Bryson Ryan is a student at Tokay High in Lodi alongside about 2,000 others. But none of them stand 7-feet tall and love the sport of basketball as much as he does.

His ardor for the game has him making plans for his post-playing days. "I want to major in broadcast journalism and sports communications because I want to stay in basketball as an analyst, scout or coach," Ryan explained.

So how did this strong connection begin and blossom? The credit goes to many. "My older brother Quinn (a 2015 graduate of Bear Creek High), who started playing in the second grade, took me to one of his practices with Bum Frog Sports (BFS), a local travel team." Unaware of what was about to unfold, "I wasn't too excited about it." But Coach Andre Green was about to start up a second team and there was no turning back once the younger Ryan received that hoops exposure.

"Coach Green's basketball IQ is off the charts and my Dad, my brother and I would shoot around and play horse in the backyard and talk about basketball afterwards. I learned how to make the extra pass, how to help on defense and so much more."

Of late, "[Tokay High] Coach [Travis] Okamoto has taught me so much and devised a great workout plan for me." Plus, Ryan currently plays on the top Chuck Hayes Basketball team coached by the longtime NBA player. About an uptick in his hoops knowledge through the association with Hayes, Ryan said, "You think you know a lot about basketball and then you find out there is so much more to learn. I love being a student of the game."

Ryan also wanted to give his parents their due. "They have sacrificed so much in order for me to keep doing what I love whether it's driving me to practices or games and paying dues. I am just so grateful for all of their support and sacrifices."

He see shotblocking as his best basketball talent. "I take a lot of pride in my defense" with "no easy shots" being his mantra.

Explaining his hoops beginnings, Ryan offered, "I started in fifth grade, tall but clumsy, not the most coordinated. I was not hugely effective on offense so I did what I could and that was defense. We had a lot of talent on that team so I focused on defense."

Continuing, he said, "I've always been scrawny but I realize I can't just rely on my height." He currently checks in at 190 pounds. In a figurative as well as literal statement, "I have to carry more weight and become a better scorer with post moves and playing back-to-the-basket." Now a resident of the weight room, Ryan explained, "I didn't start lifting until my junior year."

Here's Okamoto on his big. "Bryson is getting comfortable in his body and starting to reach his potential. He now lifts everyday and we have him doing explosive exercises that translate to the basketball court. Post entry passing is a skill and guards are not used to it. Last year, we didn't get the ball into the post as much as we liked but we're working on that. Bryson has great hands and makes great decisions. Whoever gets him will be getting a steal."

Asked to detail his best basketball moment, Ryan said, "It was in middle school when my BFS Blackout team earned the right to play in the nationals in Orlando (they made it to the second round). We had played in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Palm Springs and Reno to get there and we put Stockton on the map. While we were on the plane heading there, I had this surreal feeling about a team from Stockton doing so much. It was all about basically being brothers and bonding."

About such comradeship, Ryan said, "If you like basketball, you're a friend of mine." But that doesn't mean he won't send your shot attempt in the opposite direction if you happen to be wearing a different uniform.