Pratyush Udupa’s journey with the J.P. Stevens boys’ basketball team has been defined by persistence, growth, and hard-earned success. Basketball has been a passion for him since eighth grade, a sport he enjoys playing for countless hours in the park. Pratyush’s commitment and consistency helped him earn his position.
He started as the sixth man on the freshman team. He didn’t score much at first, but he learned the importance of contributing in every way and staying ready. During his sophomore year, he made the JV team but was benched for the first half of the season. However, throughout the season, he proved himself worthy, earning a starting spot and eventually securing a varsity spot. Junior year was his biggest challenge; he saw limited minutes on the court, but eventually seized his opportunity with a breakout performance against crosstown rival Edison High School, earning him a starting spot. In the end, his hard work paid off, and he was awarded the Most Improved Player award.
This season is his last season with the Hawks. As captain, Pratyush earned the honor of being the JPS Classic Tournament MVP. He averages 16 points per game, ranks in the top five in the Greater Middlesex Conference for 3-pointers, and recently scored the game-winning shot against EHS. His coaches and teammates all praise him as an integral part of the team. Pratyush says, “My goal is to help the team get better. It doesn’t matter if I’m a lead scorer if the rest of my team doesn’t perform as well.”
Pratyush hopes to continue at a high level, help his team succeed in the state tournaments, and hopefully win the division championship. College basketball at the Division III level is possible, but his focus remains on improving every day and lifting his team. His advice for younger players is to “Believe in yourself before anyone else does. If you put in the time and stay consistent, confidence will always follow.” If his year-to-year growth is any indication that hard work pays off, this season has the potential to be his best yet for the Hawks. The team wishes him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.
