Jarryd Langdon is the second Hoppers Tigers basketballer to reach 400 games this season.
Langdon has joined long-time teammate Tristan Kewish as one of only five players to have achieved this milestone in club history.
“It feels good playing them all with one team,” said Langdon, who followed in the footsteps of his dad Paul in playing his chosen sports, basketball and football.
The pair spent many hours giving their old basketball ring a working over before Langdon made his debut in the under-8s at Hoppers.
“He taught me how to play,” the Hoppers Crossing resident said.
Now 17, Langdon has played for more than a decade for the Tigers.
Along the way, he has barely missed a game.
“I’ve never had a serious injury,” he said. “Being able to play in nearly every game has helped [reach the 400].”
Langdon plays a demanding role for the Tigers. The small forward has to defend the best player from the opposition, all the while finding his own shots to provide offence.
He’s especially adept at mid-range shooting – not unlike his idol Paul Pierce, who played for the Boston Celtics most of his career.
Langdon has enjoyed plenty of success at the Tigers, including premierships at every age level.
He rates the Tigers under-16 division 1 title – secured on a winning shot in overtime from Brodie Farrugia – as his favourite highlight.
What keeps Langdon going in the game is the thrill of chasing the next challenge on court.
“It’s totally different every week – nothing is ever the same.
“I think we can win the title [this season]. We just have to play our best against the top teams.”
