Recovering from Jaw Injury that Ruined ‘14 Season, Aziz Helps Ivy Inn to 4-0 Start in Summer Hoops
For Mark Aziz, last year turned out to be a lost season as he looked to help Ivy Inn go for a second straight title in the Princeton Recreation Department Summer Men’s Basketball League.
Aziz suffered a fractured jaw in the fourth game of the 2014 season and was sidelined the rest of the summer. “It was tough sitting on the sidelines and watching us lose,” said Aziz, reflecting on a season that saw Ivy Inn knocked out of the playoffs in the quarterfinals.
Returning to action this season, Aziz, a former standout for The College of New Jersey men’s hoops program, has been providing his customary tough play inside for Ivy Inn.
Last Friday, Aziz scored eight points and did yeomen’s work in the paint, getting key rebounds and making some blocked shots as Ivy Inn defeated Aria Health 40-27.
In reflecting on the win, Aziz was proud of how Ivy Inn put the clamps on Aria.
“Defensively, as always, we were there all the time, especially with the communication, ” said Aziz. “We got a lot of good pressure; we forced them to take difficult shots in traffic. It definitely helped.”
Aziz focuses on helping to raise the defensive intensity for Ivy Inn. “My role is anchoring the defense, first and foremost,” said Aziz, who has also played pro ball overseas.
“We have got some more scoring power with Sherm (Brittingham) and Tommy (Soulias) so that’s not my main concern. It is just a matter of playing defense and rebounding and not giving the refs a hard time.”
With Ivy Inn defeating Dr. Palmer 46-33 last Monday to improve to 4-0, Aziz believes the team could be a force this summer.
“We got a couple of new guys with us, they are gelling perfectly,” said Aziz.
“We all play well together and complement each other so well so it’s a great start for us. I am real surprised. I am real happy with how we have started so far.”
No matter how things end up this summer, Aziz is just happy to be on the court again for Ivy Inn.
“It is great to be back, for sure,” said Aziz. “It is a great group of guys and I love being here for sure. When you don’t play competitive any more throughout the year, you just look forward to getting together with these guys and taking advantage of the time together. It makes it a little more lighthearted.”