Aidan Reardon '23 Recruiting Profile

My family members say that from the moment I first learned how to walk, I’ve had a basketball in my hand. In fact, one of my first memories as a toddler is one of me walking around the house holding a basketball, trying to imitate the NBA players I saw on TV. Basketball’s been something that’s always been in my blood; it’s always been my endless passion, the thing that fuels me in every aspect of my life to work harder and be better than the day before. I’ve been lucky in the sense that the people closest to me—my family and closest friends—have always been my biggest supporters. They’ve always supported my love of basketball and pushed me to be my best, sacrificing their time by driving me to endless games and tournaments from state-to-state, sometimes three times in a weekend.

That doesn’t mean my life’s been easy, though. In fact, I’ve had to face quite a few challenges in my basketball career. I oftentimes was overlooked and mistreated by coaches and teammates. I found myself in positions where I was never able to prove myself and show everyone what I’m capable of. Instead of letting that get me down or doubting myself, I chose to to work harder and push myself to be better each and every day. I realized that I had to make people notice me. I’m not afraid to challenge myself, to become better, to pour my blood, sweat, and tears into something to make it to the top. I’ve learned the importance of being able to grow and evolve in this sport. If you’re not learning, you’re not growing. This work ethic is something I’ve taken with me and instilled in every aspect of my life today, from basketball and school, to friends and family. Another thing I’ve learned from the challenges faced in my career is versatility. I possess an all-around game in basketball. I can drive and score, shoot, play defense, and get rebounds. I’m also very experienced playing every position on the floor, therefore I can space the floor very well and help my teammates with whatever they need.

As a student of the game, I am constantly looking to learn from others. My collegiate goals and aspirations include taking my love of basketball and playing at the next level alongside other talented and gifted players, as well as underneath knowledgeable and skilled coaches and mentors. As the youngest of three siblings by ten years, I’ve watched my brother and sister achieve their goals through hard work, dedication, and patience. I want to exceed in everything that I do, both in basketball as well as academically, and I intend to take that same hard work, dedication, and patience and use it to achieve my own goals and make all of my dreams come true. I know I have what it takes because I have no breaking point, I’m confident I have what it takes and can handle anything that comes my way. I’m never in my own element more than when I’m on the court; that’s the one place that truly feels like home, and where the rest of the world doesn’t matter.