The senior guard scored his 1,000th career point for Haverford High School in the Fords’ victory against Ridley Feb. 12. As a junior, Seidman was a first team All-Main Line and first team All-Central League selection, averaging 15.4 points per game, as well as 6.0 rebounds per contest and 2.8 assists per game. Off the court, Seidman is a member of Alex’s Lemonade Club. Haverford High boys’ basketball head coach Keith Heinerichs said, “John is the ultimate teammate – he has been a great leader and friend to everyone in our program. It has been an honor to be in his company the last four years.”
Q: What is your most vivid memory of your 1,000th point? Going into the game, did you know how close you were to that milestone?
A: The thing I remember the most is the great pass from Will [Higson]. Going into the game I was aware I was close, but not sure how close.
Q: What aspect of your game do you feel you improved the most in the off-season?
A: I tried to improve as a leader considering the circumstances. We lost a lot of great players and leaders from last year, so it was important for me to step up.
Q: What is your goal(s) for the 2021 Haverford High basketball season? Tell us a little about the biggest challenges you faced in your off-season basketball training because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A: My goal was just to continue to build off what we built last year. There was no guarantee that we would have a season so it is just nice to be able to play. The biggest challenge was not being able to play as much in the off season as we had in years past.
Q: Tell us a little about your start in competitive basketball. Who have been your most important basketball mentors; and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?
A: I started playing when I was around 4 years old. My parents have been huge mentors to me as they have always supported me throughout the years. They have taught me a lot on and off the court.
Q: Who is your favorite basketball player, and why?
A: My favorite basketball player is TJ McConnell. He always plays hard and does whatever it takes to help the team win.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation on the day of a game.
A: I usually like to take a nap before I leave for the game. Once I get there I just hang out and talk to my teammates.
Q: What is your favorite academic course at Haverford High? What do you think you’d like to major in at college?
A: My favorite courses I have taken are the math classes. I am not sure what I would like to major in but probably something math-related.
Fun facts – John Seidman
Favorite athlete: TJ McConnell.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: Avalon. N.J.
Favorite pre-game meal: Chicken.
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
