By Jason Erickson

Utah Valley University senior guard Jaden McClanahan is as unique and compelling as the anime characters he admires. At a nimble 5-foot-10, his spirit and drive echo the tales of determination and resilience found in his favorite shows. McClanahan has fought through injuries during his four years at Utah Valley and is now enjoying the most successful season of his career; he's an embodiment of the Shonen spirit, where anime heroes rise against the odds, powered by sheer will and unbreakable bonds.
 
Jaden's love for basketball was ignited in the simplest of settings: shooting socks into a hamper in his bedroom growing up in Vallejo, California. That playful beginning transitioned into backyard games against his twin brother, JoVon, who is also a Division I basketball player at the University of Hawaii. That foundation, coupled with his competitive spirit, drove Jaden to excel in the sport. Yet, its Jaden's passion for anime, kindled by his older brother Kennon, that has woven a unique tapestry of inspiration and motivation throughout his life and collegiate career at Utah Valley. 
 
Anime, for Jaden, is not just entertainment; it's a guidebook to life's myriad of challenges and victories. With over 60 shows and thousands up episodes under his belt, he finds invaluable lessons in each story's heart. The narratives of perseverance, friendship, and growth resonate deeply with him, transforming his viewing experience into a journey of personal development. Characters from shows like "One Piece" and "My Hero Academia" serve as virtual mentors, their trials and triumphs offering insights that Jaden translates onto the basketball court. 

"I can attest to, particularly with the main characters, is their constant persistence in moving forward regardless of obstacles," McClanahan shares. "It's about pursuing a dream, which is a common theme across these shows."
 
The parallels between the worlds of anime and basketball are vivid and real for McClanahan. The Shonen genre, known for its emphasis on character development and overcoming obstacles, mirrors his own path in basketball. Moments of reflection, akin to those experienced by anime's main characters, fuel Jaden's drive during games, pushing him to unlock new levels of performance. Despite his 5-foot-10 stature, he pulled down a career-high 13 rebounds in a road win at Sam Houston and recently dished out a career-high 11 assists in a pivotal win over Stephen F. Austin—the fifth most assists ever recorded in a single game in UVU history. Both feats are testaments to his ability to channel his anime-inspired resolve and focus. 

"A lot like 'My Hero Academia,' I find similarities with basketball, particularly in how the characters embody perseverance. They teach us the importance of never giving up. These characters reflect on their past experiences, drawing on them in crucial moments. It's just like a coach's pep talk that fires up the guys, leading to that big power boost that you didn't know you had in you. It's inspirational and relates to basketball and life itself."
 
Off the court, anime serves as a sanctuary for Jaden, offering peace and relaxation after the day's battles. Naming his dog Kakarot, after the iconic "Dragon Ball" character, is just one of the many ways his passion permeates his life. Yet, it's the subtle lessons on demeanor, communication, and perseverance collected from these stories that shape him. Anime has taught McClanahan to navigate life with the same grace and strength displayed by his favorite characters, making him a standout not just on the court, but in the grand narrative of his life. 
 
"It's peaceful," Jaden shares with a sense of calm, revealing how these animated stories offer him a mental escape. "That brings me peace of mind when I lay in my bed and relax; that's probably the first thing. And not that I don't look on my phone, but I just don't usually get on. I just dive into whatever I'm watching, and I'm chilling. And that's the most peaceful time I have in life at the moment." 
 
In a realm where athletes often seek various methods to decompress, McClanahan's approach is uniquely his own, embodying the tranquility he finds in the intricate worlds of anime—a testament to finding one's personal haven amidst the chaos.
 
Anime, Jaden says, has given him the remarkable ability to connect with everyone around him on campus. It's a trait that has made him a beloved figure far beyond the UCCU Center. McClanahan's approach is simple yet profoundly effective: he greets everyone with a hello and genuinely asks about their day, ensuring each interaction is meaningful. This effortless charm and willingness to engage in conversation have led him to forge unexpected friendships, like with the UVU Culinary Arts department staff, who fondly claim they would "cook for him anytime" because of their affection for him. McClanahan's philosophy is that acknowledging those you cross paths with is the moral thing to do, a principle that has helped him build a network of relationships across the UVU campus. It's his friendly demeanor and the effort he puts into acknowledging everyone that has notably made him a familiar and respected presence in Utah Valley, embodying the spirit of community and kindness.
 
"That's just who I am," he says, with a warmth that mirrors the friendliness often found in the anime characters. "When I encounter someone, even if they're a stranger passing by, I can't help but offer a greeting—it just starts with a hello." 
 
As he helps lead Utah Valley on the court, it's clear that his journey is one where anime and basketball intersect, creating a narrative rich with lessons, victories, and the undeniable truth that determination knows no bounds. McClanahan is not just playing the game; he's living his own epic saga, which continues this season as his immediate goal is winning a WAC Tournament and leading the Wolverines to a first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. 
 
"Throughout the years, I've watched countless shows where the main characters face tumultuous journeys," Jaden reflects. "They endure bumpy roads and storms, yet those challenges eventually clear. I relate this to the journey of our team."
 
McClanahan's aspirations and dreams include playing at the next level. "Ever since I was a kid, my dream has been to play basketball professionally," he shares. "I want to pursue a career in basketball for as long as possible."
 
His journey is a testament to resilience, embodying the very essence of the anime characters he admires. "Life, like basketball, is full of bumps and rolls. I've come close before, and each setback only fuels me to succeed."
 
McClanahan's philosophy extends to the dynamics of teamwork and the collective pursuit of a shared dream. "Success in basketball, or any team endeavor, requires a total commitment from every player," he observes. "It's not just about having a winning formula; it's about everyone being all-in all of the time. Without that drive, achieving our dreams becomes a tougher battle. Sometimes, it requires superheroic efforts, especially in crucial moments."
 
As the WAC Tournament approaches, with the potential to etch his name into history with a first-ever NCAA Tournament bid, McClanahan is poised to translate his anime-inspired resilience and unity into reality. Winners of six of its last seven games and fresh off an upset victory at Tarleton on Thursday night, Utah Valley has hit its stride at the perfect moment.
 
Jaden McClanahan's story is a unique crossover of anime and athletics, where the values of determination, teamwork, and perseverance leap off the screen and onto the court. His narrative is a compelling reminder of how the lessons from our passions can inspire greatness in all arenas of life, making McClanahan not just a player in the game but a living embodiment of his own epic saga.