Junior Jeein Kim has made a strong impact on UC High’s basketball program not only through his skill, but through his leadership, work ethic, and the way he elevates everyone on the team. As team captain, Kim leads by example, setting a standard during practices and games. A quick, versatile shooting guard with many years of experience, he plays a huge role in guiding a young
roster while maintaining a competitive and focused team environment. This season, Kim has accumulated over 250 points, leads the team in baskets, and ranks among the top ten class of 2027 scorers in San Diego.
Basketball has been a consistent part of Kim’s life for as long as he can remember. “I play shooting guard and point guard, and I have been playing basketball for about ten years. I started playing in elementary school after school with my friends,” said Kim. What started as just a game with his friends turned into a serious commitment, shaping him into the dedicated player he is today.
That commitment has paid off; according to his teammates, Kim is an outstanding player and pillar of the team. “Kim is one of the best players on our team and he plays a major role in winning games. When he’s in the zone, he’s an extremely hard player to guard,” said Junior Team Captain Mathias Baluyot.
His work ethic and dedication have not gone unnoticed by those around him. Teammate Sophomore Arad Rastgaran spoke about the positive energy Kim brings to the team. “It’s really fun to be on a team with him. He’s a great player who makes basketball enjoyable and always lifts his teammates up,” said Rastgaran. During his high school career, Kim has worked hard to create an environment where his teammates feel encouraged to improve.
Much of his success come from the standards he sets for himself. “I think my work ethic played a big role in helping me earn Athlete of the Month. I like to set goals for myself and practice every day in order to become the best player I can. My teammates and coaches also help me improve as they push me to my limits,” said Kim. That mindset has influenced others, including Freshman Jennings Tallman, who credits Kim for his growth. “Kim has helped build my confidence and supported me through making varsity,” said Tallman. By pushing himself daily, he naturally encourages those around him.
With such a young roster, leadership has also become a key part of his role this season, even as a junior. “Because I already had varsity experience last year, I find myself stepping up as a leader for the rest of the team. We have a very young team, which means it is important for the juniors and seniors to step up and lead from the front,” said Kim. This leadership is extremely evident during high pressure moments, according to Rastgaran. “He is a good leader on the court. He echos plays and makes tough shots when we need them. I look up to him because he’s a great leader and a good person on and off the court and he has got people’s backs,” said Rastgaran. His accountability and presence makes him someone his teammates can really rely on.
With personal and team goals in mind, he continues to work hard toward the season’s success. “We started off a little slow, so I hope to win more games and hopefully make a deep run in the Division 1 playoffs. A personal goal of mine is to make an All-League Team. Our League has a lot of strong teams, which makes me want to compete and hopefully stand out,” said Kim.