Fresno State Athletics
The Ladd Line-Up
1/19/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jan. 19, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State freshman guard Mychal Ladd was born to be a basketball player. Born May 20, 1990 into a family of coaches and basketball players in Seattle, Washington, he was destined to be a star. Five years later, he became the third generation of Ladd family members to continue the tradition of devotion and commitment to basketball.
Since the age of five, Ladd has had a lot to look up to. Not only was his father his coach and guide for nearly ten years, his grandfather, Gary Ladd, played professional basketball in the NBA for the Seattle Supersonics, the Portland Trailblazers and the San Antonio Spurs.
"Although my grandfather played long before I came along, I remember him telling me stories about playing professional ball," said Ladd. "It was when I hit about middle school that I realized how big he really was. He would hold basketball camps and he always helped me."
Starting the game at the age of five, Ladd took advice and support from his father early in life, both as a coach and a dad. He is constantly reminded of a familiar saying of guidance, "be calm and let the game come to you," words given to him by his father and grandfather.
"When I was five my dad was coaching the older kids," said Ladd. "Then when I got to the second grade, my dad followed me and became my coach. Although I took help from him the most, my uncles and the rest of my family pushed me as well."
But coaches and teammates aside, Ladd finds his best drive and encouragement from his no.1 fan: his mother.
"My mom is like my lady coach," said Ladd. "She is like my dad but she knows nothing about basketball. She goes to my games and I can hear her voice in the gym. She is loud and proud."
Ladd has already continued his family's tradition of excellence and love for the game early in his first season of college basketball, showcased by a career high 19 points and nine rebounds against Pacific in early December, coming one rebound shy of his first double-double.
"I had a big role in that game," said Ladd. "Our team goal is to win the WAC and it is my goal to help them."
It is as equally important to Ladd to give a solid performance not only on the court but also in the classroom.
"Aside from aiming for no turnovers and getting wins, it is also my goal to maintain over a 3.0 GPA," said Ladd.
Although he has a loud Ladd crowd in his corner, he doesn't lose sight of the Seattle natives who made it big before him and he uses their success to aspire to higher goals.
"I look at everyone who has made it before me," Ladd said. "I remember all the Seattle basketball players who have made it to the pros and they also drive to me my fullest."
When he isn't hitting the shining floors of the Save Mart Center for games or practice, Ladd enjoys playing the game with friends, movies and talking to his girlfriend back at home. And with a fresh success early in the season, Ladd is gaining valuable experience in every game.
"I am most excited to travel," Ladd said. "It is so fun when you see the crowd in the stands. When we travel it is life. The college game is so much more intense. To me, Bulldog basketball is being a good teammate, possessing respect and capturing wins, and this has been lifelong for me."
Click HERE to read the men's basketball "Bulldog Blog"
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs return to the Save Mart Center on Thursday, January 22 as they host Louisiana Tech at 7 p.m. It's Thursday Night at the Save Mart Center and all Fresno State and Fresno Unified School District faculty and staff can receive $2 tickets with presentation of their ID (limit 4 tickets) at the Save Mart Center box office. Tickets are on sale now through the Save Mart Center box office, by calling (559) 485-TIXS or online at ticketmaster.com.
