At 6-foot-7, senior Freddy Hassan’s presence is hard to miss in the halls of Kaneland High School. But it’s not just his towering height that sets him apart from his peers; it’s his determination, work ethic and the inspiration he draws from his family that truly make him stand out.
Despite his athletic build, Freddy’s journey into basketball was anything but typical. He started playing the sport later than most, which meant that he lacked the prior knowledge and experience that comes with years of playing. He initially played on the B team in seventh grade and didn’t begin taking the game seriously until his freshman year.
“When I was a kid, I actually loved basketball,” Freddy said. “I didn’t really play though because my parents are Nigerian, so they didn’t know how to get me into it.”
Despite this initial barrier, his journey was shaped by an extraordinary support system, starting with his mom. Financially, she supports him by paying for club teams and training, along with taking off work to come to his games.
“My mom works so hard,” Freddy said. “She came to America to give us a better life than she had. Every time I’m trying to be lazy, I just think about that. It pushes me a little harder.”
Inspired by her sacrifices, he channels one of her sayings into every practice and game: “If you’re going to put your time into something, make sure you give 100% of your effort.”
Alongside his mom’s support, his younger brother Jeffrey has also been a huge inspiration. Jeffrey has been playing basketball for only three years, but he has already shown his passion for the sport. Jeffrey’s dedication has inspired Freddy in many ways.
“He’s only a sophomore, and he already works really hard,” Freddy said. “I just love to see that. It makes me want to work harder too.”
Though until this season their time on the court has been limited, their bond goes far beyond the game. For Freddy, Jeffrey’s more than a brother. He’s a motivator and best friend.
“We push each other to get better,” Jeffrey said. “I look up to him and how hard he works.”
His family’s love and support has shaped Freddy’s determination to succeed, and he has set his sights on excelling in basketball.
“They’re the most important things to me in my life right now, after God,” Freddy said. “I do everything for my mom and brother.”
After Freddy’s freshman season, he realized that if he wanted to secure a spot on varsity, he needed to take basketball seriously. He dedicated himself to rigorous training, joining a club team and spending countless hours working on skills, particularly dribbling and shooting.
That summer, Freddy played on the varsity team during the high school’s summer league games. By the end of the summer, his hard work seemed to pay off when head coach Ernie Colombe confirmed Freddy’s spot on the varsity team for the upcoming year.
“I was really happy,” Freddy said, reflecting on the moment. “That made me want to work harder, though, because I had to be ready to play. I didn’t want to be on varsity and sit on the bench.”
Since then, Freddy has continued to make his mark. Now, as a multi-year varsity starter, Freddy looks back on one of his favorite memories of his high school basketball journey: receiving the Most Valuable Player award at the Plano Christmas Classic tournament in 2023.
“That was really a big step forward with him,” Colombe said. “It seems like it really boosted his confidence.”
Colombe saw that growth firsthand and believes it’s Freddy’s work ethic and dedication to the sport that sets him apart from others.
“He’s always asking what he can do or what he should work on,” Colombe said. “Sometimes you get players who ask you that and they don’t follow through. He’s been a kid from day one who’s always asked those questions and then backed it up.”
Over the years, Colombe has witnessed his development as both a player and a leader. Beyond his dedication, Freddy’s character and energy have left a positive impact on his coaches and teammates.
“His teammates enjoy being around him, and they can count on him,” Colombe said. “If something’s going on, Freddy’s always there to help.”
Basketball has been more than just a game for Freddy. It’s instilled in him values like responsibility and persistence that extend far beyond the court.
“It’s always deeper than the game,” Freddy said. “There’s always something you can learn from a mistake.”
Off the court, Freddy balances his time between family, friends and another passion: track and field. Competing in high jump, Freddy has represented Kaneland at the IHSA State competition twice. He says that his track experience has sharpened his basketball skills.
“Track definitely helped with my athleticism,” Freddy said. “It’s a lot of running and a lot of jumping.”
But track has offered more than just physical benefits. As a multi-sport athlete, Freddy has gotten better at time management, balancing track season with club basketball and schoolwork.
Looking ahead, Freddy remains uncertain whether his future lies with basketball or track, however he’s excited about the possibility of competing at the collegiate level. Regardless of the path he chooses, one thing is clear: The lessons he’s learned and the inspiration from his family will continue to guide him every step of the way.
