By Kaylee Dusang, Contributing Writer
Fourteen-year-old Jaxson Franks is already making his mark in the basketball world.
This summer, Franks was invited to join four different basketball leagues, including an AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) team in Waco and two Gatesville ISD varsity leagues. Along with joining the four teams, Franks was also nominated for the second year in a row to play in the Texas Boys Basketball All-State Game at Dallas College in June.
Having played basketball since second grade, Franks developed a passion for the sport early on.
“It doesn’t really require much. You just go out there and try your hardest to play good,” Franks said. “But, if you don’t, you have your teammates to support you.”
Franks recently made the team for the Waco Warriors, one of AAU’s competitive leagues that travel to matches across the state. This is his second year playing in an AAU league, one of the largest organizations for youth sports in the world. Last year, he played on the Focus Scholars out of Killeen.
Franks plays for Gatesville Junior High’s basketball team, and plans to join the school’s varsity team next year. For the summer, he was invited by his coaches to play Varsity Hot Hoops and Varsity Spring League through Gatesville High School.
“I’ve coached Jaxson in basketball for four or five years. He’s a very complete player,” said Gatesville Junior High basketball coach, Thomas Winkler. “He has good ball handling skills, a good shot and a score inside. He’s also very good on the defensive end. Jaxson is also a great teammate and an unselfish player. Kids love to play with him.”
Jennifer Hall, Franks’ mom, said he also joined an adult community league in Killeen after filling in for a family friend who was injured. When he joined as a sub, they invited him to come back and play for the team.
“He’s always outside practicing,” Hall said. “Kids will be inside playing video games, and he’s outside playing basketball, which is his passion. He loves it.”
The All-State Game is a nationwide organization that gives junior high students a chance to compete and hone their skills alongside other top athletes in their age group. They also allow players to meet and make connections with professional athletes and other top coaches in the state.
Last year, Franks placed second place with his team at the Texas Boys Basketball All-State Game.
“It felt like everything else I do,” Franks said. “Go out there, compete, do your hardest, whatever happens, happens. Leave it all on the floor.”
Hall said he was chosen for the All-State Game again this year during the first round of nominations, and they are currently seeking sponsorships so he can attend the event.
“I am just very proud of him,” Hall said. “I can’t even really put it into words – just watching the way everybody raves about him when he’s on the court and how good he does.”
While playing on the Focus Scholars, Franks’ team walked away with winning rings when they won a game during the finals. He has also received several other awards in basketball from playing on city and school teams.
Although Franks plays other sports, basketball is his priority.
“I play football, and then I do track, but basketball is my favorite sport for sure,” he said.
Heading into high school next year, Franks said his goal is to play for a university team once he graduates. Then, he is set on making it to the NBA.
Out of all the professional basketball players, he said he admires Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry because of his shooting abilities and kindness to others.
“He is good even when he doesn’t have the ball in his hands,” Franks said. “He is his own person and doesn’t just follow what’s popular.”
Hall said she is proud of her son’s hard work, but especially his humility and heart for others.
“He’s done it all himself,” Hall said. “He 100% loves it, and he’s strived and tried hard and worked hard for every single bit of challenge that he has.”
While Franks spends plenty of time practicing his skills on the court, he values the experience of playing on a team sport and owes his success to his teammates.
“It’s a team sport, and you share the floor with your team,” Franks said. “And I’m proud to be part of the team.”
