Sports Spotlight - West Orange Times & Observer: Jordan Preaster

A newcomer to the Central Florida Christian Academy boys basketball team this season, Evans transfer Jordan Preaster has certainly made a good impression as the regular season nears its conclusion. The Eagles are 21-3 as of Feb. 4. Preaster is averaging 17.1 points per game — including two outings for 26 points — to go along with 7.9 rebounds per game, all while shooting 56% from the field. For his strong play, several Division I basketball programs have begun to show interest in the local teen.

Why did you  decide to come to CFCA?

One of the reasons was that it was so different and it is really diverse. There are a lot of people here that just want to succeed.

How do you think this season has gone so far?

It’s definitely gone great. I know I’m growing a lot, especially on the defensive end. … I love the guys — they’re great guys, and everybody wants to see everyone do well. It’s just a great environment to play in.

What do you enjoy about playing for coach Jonathan McClintock?

He pushes me. … He just makes me think and play at a very high level — he wants me to be a high-level person, period.

How much do you enjoy playing with senior point guard Dante Treacy?

I love playing with Dante. He’s so unselfish, and he’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever played with. He’s the highest-level guard I’ve ever played with.

What stands out when this team is playing well?

Our defense, definitely. When we’re connected, it’s scary for other teams. We disrupt a lot of stuff for offenses.

Who is a player whose game you admire?

I would have to say, hands down, (Boston Celtics forward) Jayson Tatum. He’s one of the smoothest players. I’ve been watching him since he played in high school and he played with Malik Monk on his AAU team. 

How did your interest in computers originate?

When I was in seventh grade, our computer broke down. The monitor broke open, and I looked and I never knew all that stuff was in there. So, in eighth grade, I got into a technology class at Robinswood (Middle) and started learning to code. In ninth grade I got into digital design … it just became a fun topic to learn about.

What’s one movie you could watch over and over again?

“Space Jam” — hands down. Bugs Bunny is my favorite cartoon character.