to the classroom and everyday life. His advice to young kids is, “Keep working. There’s always someone somewhere else in the world working harder than you, and they’ll beat you when you meet.”

Hickman’s family, primarily his father, motivated and inspired him. He never allowed his son to become complacent and satisfied with where he was, always swift to offer constructive criticism in basketball and life in general.

The sky is the limit for this young man, who has an optimistic outlook even on  life outside of basketball. “Just be happy,” Hickman said. “Life’s too short to be sad and bitter. Try to make every day your best.”

Hickman will lead the revamped Bear Cubs into a three-day tournament at San Francisco City College Nov. 6 to kick off the 2015-16 season.