Evan Criado has started his sophomore basketball season on junior varsity.

Criado, who is coming off a great freshmen season, is the starting shooting guard and a strong defender for the Randall JV team. The Raider’s will surely look to Criado to put some points on the board. Criado scored 18 points in his best game last year. This year, he scored 13 in the first game of the season. NBA players Paul George and Kobe Bryant are his inspirations.

“Kobe Bryant said, ‘Once you know what failure feels like, determination changes success,’ Criado said. “I use this quote so when I lose, I know I need to get better.”

In addition to his basketball idols, Criado said his teammates and coach contribute a lot to his personal success.

“I love my teammates,” Criado said. “I hope they are successful in the future because they are hardworking and fun to hang out with. ” Evan said he said that “Our coach is amazing. He keeps us disciplined and in check.”

When Criado gets out of high school, he hopes to play college ball at North Carolina or Duke.

“They have been my favorite programs since I was young,” he said.

Eventually, Criado hopes to play in the NBA.

“I  would like to be drafted to the Dallas Mavericks or the Oklahoma Thunder because it’s not too far from home,” Criado said.