Baron Spotlight: Nam Pham

By Donald Chan, Managing Editor

Basketball star Nam Pham (\’10) is one of the most distinguished students on campus. Besides leading the varsity basketball team in points, he also plays varsity tennis and is an exceptional student. He enjoys listening to and performing rap and hip hop. We recently caught up with him for an interview.

Baron Banner: How many years have you played basketball? How did you get started?
Nam Pham: I have played basketball since I was six years old. My dad signed me up for Boys and Girls Club one day, and from then on I have been playing ever since.

BB: How do you usually score? Like do you shoot the three, drive to the hoop, or do something else?
NP: I usually score by shooting threes or pulling up off the dribble. I sometimes drive it inside, but because I’m small that is usually hard to do.

BB: On paper, it seems that you are smaller than the average basketball player. How have you overcome this apparent size disadvantage, or do you actually consider it to be an advantage?
NP: Yes, I am [smaller]. (laughs) It is pretty hard trying to rebound over taller players, but with my size I’m usually quicker than them so I get to a lot of loose balls. Thus, I also have to work harder than them because my size won’t allow me to do things that they can.

BB: What was your most memorable game so far out of your four seasons?
NP: Most memorable game for me had to be my sophomore year when I was on JV, and we beat Los Alamitos when no one on earth thought we had a chance to do so. I enjoyed seeing my teammates and my coach Steven Schultz happy and beaming after the game because we were able to prove doubters wrong.

BB: What do you do on defense?
NP: On defense, I stay low, help out my teammates, and try to read what the other team is trying to do. Sometimes I get a jump on things which results in a turnover and two points for us.

BB: What classes do you like at FVHS?
NP: Let\’s see, I guess you could say I’m decent at math, so I will have to choose math.

BB: Who is your favorite basketball player and why?
NP: Favorite basketball player has to be Ray Allen because his game is so smooth and pure, and he has the nicest jump shot I have ever seen.

BB: Do you participate in any other sports or activities at FVHS?
NP: Yeah, I also do tennis at FV. I have been on varsity for four years. Hopefully we will be able to do something good this year.

BB: Thank you for your time.
NP: You are welcome, Donald.