Personal Statement
March 23, 2019: Recommendation for Harry Quinlan from Jeremy Evans
I had the pleasure of coaching Harry Quinlan between 2016 and 2017 and am eager to write to you of his positive contributions to the HKIS program.
Harry Quinlan was one of the rare freshman ever selected for the Varsity team and we had high hopes for his development. During the pre-season, we immediately noticed that his shooting mechanics, ball handling, and footwork were more advanced than others in his age group. What seemed to be lacking was confidence and tenacity. He could hit the open shot but appeared nonchalant in his body language – as if he wasn’t concerned about earning more playing time off the bench. His freshman year passed with Harry displaying potential in brief moments, but having a little direct impact on our season. However, when Harry returned for his sophomore year, he was taller, stronger, and more intent on leaving his imprint on the game.
In our annual Holiday Tournament in late November (featuring some of the best schools from the IASIS, APAC, and Kanto League conferences) Harry put on a show. He thrived in close, competitive games, knocking down big shots and coming up with key defensive plays down the stretch. He was a savvy and deceptive floor general, able to make the right play whether distributing the ball to open shooters or taking the shot himself. He also knew how to play the mental game against his opponents – getting them flustered and distracted. Harry’s clutch play at our Holiday Tournament made him an instant crowd favorite and excited our coaching staff about how we might develop our team around his strengths with Harry as the focal point.
Sadly for us, Harry relocated to Australia that Christmas. We would like to have kept Harry in our program, but we also recognized the opportunity he had to develop his game and play at a higher level. The dramatic improvement we witnessed between Harry’s freshman and sophomore year is a testament to his love for the game and his work ethic.
Harry has always been the quintessential “gym rat” and we know that he is dedicated to doing what it takes to reach his potential. We are happy to have been a small part of it. I am confident that Harry will add tremendous value to any basketball program fortunate to have him.
Sincerely, Jeremy Evans - HKIS Boys Basketball
