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Jordan Hahn learned a lot in his first year at Indiana University, as most students do. However, one thing that he became aware of is that having an opportunity to be a student-athlete is truly special and he isn’t going to take that for granted anymore.
The 2011 New Castle Chrysler High School standout has signed to play basketball at Saint Francis after sitting out from the sport this past season.
“There was a part of me that was burned out on basketball,” Hahn said following his high school graduation. “I just wanted to be a kid and I had a bunch of friends that were going to IU. So I went there and I had a great year.”
He originally signed to play at Huntington University in the spring of 2011, but he had a change of heart and never enrolled there. He spent this past year just going to class and playing recreational basketball “pretty often.” His future was altered earlier this summer when Saint Francis men’s basketball coach Chad LaCross called to see if he still had any interest in playing.
“When Coach LaCross called I had to really think about this,” Hahn said. “It’s a great opportunity for me and how many athletes ever get a second chance like this?”
He decided to jump back into the sport and is excited about upcoming summer workouts later this month.
“I had to ask myself do I really want to go back and do this for another four years,” Hahn said. “And now I’m really looking forward to it.”
At New Castle, the 5-foot-11 guard was a three-year starter. He scored 731 points and drained 113 three-point shots. He credits any success that he achieved to his coach, Steve Bennett.
“Coach Bennett is probably the biggest benefit that I’ve had,” Hahn said. “Without him my game would not have gotten to where it is.”
Hahn said that he is comfortable playing either guard spot and often “had to guard the other team’s best player.” He is expected to compete with Cougar sophomore Seth Small and redshirt freshman Greg Dickey at the point.
“There were times that I was asked to score and other times that I had to facilitate (the offense),” Hahn explained. “I’m just willing to do whatever it takes to help my team win.”
He led the Trojans to a 42-21 record and he grew accustomed to success. That is why he indicated that it wasn’t simply the opportunity to play basketball that enthralled Hahn, but the chance to play at a highly-successful program such as Saint Francis. The Cougars have evolved into a national power. Saint Francis has reached the NAIA Division II National Tournament three straight seasons and the national title game in 2010 (winning it) and 2011.
“If I told you that wasn’t a factor then I’d be lying,” Hahn said. “I wouldn’t have gone to a losing program and Saint Francis is one of the best teams in the nation.”
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