- February 10, 2025
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To say Windermere High boys basketball star big man T.J. Drain has had a great senior season would be a bit of an understatement. Not only has the 6-foot-8 forward racked up personal accolades as the leader of a talented Wolverines team, but also he has helped position Windermere for a deep postseason run.
Individually, Drain’s senior campaign has seen him sign to play Division I basketball at Liberty University next season, score his 1,000th career point, break the program’s single-game scoring record and be included on the shortlist of nominees for the McDonald’s High School Basketball All-American team.
As a team, the Wolverines are 19-4 — as of press time Tuesday, Jan. 28 — with their four losses coming to four teams ranked inside Florida’s top 50 in MaxPreps’ rankings. The combined record of these four teams is 68-20, and none of them is in Windermere’s classification, FHSAA Class 7A.
Age: 17
Sport: Basketball
Grade: Senior
School: Windermere High
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
Great. (I am) beyond blessed to have this opportunity and more than thankful.
What do you enjoy the most about basketball?
I love the feeling of stepping on the court and how all the noise goes away, and it’s just me, my team and the court against the other team. I love that feeling.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from basketball?
Mistakes are not the end of the world.
What is your favorite basketball memory?
When I traveled to Las Vegas for AAU basketball, and we won the entire tournament.
Who is your favorite athlete? Why?
Kyrie Irving because no matter what is going on in his life and what others have to say, he stays grounded and level-headed with himself and his spirit.
What is your go-to pre-game meal?
White rice with pork chops, beans and tostones.
What is your go-to pre-game hype song?
“Feel No Ways” by Drake.
What is your favorite non-sports hobby?
I enjoy thrifting clothes to keep them, as well as resell them.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Anatomy and physiology — mainly because of all of the small things that work together to keep the human body functioning.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
A flare gun to alert anyone that could rescue me, of course, some kind of weapon — like an axe or knife — to defend myself from any wildlife, as well as get materials, and Wingstop because it’s one of my favorite places, so that’s self-explanatory.
What is your favorite movie?
“Scary Movie 2” because it is a great mix of comedy and horror at the same time but definitely more comedy.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
My grandpa just so I could have one more good memory of him before he passed.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
Easter of 2018. This was one of the last times everyone from my family in Atlanta was together. It was lots of fun.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Comparison is the thief of joy.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
Who would have thought we would make it this far from how I used to play?
Who is your favorite superhero?
Iron Man, because he always made sure people were taken care of before himself.
Who is your favorite supervillain?
I would say Thanos, only because he had the right idea but went about it completely wrong.
If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?
Japan, because I’ve always wanted to shop there and see the architecture; Greece, because the views always look amazing and the sand looks so nice; and the Dominican Republic.
What is your most controversial food take?
Orange juice with cereal like Fruity Pebbles or Fruity Loops is very good, and I will live by that.
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Yes, but only if the pizza is hot.