FD basketball coach Jimmy Yi shares method to building championship-caliber program

Jimmy Yi's an eternal optimist as sideline general for the Friars hoops program. And as he once again leads his alma mater onto the hardcourt, he's very much looking forward to seeing how the brotherhood competes.

He told KUAM Sports, "Man, great team. The team chemistry, team bond is close. It's supporting each other, and looking out for each other's backs and and having fun!"

He's keen on preparation as a driver for victory – a fundamental skill that hasn't changed at the school.

"Those never change," he noted. "Be on time, work hard, work smart, and accountability."

But while offense puts fans in the stands, it's defense that gets the job done.

"Defenses are better and better, so every day we practice defense every single day. And I tell our players with offense, you can't control everything. Sometimes the ball doesn't roll your way."

But above all, being in the gym and working hard.

Jimmy knows that across any sport, there's no better coach than experience - so tournaments, off-island trips, scrimmages, drills and workouts are the critical reps that make a huge difference.

What keeps him coming back season after season is the joy.  The responsibility of teaching young men to become a team, the challenge of competing for titles, the pride of being a part of Guam's sports community, and the honor of doing it the FD way.

And getting back to his high hopes for this year's team, he says they'll represent their school, fight hard, and put on a good show for Friar Nation.

Coach Yi said, "Every year is special. And this year will be special, just because it's a different set of kids, a new group. It's a different team. It's not the same as previous years and we thank our Friar Nation - all of our parents and alumni for all their support throughout the years."