From Student/Athlete To Commander in Chief!

On November 4, 2008, political history was made when a former high school basketball player from Hawaii was elected the highest office of the land… The 44th President of the United States of America and the First African American to hold that office!

As a student at Punahou School, Barack Obama displayed early signs of the man he would eventually become. Aggressive both on and off the court, with an engaging personality “Barry Obomber,” a nickname friends gave him because of his jump shot, came off the bench for the “Purple Knights” team that won the Basketball State Championship in 1979. (see video below)

A student/Athlete in every sense of the word, Barack found the perfect balance between school work and sports. So much so, you could almost always find him walking to and from class with books under one arm and a basketball under the other.

Even though he came off the bench behind two other talented forwards, his passion for the game was undaunted, a trait that he carries to this day! According to his coach, Chris McLachlin, ”He’d be the first one to practice and after practice, he’d go to the park and play more.” 

As a player, Barack wore #23 and idolized Philadelphia 76er Dr. J. After graduation, Obama went off to college to pursue law on an academic scholarship.  Though he didn’t play ball in college, he would always find time for pickup games to display his sweet jumper and quick first step!  

Though the odds were against him, Barack Obama used that tenacity and determination to reach his goals and make his dream come true.  From Lawyer, to Senator to the Oval Office, he proved that Anything is Possible, if you believe and apply yourself to the task at hand! 

Pressure Basketball Club congratulates Barack Obama on his historical rise from “the Hardwood to the Oval Office and showing that hard work and dedication do pay off!

We believe, the lessons learned both on and off the basketball court, will help prepare you for the world that lies ahead.  How far you go in life, is up to you, but as Senator Obama showed us all, never give up and don’t let anyone or anything keep you from becoming the best person you can be!

Remember, when things are hard… Work Harder!  When things get Tough… Get Tougher! But above all else, don’t let anyone, yourself included, put limitations on what you can or can not do!

Story by: Eric “Rico” Reed