They don’t discuss arts and entertainment or politics in the Cullum household.
Dad Warren played basketball for the University of Victoria Vikings. Mom Debbie started for the Malaspina College Mariners in Nanaimo.
Jordyn Cullum is a star six-foot forward with the VSS Panthers, while her brother, Nash, is on the VSS junior boys team.
‘We talk basketball 24-7 at my house,” laughed Jordyn, named to the B.C. Under 17 girls team earlier this season. “Our life is consumed by basketball. If my parents liked a different sport, I probably wouldn’t be playing. My family is so supportive; they just want me to succeed.”
Cullum rang up 77 points in four games as the Panthers placed 12th at the provincial senior AA championships last week in Langley without ailing starter Jordan Korol.
The Grade 11 student who turned 17 in February attended B.C. team trials in November. Officials cut the roster from 20 to a dozen at December tryouts at Trinity Western University in Langley and announced the team last month.
“One of my strengths is running the floor and I think I showed that really well, and just how aggressive I am on defence and offence. I feel that kind of showed them my capabilities. I’m pretty fast so I can guard outside players because of my quickness.”
Panther head coach Lonny Mazurak says a combination of love of the game, work ethic, athleticism and excellent skill set got her on the provincial team.
“She always leaves it on the floor, is an excellent leader and role model, and is tenacious,” said Mazurak. “She has a will to win and will do whatever is asked to reach that goal. She is dedicated and committed to the game. There are not many girls working harder on her game than Jordyn.
“She is a delightful young lady who always brings a smile to the gym. I am looking forward to seeing great things from her in the future. Whatever university is able to get her signed will have a gem on their hands.”
Mazurak says Cullum is a physical defensive presence who can knock down the outside shot as well as attack the rim relentlessly.
Cullum, who played for the senior team as a Grade 10, gives Mazurak major props for her development.
“Maz has been a great coach. I love him. He’s supported everthing I’ve done and been very good to me.”
The Team B.C. program gets into full-court press mode after spring break.
“I will be travelling down (Vancouver) every weekend and then in July, I’ll move down there and billet. We have tournaments in Seattle and Portland and then the (western) nationals in Edmonton. I’m super excited.”
Cullum, who enjoys a variety of music when not shooting hoops or doing homework, was not a slamdunk to make the provincial lineup despite making Under 16 last year.
“I thought I had a good chance. I had to work hard. It’s not like I thought I could just walk on and make it, but I thought my chances were pretty good be good if I worked hard and showed my skills.”
Nicole Hart of the B.C. senior A champion Immaculata Mustangs (Kelowna) joins Cullum from the Okanagan. Carrie Watts is the head coach, an assistant with the UBC Thunderbirds.
As for further improvement, Mazurak said: “She needs to continue to polish her finishing skills and add a pull-up jumper to her game to be the complete offensive threat.”
Last year, Cullum made the U16 team in mid-April and then played in three Washington State tournaments, others in Portland and Las Vegas, and finally the Western Canadian championships in Edmonton.
