Former Johnson State College men’s basketball standout, Rahim Bunch, has joined the professional American Basketball Association’s (ABA) Orlando Waves for their inaugural season.

 
Although Bunch, who graduated this past June, only played one season for the Badgers after transferring from Wilson College, he had a tremendous impact on the team. He led the squad in scoring with 16.8 points and 5 assists per game, while helping JSC make their conference semifinals.

 
After graduation, Bunch was seeking an opportunity to continue his basketball career when he discovered an open tryout for the Waves. “The coaches were pleased with my performance in the open tryout, so they invited me back for a second one,” said Bunch. “The second one was by invitation only, and from there I made the team.”

 
The regular season for Bunch and the Waves has yet to begin, but he has attended many practices and already notices his new league is quite different from his college days. “Since I am new to the league I don’t know what to expect from the level of competition, but the style of play is much faster-paced, the quarters are longer, and we use a different ball,” he said.

 
Bunch has a deep appreciation for the role that JSC and Men’s Basketball Head Coach Miles Smith played in his ability to play the sport at a higher level. “Playing at JSC and for Miles helped me a lot because of how much faith he had in me,” Bunch said. “He prepared me to play on big platforms, lead a team in any situation, and grow into a mature basketball player. Playing for Miles was vital in guiding me to play professional basketball.”

 
Even though Bunch has achieved his goal of playing the sport he is passionate about at a higher level, he is not yet content. “Basketball is my main job right now, and there is nothing better than having a job that you love to do,” he said. “But I set the bar high for myself, so I have a lot of work to do to get where I want to be.

 
“Personally, I want to continue to grow as a man in all aspects such as business, professionalism, and decision-making,” he continued. “Athletically, there are always ways to improve your game and that’s what I’m focused on: getting stronger and more explosive, and becoming a better shooter.”

 
The supremely athletic Bunch is looking to help his new unit in any method possible. “I’m looking to come in and just do whatever the team needs me to do,” he said. “If they need scoring, then I will score. If it’s getting everyone involved, then I can do that as well. I will most likely play point guard or shooting guard this season, and I will fulfill that spot and play my role the best way I can.”

 
Bunch will be in uniform for the Orlando Waves’ first ever game on Nov. 5 against the St. Petersburg Tide. To follow the Waves and Bunch’s new basketball voyage, visit orlandowaves.com.