Jan Hoang, a student, is mid-air on a basketball court during a game or event, shooting a basketball.

For Jan Hoang, a senior at NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development studying Nutrition and Dietetics, basketball has been the thread linking his home, academic, and professional life. Growing up in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Jan picked up the sport in the fourth grade. He has played avidly ever since—first locally, then for the Vietnam national team in high school, and now for the men’s intramural team at NYU. Since his sophomore year, he has interned for world-renowned NBA trainer Chris Brickley, supporting professional players and celebrities during their training. Now, after two years working with NBA players, Jan has turned that dream internship into a full-time job offer. “Basketball transcends the court,” says Jan. “It has shown me how to be a successful individual in life.”

Jan Hoang, a student, shakes hands with another player on an indoor basketball court.

The Journey to NYU

The opportunity to study in New York City drew Jan to NYU, especially following the isolation of the COVID-19 quarantine. “After being trapped inside for months, I wanted to be in a place with an abundance of opportunities. I wanted to surround myself with people who hustled,” he explains. “What I love about New York City is that people from all walks of life blend together. In a way, it’s an accelerator for young people like me to go out in the world and explore.”

As a first-generation student, Jan had no family or friends nearby when he arrived at NYU. However, he knew that the basketball court could be a space for connection. From his first game, he began building a community. And after over four years on the men’s intramural team, he’s developed some of his closest friendships.

All the while, he’s honed his skills on the court. In fact, the team won the championship during the fall semester. “New York City is the mecca of basketball to me,” says Jan. “At NYU, Professor David Hollander even teaches a class called How Basketball Can Save The World. This is how I know I’m at the right place. My professors here have taught me so much.”

Jan credits his parents, who are nutrition supplement distributors, for inspiring him to study Nutrition and Dietetics. He recalls the limited meal budget for players on the Vietnam Basketball U18 National Team. It was not enough to sustain athletes training three times a day. Jan’s parents stepped in to sponsor the team, providing whey protein and other recovery products that made a real difference in players’ wellness. “This is one of the biggest reasons I chose to pursue nutrition at NYU,” Jan says.

Jan Hoang, a student, plays defense during a basketball game on an indoor court.

Landing a Dream NBA Internship

During his second year at NYU, Jan came across an Instagram post from famed NBA trainer Chris Brickley, who was recruiting interns for the NBA off-season. The post had over 50,000 likes, and Jan assumed thousands had already applied. “However, I figured the worst thing he could do is say no,” he says. “I applied, and to my surprise, I got a response.” Jan interviewed—and landed the internship.

“During my first off-season, I was mainly just a rebounder during workouts,” Jan recalls. “I got to spend my summer in a legendary basketball gym, hooping while waiting for NBA players to come in and train.” Because Jan lived in New York City, Chris invited him to extend his internship beyond the summer. “Fast-forward to my second off-season—I became the lead intern. I got to bring in two of my NYU friends who I met playing basketball.”

Working with Chris, Jan has connected with people he never imagined he’d meet, including LeBron James, Klay Thompson, and Justin Bieber. What’s more, it’s given him a front-row seat to the intense behind-the-scenes work each player does to prepare for their next season. “Learning from pioneers of the basketball training world has taught me so much and completely changed my life,” he says.

Hoang, a student, intensely focuses while playing defense during a basketball game.

Securing the Job Offer

After graduating this spring, Jan will begin his third off-season with NBA trainer Chris Brickley. And this time, he’s an employee instead of an intern. Two years of hard work and dedication led to this dream job offer. “From early-morning workouts to late-night sessions, I did my best to ensure I was always on time and paid attention to details. I kept an open mind and turned constructive criticism into a learning experience.”

Because of basketball’s impact on his journey, Jan views it as more than just a sport—it’s a way of life. One of the most meaningful parts of his experience has been the encouragement from his supporters back in Vietnam. “I’ve received hundreds of messages from people back home expressing their amazement at what I am doing here,” he says. “I always told myself that I wanted to make an impact in my community. I never knew what that impact would look like, but being able to do it through basketball is a dream come true.”

Olivia Richter is a Senior Writer and Strategist for NYU’s University Relations and Public Affairs Office of Marketing Communications. She is endlessly curious about people, what inspires them, and how they use inspiration to create change—something she finds in abundance at NYU. A New Hampshire native, she encounters her own inspiration when exploring new places, spending time in nature, reading books, and connecting with close friends and family. Olivia holds a BA in Communication Studies from American University.