Understanding unselfishness and its true effect on the game of basketball is easily appreciated when watching the master at it; a player who facilitates a team’s success with his IQ and phenomenal court vision. We are speaking of Hall of Famer Matthew Yang.
Journeyman can take no part in the credit for Matt’s on-court wizardry over the course of 8 years. He is truly a self-motivated individual that understands efficiency. As a junior Journeyman Matt started his career averaging just under 1 assist per game. In his growth Matt would average over 6 assists per game 4 times! Matt is also the only Journeyman to pass 60 assists in a season 4 times! It doesn’t stop there! Although Matt proved to be a great passer, his ability to score is also truly impressive, reaching as high as 27ppg in a single session. Additionally, Matt has the most impressive 3-point shooting performance in Journeyman history, shooting 9 of 9 in a D1 game in 2021! And to finally prove the point that he applied himself in all aspects of the game, Matt has been awarded Best defensive player 4 times!
Matt’s smooth demeanor and support of the teams he joined made him an easy choice for SELECT tournament basketball. Just like his performances on our home court, Matt would shine on various stages in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts. Matt never seemed intimidated and was always ready to bring his team to the next level.
Humility may also be used when describing Matt Yang. Although we nicknamed him MAMBA for his “Kobe-esgue” work ethic and stoic expressions in all situations, he never bragged or boasted about himself to draw any attention away from his team. He supported every player and worked diligently to help them succeed. Even as a player-coach, Matt would give teammates far more minutes than himself.
Matt participated in community service projects, assisted in camps and clinics, volunteered at the stat bench and was a divisional Journeyman coach on numerous occasions. He completed these tasks with the same effort he provided on the court.
Some of Matthew’s individual achievements include, JJE-53 Division 2 Best Defensive Player, JJE-56 Division 2 Tournament Point Leader, JJE-56 Division 2 CE Coffey Award Winner, JJE-57 Division 2 Best Defensive Player, JJE-60 Division 1 Championship Game Most Valuable Player, JJE-61 Division 1 Tournament Point Leader, JJE-61 Division 1 Most Valuable Player, 61st Session Coach of the Session Recipient, SJE-63 Senior Division Best Defensive Player, SJE-66 Senior Division Best Defensive Player co-recipient, SJE-68 Senior Division Most Valuable Player, SJE-68 Senior Division Tournament Point Leader AND SJE-68 Senior Division Championship Game Most Valuable Player and SJE-70 . Matt achieved 1st Career Triple Double SJE-65, achieved 21 Career Double Doubles, has earned Player of the Game honors 35 times and has been a YAMO All-Star player 12 times! Matt will finish 3rd all-time in career assists out of nearly 3000 Journeymen.
Matt, you truly defined the title point guard. Other players received elevated statistical measurement while playing on your teams. You truly embody the ability to make your teammates better. Just think of the success you will have in different aspects of your future employment, making those around you better. I hope future learning institutions discover your worth and embrace it. You have set a high standard here at Journeyman for players who want to be a point guard. So, in a few ways you will continue to make players better when you’re not even here! Please join us in congratulating Matt “Mamba” Yang, a true Journeyman.