Athlete of the Week: Brody McCullough, 407 Basketball

Brody McCullough is a guard on 407 Basketball’s Select Varsity team. The junior has played an important role this AAU season through his lefty shots and ability to carry the ball with easy. His team competed in the Spring Bling tournament Friday, April 10, to Sunday, April 12, and placed in second with a 2-1 record. In his high school season, he played six games for Lake Minneola High’s varsity team and averaged 1.8 po

ints per game. 

What do you enjoy most about basketball?

I enjoy being able to work on something outside of my home and the classroom. It’s a way to kind of escape from reality for a bit in my opinion.

When did you start playing basketball and why did you join? 

I started playing basketball in fifth grade around 2018. I joined because my brother loved basketball, which influenced me to play more seriously so I could have something to get better at to prove something to myself.

What is your biggest accomplishment in basketball?

Playing varsity basketball. 

What has basketball taught you?

Basketball has taught me discipline, working hard with a plan and regulating emotions is the key to success.

How would you describe yourself as a teammate?

I describe myself as someone that cheers on my teammates through the hardships. I also play unselfishly to help them succeed on the court by not just thinking about myself but (also) my team.

What advice would you give someone who just started basketball? 

Start with the fundamentals and start working on your strength and athleticism.

If you were a coach, what speech would you give your team? 

I would tell my team to have fun, and no matter what they feel or how scared they are to play, I would tell them, “You and the other teams bleed the same, and I don’t care how you feel, you still got to play.”

What is your pre-game ritual?

I usually like to pray before a game and listen to music to let my mind relax before I play.

If you could play a different sport, what would it be and why? 

It would be football because I like being able to use my speed, and I’ve always grown up loving football. Football was the sport I chose before basketball until I learned the potential and love I had for basketball.

Who do you look up to the most?

I would say I look up to my dad the most because he is a great leader and example for me.

What is something new you’d like to learn?

I would like to learn how to market trade or even start a business.

Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida?

I would say North Carolina because of the mountains and the pretty, relaxing views.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?

I would buy a huge home and build a basketball court, weight room and training facility at my house. 

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas because I’m able to give others gifts and get together with the family. Also, I’m on break from school for Christmas, too!

What future career do you want to have?

I would like to be an engineer or even start my own business.

If you became famous, what would it be for?

I would become famous for basketball.

If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose? 

My spirit animal would be a monkey because they are honestly pretty chill animals in my opinion.

What is your perfect day?

A perfect day for me would be training like lifting weights and hooping. Also resting and recovering afterwards so I’m still prepared for more training for the rest of the week.

Why did you pick your jersey number?

I picked zero because I feel like being usually the smallest one on my team I like having the lowest number. It just represents I’m a guard in my opinion.