Not only having to fight a language barrier, the boys freshman basketball team’s transfer student Seong Hun Kim, is also working to adapt to the new style of basketball in America.

“Here it’s very different, a lot faster, like press defense,” Kim said. “I didn’t do that in Korea.”

There are many differences between the game styles of the two countries. In South Korea, where Kim is originally from, there are fewer designed plays and it’s similar to an American “pick-up game” of basketball.

“In Korea, it’s find the open spot and go,” Kim said. “Here, how to move is designed and planned out.”

Not only does Kim have to adjust to the different style of American basketball, but he also has to overcome a new language.

“If I don’t understand something, I’ll ask my teammates what the information was, like the details, which makes it easier,” Kim said.

Freshman teammate Michael Man and Kim both played freshman soccer together this fall. Man is the point guard for the team, and he is one of Kim’s helpful teammates when it comes to making sure Kim understands the designed plays.

“We make sure he knows what he is doing,” Man said. “Otherwise we will stop and re-run the play.”

This is the first time Coach Jon Hardy has had a player overcoming the language barrier. When needed, Hardy or a teammate will re-explain a play to Kim. To run a play during a game or practice, they sometimes use hand motions to indicate which play they are running.
Both Hardy and Kim’s teammates notice it’s helping.

“You can see the progress he has made from day one to now, where it seems like he is now comfortable,” Hardy said.

In addition to progressing on the court, his communication skills and friendships are also continuing to build on the court. According to Hardy, Kim is even starting to joke around with his teammates.

“I think the bond between him and the players is starting to happen,” Hardy said. “And the players are starting to get more comfortable understanding he doesn’t understand everything.”