Brian Hopgood Jr. plays basketball and runs track for Bristow High School. He has played basketball since the summer of sixth grade. His interest was first sparked by playing the video game NBA Live 18. Now, utilizing the towering height of 6’7 as a sophomore, the power forward/center returns as last season’s leading scorer with 15 points per game average. On the quest to always get better, Hopgood seeks out those he can learn from to improve his game.
“I look to the best high school players that play my position,” he said. “It helps me learn new moves and things that they did that were successful.”
Looking back on his career so far, one of Hopgood’s favorite memories is his first ever playoff game against Bethany, where he had 24 points and 13 rebounds. When it comes to his team Hopgood said, “My teammates are very important to me because they keep me locked in and ready to go for games.”
In addition to his teammates, Hopgood’s motivation also comes from close to home.
“Three things really motivate me,” he said. “My mom and the two friends I lost that were very close to me and always believed in me.”
Hopgood’s father, and also his coach, is proud of the work Brian continues to put in on the court.
“Brian stands out as the premier power forward in Oklahoma’s class of 2028, holding a solid sixth place ranking in his class,” said Coach Hopgood. “His impressive shooting touch around the paint, combined with his ability to sink three-point shots consistently, sets him apart from the competition. Beyond his athletic abilities, Brian maintains a commendable 3.0 GPA and shows unwavering dedication to enhancing his skills on the court.”
Hopgood, whose favorite subject in school is math, plans to continue his education after high school and pursue a career as an architect.
