In his years on the court for the Boys Basketball team, Andrew Leonard has stood out. Last season, he soared with a free throw percentage of 77.78 and average of 25.78 points per game. With his senior year beginning this week, and with his final season on the horizon, Andrew shared his story with The Classic.
“I first started playing [basketball] when I was in fourth grade,” Andrew said. His passion for the sport began at the age of nine while playing for a professional coach in strength and conditioning. This level of play set the foundation for the skills he would acquire in the future, he said. From then on, he drew a deeper connection to the game, as his dad played for the New York University team in the ’80s which gave him the introduction and inspiration he needed to get into the sport.
After frequently completing drills meant for older players, he said he was more than prepared when he joined the THHS basketball team. The progress he worked for during summer tournaments, three seasons of club experience, and multiple basketball programs then pushed him to the level he’s at now.
Andrew said that he had this leadership dream of leading a basketball team since he was a little boy, and now being captain allows him to lead his team.
Since he joined the Varsity Basketball Team, he has been awarded the titles Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Most Valuable Player of the Season. Andrew’s coach, Frank Denunzio, granted him these awards. When asked to describe Andrew’s growth since freshman year, Coach Denunzio said, “[Andrew] also learned how to listen to instruction and directions. That came with him maturing as a young man.”
Not only does his coach notice these changes as he advances, but Andrew himself was able to recognize them. Andrew said, “Basketball has been a stepping stone to my personal growth in regards to discipline, work ethic, and things of that nature in all aspects of my life.”
Andrew’s teammates say that he is an inspiration. Sophomore Jose Bracho said, “He is always the first one to practice and last one to leave. On top of that, you will never catch him not giving it his all, whether it’s at practice or during a game.”
Jose said that he refers to him as “The young Mamba.” This nickname references NBA legend Kobe Bryant. Jose said the nickname represents “his love for the sport and his great work ethic.”
Being an athlete at THHS is the beginning of Andrew’s career, as he said his motivation is now fueled by the goal of playing either Division 2 or Division 3 in college basketball. Coach Denunzio said he is “happy to prepare him while getting ready for the next level of play at University.”
“As I got better and older, my hard work began paying off, [and is] just growing my passion for the game more. Doing well in basketball is an addiction for me. I can’t get enough,” Andrew said.
