Monday, February 9, 2015

Jordan Belasco

San Joaquin Delta College point Jordan Belasco may not be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound nor sprint faster than a speeding bullet but he can distribute the basketball on a timely basis as evidenced by his being best in the state in assists with 8.2 each game.

So naturally he believes his best basketball skills revolve around "running a team, seeing the floor and being a true point, meaning setting up my teammates and finding the open person."

As this isn't an element that appears out of thin air, the 6-foot Belasco has worked on his craft. "I really watch Tony Parker because he's considered an under-the-rim player who can take people off the dribble." Steve Nash is another -- "I study him a lot." Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose are also considered must-views by Belasco, Rose especially so because of his ability to see the floor.

This has not been a recent course of study. "Even in the sixth grade, I made it a point to know about tendencies and who likes the ball this way or that way. It's important to know where your teammates are going to be on the floor."

For the record, it's worth noting he is also averaging 14.5 points per game this season while shooting 41%, 40% and 87% respectively.

So coming out of Lodi High with a reputation as a passer - scorer, why did he go with San Joaquin Delta? "It was away from what I was used to but still close to home. Coach [Rich] Ressa  and the guys were great so it was like a comfort zone." That was important for Belasco who wanted to get close to his teammates and take the time to get to know them.

He also desired to develop his talents plus his approach to the game. "Everything has improved in my game, my pullup jumper, my three-pointer, my mental preparation. In high school, you looked at it as just a game and there would be one or two stars to worry about [on the opposing team.] Now there are actual scouting reports, you learn about player tendencies and there are five guys [on the court] to worry about, not just two."

It was important for Belasco to be in a cohesive environment and he found that with Delta. "When you play as a team, you can achieve so much more. Teams playing us will know they are facing five guys playing together."

As to the rather unsung Mustang reputation as a team minus any blue-chippers, "it puts a chip on our shoulders and fire in our guys."

He's looking to major in business at the next level although entering the coaching profession is something he would really like to achieve, saying, "I don't think I'll ever be able to leave this game."

Regarding that move to a four-year school, Belasco offered, "it's still up in the air. I'm focusing on now and not looking into the future. That keeps me worry free."

Cherishing a memory from his junior season at Lodi, he calls it his best basketball moment. 'It' being seventh-seeded Lodi defeating second-seeded powerhouse Sacramento High 90-81 at Arco on February 24, 2012. "They were ranked and everyone thought we would get blown out."

Belasco is hoping something similar takes place in mid-March down at Cerritos College.

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