Taiwanese-American Player Begins Pro Career in Kaohsiung
Taiwanese-American basketball player Adam Hinton is set to begin his professional career in the southern port city of Kaohsiung, where he will play for the Aquas. The former Cornell University player shares his journey.
Adam Hinton Begins Pro Career in Taiwan
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REPORTER:
Now in Taiwan, it's a new chapter in your life. So what made you decide to start playing professionally here in Taiwan?
Adam Hinton (BASKETBALL PLAYER):
That would be just the Aquas was I mean, it made me so confident in wanting to return. But aside from the aquas, uh, I would just say the fans, um, they've been so supportive. Um, in Jones Cup. Asia Cup and I could not thank them more for their support.
Adam Hinton (BASKETBALL PLAYER):
Like I just I just feel like there's so much great energy. Like when I stepped on the court, even when I was watching the TBL playoff games, I mean, just absolutely electric. And it's, it's a, it's hard not to have a ton of adrenaline from it, like just ready to go and wanting to perform in front of everybody. And also they're just very personable. Um, just getting to meet some fans. Um, it's hard not to want to give back to them.
REPORTER:
So can you tell me more about you playing basketball? What what's your style? Tell us more about it. Because some people can be more aggressive. Some people communicate more. What about you?
Adam Hinton (BASKETBALL PLAYER):
I'm definitely working on being more communicative. And also I definitely learn, uh, some Chinese phrases so I can just communicate with my teammates a little better. But, um, I would also say I'm just a very high energy player and I'm always just looking to make the smart play I see.
REPORTER:
Throughout your years playing the sport. Has there ever been this time when you're like, oh my gosh, I'm done. I really want to give up because like things aren't just working out for me. Have you had those moments?
Adam Hinton (BASKETBALL PLAYER):
I would say there's definitely times where basketball can be frustrating, but I think, um, I've always just been a very resilient person, um, just thanks to my parents and they've really helped me get through those valleys. And
Adam Hinton (BASKETBALL PLAYER):
I feel like they just listen to me. Um, just taking time to listen to me and reassure me. Um, they're very good at just reading my mood and what I want to do, what I don't. And they know my goals. So even if I may not want to in the moment, they know it is what I want long term and they just try to support as much as they can.
REPORTER:
So usually when I talk to athletes, I always ask them like having the sport part of your life, doing it like all the time. What has the sport taught you?
Adam Hinton (BASKETBALL PLAYER):
I would say the sport has taught me to be resilient, but it's also taught me how to be hard working. But on the flip side, it's also taught me that sometimes rest is needed. Um. And it's also taught me to just always focus on having fun. Um, you know, you're going to burn out eventually if you're not having fun. So to find joy and to love what you do for a living is an absolute blessing.
