The boys basketball program enters the PSAL season with two senior leaders, Madjou Bah and Josh Colon, who have grown into the faces of the team. Both players have carved out reputations as top competitors in the league, but their journeys began with moments of adversity that shaped who they are today.
Midway through the boys basketball season, Pace is ranked second in Manhattan 2A division. The team has a record of eight wins, and two losses, to Seward Park Campus in early December and Lab Museum United in the beginning of January.
Following that defining moment, both players reflected on the challenges that shaped them as seniors in the PSAL.
For Bah, the pressure of expectations stood out the most. Much of last year’s roster returning brought increased attention, rankings, and standards that the team felt obligated to meet.
“We have a lot of pressure on ourselves and we have a certain standard that we have to meet,” Bah said.
Despite that pressure, he emphasized perseverance and enjoyment of the game, explaining that he pushes through by showing up every day and focusing on winning alongside his teammates.
Balancing academics with athletics was another major theme both players highlighted. Bah stressed the importance of prioritizing school, noting that discipline learned through basketball helped him maintain success off the court.
“It comes school first and then an athlete,” he said, adding that being a student-athlete is something he takes seriously and views as part of his legacy.
Josh Colon echoed that mindset, explaining that basketball teaches more than just the game. “Being an athlete… teaches brotherhood, manhood,” he said, while also acknowledging that there are alternative paths if basketball does not work out.
When asked what advice they would give to younger players hoping to reach their level, both emphasized patience and humility.
Bah encouraged young athletes to stay focused regardless of recognition. “Sometimes you’re not really gonna get the exposure that you want,” he said, but added that consistent hard work eventually pays off.
Josh shared a similar message, urging younger players to “just be humble” and trust the process rather than believing they are bigger than the program.
Looking ahead, both players expressed hope that their impact would extend beyond wins and statistics. Bah said he hopes this year’s team can make a strong playoff run and restore pride in the program while setting an example for younger players. Josh emphasized character, saying he hopes to be remembered as “a role model… on and off the court,” someone younger players can look up to during both good and bad days.
Together, their reflections reveal a shared commitment not only to basketball success, but to leadership, discipline, and leaving behind a standard that future players can follow.
