A true point guard sets the tone, controls the pace, distributes, and ensures others are involved. Appropriately, this is role Darren Hechanova very naturally takes on - not just in basketball, but in life. Making his teammates better dishing-out dimes and is where he shines, and what he loves.

"I'm really a facilitator and a creator," he described of his game. "I like to create for others, and I like to make the game easier for other players on my team. But whatever you need me for – offense or defense – or to get a bucket or to create a shot for someone, I can do that. But I really take pride in how I play and playing the game right and to go out there and win."

At 6'3", he's freakishly athletic and discovered he could play above the rim at an early age. "I first dunked when I was in middle school in the 8th grade," he laughingly recalled, adding, "and it felt good."

Born and raised in Los Angeles, he embraced our island as his home six years ago after visiting family and proudly fights for us as a part of Team Guam's backcourt. But his background will always be Tinseltown. "I represent L.A. all the way," he said of his fandom for his beloved hometown.

His favorite player is Kobe Bryant, who won titles right down the street from where Darren grew up, and whose philosophy made a lasting impact on him as a young athlete. "Showing people how putting in the work will pay off – that's the Mamba Mentality. So trying to emulate his approach and that mentality," said Hechanova.

He's now elevated his game internationally as floor general for our national team - an honor of immeasurable importance. "To be able to represent Guam and compete against different big countries like New Zealand and the Asian countries is a great opportunity and great honor. Nd at the same time to play against those pros from those countries," he said.

And with Team Guam now ranked #76th in the world, he knows teams are coming for us. And he welcomes the challenge, because like Kobe taught all of us, success is earned, not given. And the Pacific Games are right around the corner in November, with our boys looking to defend their golds and secure a threepeat. Of the latter, he said, "It's a good stamp to let the other island and Pacific nations know that Guam doesn't mess around and we're here to play."

Darren's an attacking guard, but off the court, his humility is abundant and his connection to our culture runs deep. He demonstrates the island virtue of respect for all, being almost exceedingly polite with everyone he meets.  

He also gives back to the game by passing on his wisdom to kids. Skills and physical development aside, his big lesson to young athletes about success is that it's what's in your head and your heart. Hechanova said, "I try and tell all the boys and girls I train the value of confidence. And I want them to work on their basketball IQ and stay confident."

And with L.A. having so many sports teams, this diehard fan didn't mince words when he shared what side of City of Angels he cheers for, saying he's unashamedly Lakers NOT Clippers, and Rams NOT Chargers...and giving a California geography lesson, noting that he roots for the Dodgers and the Kings, not the crosstown Angels or Mighty Ducks, saying jokingly, "They're out in Anaheim, that's not really L.A."