For this edition of the Alumni Spotlight, we're going Hollywood. Because in doing that, we're bound to find the latest happenings in the live and times of former EHS guard Michael Hudson. A 2004 graduate, "Huddy" was known on the court for his fluid play, sweet jumper, and athleticism that could translate into a momentum shifting dunk in a moment's notice. Michael was a key contributor to the 2003 squad, and followed that season with a stellar 2004 campaign where he was the unquestioned team leader.
Following his graduation from the University of Washington, Michael moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. During his time in LA, he's built a solid resume on both the stage and screen. He recently had the lead role in a West Valley Playhouse production of "Lilies of the Field", portraying the role of Homer Smith that was made famous by Sidney Poitier in the 1963 theatrical version. He will also be starring in "Ghostline", a full-length feature horror film that will be hitting the big screen in 2014. It's not often I can link to an EHS alum's IMDB page,or post an actor's head shot like I did above, but I can do just that with Huddy!
In this following interview, Michael talks about battles with Jackson High School, the memory of hitting a JV game winning buzzer beater, his admiration for his fellow teammates, and what he took from his experience as a Seagull.
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EHS Alumni Basketball - What years did you participate in the Seagull basketball program?
Michael Hudson - 2000-2004
EHS AB - Before you were in high school, what events led to you knowing you wanted to play ball at Everett?
MH - I was consumed with the game of basketball my whole life; At that point in my life, I wanted the NBA. I wanted "To Be Like Mike". I've always heard of the great traditions Everett High carried so I wanted to be a part of it. I saw John Richer play one year when I was in 8th grade and wanted to be like him!
MH - I was consumed with the game of basketball my whole life; At that point in my life, I wanted the NBA. I wanted "To Be Like Mike". I've always heard of the great traditions Everett High carried so I wanted to be a part of it. I saw John Richer play one year when I was in 8th grade and wanted to be like him!
EHS AB - Tell us a little bit about the group of guys you grew up playing with.
MH - I mainly played with the guys one class ahead of me (2003): Vesna Sophan, Brad Allison, Paul Swanson, Tom Sowinski, B-Wick, ...we'd go after it every single day! They wanted what I wanted: to be the absolute best, so I made sure I hung out and played ball with them so I could get better and better. They always pushed me. They were like big brothers to me and when they graduated, I made sure to act like them in their roles for the class of 2005.
MH - I mainly played with the guys one class ahead of me (2003): Vesna Sophan, Brad Allison, Paul Swanson, Tom Sowinski, B-Wick, ...we'd go after it every single day! They wanted what I wanted: to be the absolute best, so I made sure I hung out and played ball with them so I could get better and better. They always pushed me. They were like big brothers to me and when they graduated, I made sure to act like them in their roles for the class of 2005.
EHS AB - What are some of your most unforgettable moments you recall from your playing days?
MH - One moment my senior year when I dunked against Pilchuck and silenced the Pilchuck student-body. That was cool. But the one that stands out the most though was during my JV season in my Sophomore year when I hit a game winning shot at the buzzer against Mt. Lake Terrace. I remember how fast I got tackled mid-court by all of my cheering teammates and my dad celebrating in the stands. That will always be a touching moment for me.
EHS AB - What was the best team you were a part of during your time at Everett High?
MH - I'd have to say that JV team during my Sophomore team was the best I've been on. Yes, it was JV, but the chemistry we had was like that of the Miami Heat nowadays. We just all knew each other so well and Coach Anderson really let us play. I mean, we only lost twice the entire season I believe and we would BLOW OUT teams. We just played so well together and there were absolutely no egos whatsoever. Fun, blue-collard basketball. Back then, we had a rule that "Bubble Players" (Ones who play both JV and Varsity) could only play a certain amount of quarters -- so it saddened me when I could only play a certain number of minutes because I had to play Varsity later.
EHS AB - What opposing team do you recall having extraordinary battles with? How did you guys fare in those battles?
MH - Jackson, Jackson, Jackson! I HATED THEM! I swear, every game we played them in it was televised. I did enjoy playing them in their house most especially because they had such a great crowd. Some opposing players who come to mind: Craig Chambers, Chris Keller, the late Johnnie Kirton and the MLB-pro Brent Lillibridge. Man, my blood just bubbles thinking about this guys. I think the win-loss record between us was even.
EHS AB - Who was the best player you recall going toe-to-toe with?
MH - By far, my teammate Vesna Sophan. I honestly felt like I was always playing against myself. There was a time where I'd be nervous to go to open gym or practice because I knew I had to play this guy, but I embraced it. I mean, this guy use to KILL ME back in the day. (Of course until I grew into my body more and got my shot down, the killing stopped). The tables have definitely turned today All jokes aside, Vez was my "measuring stick". He probably doesn't know this but I always had a need to prove something to him. And we would train together every day. I honestly improved my game drastically because of him. If Vez hadn't hurt his knee, he'd definitely would have played D-1 no doubt. Love ya, V!
EHS AB - Who was the teammate you enjoyed playing with the most? How did that individual bring the best out of everyone else?
MH - The teammate I loved playing with the most was Brad Allison. He was great, man! Exquisite passer; High I.Q.; Always knew where you were. He was the truth. His passing ability definitely rubbed off on you when you played with him. He was a quiet/private guy but he was always ready to play which I loved about him.
EHS AB - Can you recall the most memorable game you played in as a Seagull? What makes that game stand out?
MH - The most memorable game I played in would have to be my Sophomore year against Jackson. That was the first game I got serious time with the Varsity. I had a blast playing in that game and I remember tearing up before checking in because I worked so hard to get to that point. (Those tears dried up fast though when Keller hit a 3 in my face It was a wonderful game and even though we lost, I was happy to have played well on both ends of the floor and gain the trust of my Head Coach that I could play on that level.
EHS AB - Looking back on your experience, what traits were you able to take with you to help forge the person you’ve become?
MH - I definitely learned to become a better leader; this world needs more leaders and being a part of Seagull Basketball taught me to never fear any moment and to always give your absolute best. Another trait that I picked up was appreciation. You only get to live through high school once. So appreciating everything: the game, your teammates, the coaches, the training staff. Appreciate as if that experience will last forever.
EHS AB - If you could give the current group of Seagull basketball players any advice, what would you tell them?
MH - Enjoy...EVERY. SINGLE. MOMENT. Practice, games, team dinners, video sessions. Don't take anything for granted! Put everything on the line each game and leave that game knowing that you gave everything you've got. Also, always try to find ways to get better. Never take "no" for an answer! Keep growing not only as a player but most especially as a person. And most of all, stay humble. Remember the tradition you carry. No Fear. No Regrets. All Glory.
MH - One moment my senior year when I dunked against Pilchuck and silenced the Pilchuck student-body. That was cool. But the one that stands out the most though was during my JV season in my Sophomore year when I hit a game winning shot at the buzzer against Mt. Lake Terrace. I remember how fast I got tackled mid-court by all of my cheering teammates and my dad celebrating in the stands. That will always be a touching moment for me.
EHS AB - What was the best team you were a part of during your time at Everett High?
MH - I'd have to say that JV team during my Sophomore team was the best I've been on. Yes, it was JV, but the chemistry we had was like that of the Miami Heat nowadays. We just all knew each other so well and Coach Anderson really let us play. I mean, we only lost twice the entire season I believe and we would BLOW OUT teams. We just played so well together and there were absolutely no egos whatsoever. Fun, blue-collard basketball. Back then, we had a rule that "Bubble Players" (Ones who play both JV and Varsity) could only play a certain amount of quarters -- so it saddened me when I could only play a certain number of minutes because I had to play Varsity later.
EHS AB - What opposing team do you recall having extraordinary battles with? How did you guys fare in those battles?
MH - Jackson, Jackson, Jackson! I HATED THEM! I swear, every game we played them in it was televised. I did enjoy playing them in their house most especially because they had such a great crowd. Some opposing players who come to mind: Craig Chambers, Chris Keller, the late Johnnie Kirton and the MLB-pro Brent Lillibridge. Man, my blood just bubbles thinking about this guys. I think the win-loss record between us was even.
EHS AB - Who was the best player you recall going toe-to-toe with?
MH - By far, my teammate Vesna Sophan. I honestly felt like I was always playing against myself. There was a time where I'd be nervous to go to open gym or practice because I knew I had to play this guy, but I embraced it. I mean, this guy use to KILL ME back in the day. (Of course until I grew into my body more and got my shot down, the killing stopped). The tables have definitely turned today All jokes aside, Vez was my "measuring stick". He probably doesn't know this but I always had a need to prove something to him. And we would train together every day. I honestly improved my game drastically because of him. If Vez hadn't hurt his knee, he'd definitely would have played D-1 no doubt. Love ya, V!
EHS AB - Who was the teammate you enjoyed playing with the most? How did that individual bring the best out of everyone else?
MH - The teammate I loved playing with the most was Brad Allison. He was great, man! Exquisite passer; High I.Q.; Always knew where you were. He was the truth. His passing ability definitely rubbed off on you when you played with him. He was a quiet/private guy but he was always ready to play which I loved about him.
EHS AB - Can you recall the most memorable game you played in as a Seagull? What makes that game stand out?
MH - The most memorable game I played in would have to be my Sophomore year against Jackson. That was the first game I got serious time with the Varsity. I had a blast playing in that game and I remember tearing up before checking in because I worked so hard to get to that point. (Those tears dried up fast though when Keller hit a 3 in my face It was a wonderful game and even though we lost, I was happy to have played well on both ends of the floor and gain the trust of my Head Coach that I could play on that level.
EHS AB - Looking back on your experience, what traits were you able to take with you to help forge the person you’ve become?
MH - I definitely learned to become a better leader; this world needs more leaders and being a part of Seagull Basketball taught me to never fear any moment and to always give your absolute best. Another trait that I picked up was appreciation. You only get to live through high school once. So appreciating everything: the game, your teammates, the coaches, the training staff. Appreciate as if that experience will last forever.
EHS AB - If you could give the current group of Seagull basketball players any advice, what would you tell them?
MH - Enjoy...EVERY. SINGLE. MOMENT. Practice, games, team dinners, video sessions. Don't take anything for granted! Put everything on the line each game and leave that game knowing that you gave everything you've got. Also, always try to find ways to get better. Never take "no" for an answer! Keep growing not only as a player but most especially as a person. And most of all, stay humble. Remember the tradition you carry. No Fear. No Regrets. All Glory.
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