GROWING up in “the city that never sleeps”, it is perhaps no surprise point guard Jordan Aaron is not one for resting on his laurels.
After almost a year without a club, many players may have given up on their dream of forging a career in basketball.
However, Aaron, who hails from the Bronx, New York, refused to stop believing and spent months hitting the gym before finally being rewarded with a deal at Worcester Wolves.
“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to be here and do something I love,” he said.
“Worcester is very different to where I am from. They say New York is the city that never sleeps as there is always something going on.
“But I am adjusting to life here and people are very welcoming, so I am looking forward to a bright future at Worcester.”
After leaving America for Portugal in 2014, Aaron had an impressive campaign with CAB Madeira, where he averaged 16.7 points and 4.4 assists.
But the 23-year-old revealed a late switch in agent meant he was unable to line up a new club for the following season.
“It was very frustrating but I stayed positive,” he said.
“I knew what I was capable of and just wanted to stay in the gym and make sure I kept working on my game.
“I am not saying I lost hope but it was frustrating at times.
“The game of basketball is something I really love, so not being out there on the court was disappointing.
“But I had people at home who made sure I stayed on top of my game and was doing the right things, so I owe that to all of them and am happy I got the chance to play.”
The former Milwaukee Panthers ace had a memorable debut for Wolves as he scored 23 points in a 92-91 victory at Leeds Force.
But, having only arrived in Worcester three days before the game, the 6ft American admitted he did find it a physical challenge.
“I knew I was in pretty good shape but running up and down playing a full game wasn’t something I was doing too much back home,” he said.
“I was a little tight but it went great and I was happy to get the win in over-time.”
Aaron has since played in Wolves’ 81-75 defeat at Newcastle Eagles and their 77-70 victory over Plymouth Raiders but has vowed to keep working on his game.
“Training is very important to me,” he said.
“I make sure I pay attention to every detail in practice as I want to run the team the best way I can, but the guys have made it easy for me.”
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