Basketball ace enjoys season of net gains
Bridge of Allan basketball talent Jack Hencher admits it’s been a busy year on the court as he aims to break through at the BBL level.
The 20-year-old guard picked up the sport after falling in love with it during an open session at Wallace High and has been on the court for the seven years since.
However, he admits that after attending college in Preston, he was potentially ready to put chasing buckets on the back burner – until everything changed when he made the decision to attend a tryout with the then Glasgow Rocks team.
Scotland’s only BBL franchise decided they liked what they saw and offered Jack the chance to come along to training – an opportunity which has seen him progress to the main roster for the first time this season.
Jack juggles his training sessions alongside the stars of the now renamed Caledonia Gladiators – who take part in the BBL Trophy final this weekend against Cheshire Phoenix – with playing for both local club Stirling Knights and also his team at the university.
He told the Observer:“at the start of the season, we weren’t sure how it was going to work but. The Gladiators wanted me playing as much as possible and if there was a clash, I was to play for Stirling to get that court time.
“[Head coach] Gareth [Murray] has a good relationship with my club coach and I’m really grateful for that to allow me to get the practice.
“I’m just trying to build up my reputation. I’ve won the BUCS Cup at university this year and it’s a different experience playing at different levels with a different role in each team.
“At Gladiators, I’m the young guy just wanting to learn, but with the university team in particular, I’m probably one of the guys people look up to so that has helped my confidence because it has helped me become a role model and leader.”
The Gladiators have enjoyed a good campaign in the BBL this season, sitting in fifth place in the standings – as well as taking their place in the final of the trophy competition.
Being at that level has offered a reminder of the steps left for Jack to take – but it’s a challenge he’s ready to tackle.
“When I first turned up for training, it was like nothing I had seen before and it put into perspective how good you can be and so it’s been about learning every day from that first time”, Jack continued.
“The Americans on the squad have been great and there are also the Scottish guys who have come through a similar path to me, so you are seen as one of their own and that really helps with building confidence.
“The guys I’m playing with every day are living my dream life and it’s for me to get to that level.”