Hodjas basketball team making a difference

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jeff Nevison
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  The Incirlik Unit School's boy's basketball team, the Hodjas, are on a roll, winning every game of the 2008 season so far.

"Our record in the league is 5-0," said Senior Master Sgt. Tony Jackson, the team's head coach and the 39th Air Base Wing Inspector General Superintendent.

The Hodja team is comprised of 10 students ranging from 14 to 18 years old. Some of them had never even played basketball until this year.

"Fifty percent of the team had never played organized basketball before and now they're competing as a team," said Sergeant Jackson. "The message sent to the community is that if you put forth 100 percent when facing challenges, you've got a good chance to come out with positive results."

The Hodjas' coaches expect their players to do more then just play the game. They expect them to be positive examples for Incirlik's youth.

"We're trying to teach the players to be positive role models," said Master Sgt. Allen Starks, assistant coach and member of the 39th Security Forces Squadron. "I use the acronym BTB or 'Bigger Than Basketball', meaning that basketball is a vehicle to teach valuable life skills," he said.

Sergeant Jackson believes some of the players may have a bright future in the athletic world.

"There are a number of kids on the team who are good enough to play at the next level of competition. With adequate training, you may be watching them play on a university team some day," he said.

Being a part of the IUS Hodjas has definite benefits for the players.

"We get to take trips to Ankara, Germany, and other places, and compete against international teams," said Andrew Barker, Hodjas' center, and son of Master Sgt. Paul Barker, 39th Civil Engineer Squadron. "Besides traveling, it's fun to just play and hang out with the guys," said the 17 year-old senior.

One Hodjas' player said that being part of the team has given him the chance to become an active part of his community.

"There are a lot of sports and activities out there - it doesn't just have to be basketball," said Davontae' Jackson, Hodjas' guard and son of Sgt. Jackson.

The future for the Hodjas looks promising as the team continues to develop their skills.

"The team has grown significantly in only 3 months," Sergeant Jackson said. "They have aspirations of bringing a title to Incirlik during the United States Air Forces in Europe Tournament which takes place in 3 weeks in Mannheim, Germany."

The team recently returned from Ankara where they participated in a basketball tournament last weekend.

"The tournament was very challenging; among other things, we played by international rules," said Sergeant Jackson.

Students between 14 and 18 who are interested in joining the Hodjas next year may contact Sergeant Jackson at 676-6253.