Sometimes knowing your limitations can lead to your true calling in life.

Coach Freddie Bass has helped many young basketball players at Pan Pacific Park move on to compete at higher levels. (photo by Rafael Guerrero)

Freddie Bass grew up in the Mid-City area of Los Angeles during the 1970s. He played basketball at Fairfax High School and Los Angeles High School in the early 1980s, but knew he wanted to do more than just play the game. He recalled staying with the coaches after practice and helping them break down game-footage of their next opponent.

“I knew my limitations (as a player),” Bass said.  “I was just a little guy playing point guard. I knew I wasn’t going to play in college.”

The 45-year-old Bass has been coaching basketball and football in the Pan Pacific Recreation League since 1994 and has also been the head coach of the Pacific Hills High School girls’ basketball team since 2009. During his time at Pan Pacific Park, he has coached many young players who went on to play NCAA Division I basketball, such as Josh Shipp (UCLA), Jerren Shipp (Arizona State), and current UNLV players Oscar Bellfield, Chace Stanback and Justin Hawkins.

“He is a great guy and a great role model,” said Carmen Hawkins, Justin’s mother.

Bass coached her son from the time he was eight years old in the Pee-Wee League until he was 14 in the Majors’ League. Hawkins was a single mother and credits Bass for being a good role model for her son.

“[Justin] grew up at that park,” Hawkins said. “He was there every weekend and [Bass] had a great influence as a coach and father figure. I consider him part of my village.”

Hawkins’ son went on to play at Taft High School where he earned All-City Section honors three times. He is currently averaging 5.6 points per game and 2.6 rebounds as a sophomore reserve for the UNLV Rebels.

Bass remembered watching a UNLV game on television a couple of weeks ago and could not help but feel pride seeing some of his old players starting for a Division I school.

“It makes you feel like you had some small part in these kids moving on,” Bass said.

“They were park kids before they were Division I talent.”

Bass is also quick to deflect any credit for the players’ success after the Pan Pacific Recreation League.

“I’m just one of many people who are here to teach these kids the game,” Bass said. “You never think about how far along they are going to go. I just tried to give them a little direction and make sure they didn’t go on the wrong path.”

While Bass enjoys watching his former players on television, he said his greatest joy from coaching at Pan Pacific Park is teaching children who have never picked up a basketball how to play the game.

“You see their joy for the game in their eyes and in their smiles,” Bass said.

Loyola Marymount guard Jarred DuBois played on the same team with Hawkins and Bellfield at Pan Pacific Park under Bass’ tutelage. He remembered Bass’ pure joy of coaching and teaching the game of basketball.

“He was very involved with us,” DuBois said. “He did not do it for personal glory. He genuinely cared about us and taught us how to play together.”

Bass remembered 11-year-old DuBois as the “quiet kid” who ended up being one of his most dedicated players.

“Oscar (Bellfield) and Justin (Hawkins) each came in with a kind of swagger,” Bass said. “They knew how to play the game already. Jarred was the quiet one who turned out to be one of the most serious players on that team.”

DuBois’ hard work paid off when he went on to play at Westchester High School, helping them get to the state finals in 2007 where they lost to Fairfax High.

DuBois started in 31 games as a freshman for LMU, averaging 13.5 points per game, and 12.3 points per game in his sophomore year. He is now a junior, but has been sidelined for most of the season with an injury.

DuBois still has fond memories of his time with Bass and makes sure to say hello whenever he visits the park.

“He’s a great motivator and a good teacher,” DuBois said. “We need more of these people to be positive role models for our kids.”

Bass is looking forward to another season of coaching at Pan Pacific Park. The league had their draft last week and the first game of the season is this Saturday. There are still open slots for players who wish to play in the Pee-Wee Division for seven to eight year-olds, and the Majors’ Division for 12 to 13 year-olds. The Juniors’ Division for nine to 10 year olds is already full. For more information, contact Senior Recreational Director Serena Fiss-Ward at (323)939-8874.