Orlando: A Family Tradition

Westborough High School boys’ varsity basketball player Brian Orlando is a standout player through the season. He said he has been playing organized basketball ever since he was in first grade, which is when he joined his first "traveling team.”

“I love it so much, playing is so much fun,” he said.

For Brian, the sport has always been a family event. He learned to love the game at an early age, playing pickup with his five brothers – four older, one younger.

In 2007, Brian watched two of his older brothers win the prestigious Clark Tournament for Westborough. When Brian got to high school, he set goals for himself which included winning that same tournament by the end of his career. Last year, he came close to accomplishing that feat, but the Rangers lost the tournament final by a heartbreaking one point in overtime against Groton-Dunstable. This year, he said, he hopes to accomplish it. He said he cherishes the tournament's "college environment.”

His passion shows on the court as the well-rounded player scores about nine points per game, all while running the point, controlling the tempo of the game, and playing tough defense. But his passion also spreads beyond the game of basketball.

Brian said that he is interested in pursuing a career in education after high school, possibly as a teacher, because he "loves to help kids learn.” He noted that he enjoys being in a position to teach, and feels that his role as Ranger’s Captain this year has been an honor that allows him to share and teach his passion for the game.

“It’s a big role. I love to be a leader and to lead by example,” he said. He added that he enjoys "helping teammates like people have helped me." Brian said he takes pride in "sharing knowledge and helping people get better." 

One of the ways he shares his desire to teach is working at the Westborough Recreation basketball camp in the summer. He said he can educate younger kids about the game he loves so much.

Brian is likely headed to Worcester State University, where he is plans to play football. He is also considering a future in college basketball.