Sports Spotlight - Windermere Observer: Franklyn Laing

Bahamas native Franklyn Laing is only 12 years old, but he’s already ahead of the game in both school and basketball. Having moved to Orlando a few years ago to pursue his love for basketball, the homeschooled freshman previously skipped two grades and now has his eyes set on working toward his future in both academia and sports. He credits the Dr. Phillips YMCA for many of the opportunities he’s had in Orlando thus far, and also plays on an AAU team.

How did you first get into basketball?

I just always liked ball. I made the school team when I was 6 years old, and I was playing with 16-year-olds. That’s just when it really clicked. I just started to play more and more. I’ve played five other sports, but basketball was the only one that really clicked.

What do you love the most about it?

Probably just the joy I get out of it. It’s fun!

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

Stay humble, never give up. Hard work and determination keep me going. You never want to be boastful; you always want to stay humble because then you get more opportunities. When you have faith, you have to be humble.

What’s your favorite NBA team?

The San Antonio Spurs. (My favorite player) is John Wall because I like how he plays. He’s shifty and he’s a good shooter.

Who are your basketball role models?

Probably Kobe, because nobody has that drive. He is just so determined to be the greatest. Also Steph Curry, because not only is he a great player but he’s also humble. His faith is super strong, he never gives up. Even when he has bad games he always redeems himself.

Any future plans?

I want to play college ball and let my game develop some more, then try to get to NBA. I might want to go to Duke, or for academics I’d like to go to Harvard.

What’s your favorite school subject?

Science, because it’s complex and there’s so many things to learn. It just gives me joy.

Your faith is important to you; what’s your favorite Bible verse?

Proverbs 18:24. It basically says that for one to have friends, he must first befriend himself. That was just how I was raised; treat others how you want to be treated. 

If you could live in any other time period, what would it be?

1880s, when Thomas Edison created the first incandescent light bulb. It was just a time when inventions started to rise and technology started to advance.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

Probably England, because of their royalty. I love their culture and how there’s a lot of monuments and history there.