There is simply no one quite like Tim Pandolfi.
Over the last three and a half seasons we have watched our peerless point guard have one of the finest careers in the 89-year history of our boys’ basketball program. Coach Mike Hickey, who has been at the helm for 23 seasons, said of Tim, “As far as pure skills, he might be the most skilled player I’ve ever had.” Last Friday night, Tim cemented his legacy as one of the finest to wear the blue and white when he scored his 1,000th career point, part of a 38-point performance in an electrifying win over Port Jeff, to become just the sixth to ever accomplish the feat.
Before the game with the Royals was over Tim also moved past Drake Womack ’72 (1,025 points) and Dave Wilson ’78 (1,025 points) on the all-time scoring list. He is only 27 points away from Jonas Fischer ’94 and his 1,060 points and has a very good chance of taking down Matt Mattimore ’95, our all-time leader, by the season’s end.
Tim also currently stands alone as Long Island’s leading scorer, averaging 27.7 points per game. However, Tim’s worth goes far beyond his ability to put the ball through the hoop. It is his focus, drive, and tenacious will that has taken Stony Brook basketball to a place it has never been. His fearless play in the game’s crucial moments has given him a litany of memorable moments throughout the years: three 4th quarter 3-pointers vs. Mercy in the 2008 County Semifinals, 27 points and a monumental 3-pointer in the 2010 County Championship, five 3-pointers and 20 points in the 2010 C/D County Championship, and 16 points and the game-sealing score in the 2010 Long Island Championship. Players like Tim do not come through our campus often, so as his final season with us wanes let’s enjoy our unparalleled #13 as he hopefully takes us on another wild ride.
What is your favorite memory from your SBS athletic career?
Junior year when we beat Southold in the Class C Championship game. They were talking so much trash throughout the year so it was great to see them all cry.
What 3 words would you use to describe your play on the court?
Quick. Fearless. Deceptive.
Do you have any interesting pre-game rituals?
I don’t really care, I like to focus during the warm-ups but I don’t mind a pre-game ritual. If the team wants it I’m down.
You’ve hit some clutch shots during your career. What is going through your mind as those big moments are unfolding?
I love taking big shots. You just have to stay calm and not be afraid of failing. I’m never nervous. I just try to block out the crowd noise and focus on making my move. If you’re scared you’re not going to succeed.
What do you see in the team that can take us far this year?
Heart. Everybody on the team wants to go to Glens Falls and win everything.
When you’re not dominating on the basketball court what is your favorite thing to do?
Talk to my girlfriend.
If you could hang out with anyone past or present who would you choose?
Lil John, my boy from California.
One of your signatures is the writing you have on your sneakers. What is written on your sneaks and what does it mean to you?
Yes I do write on my sneakers. I constantly get the question, “What does BST stand for?” BST stands for “Blood. Sweat. Tears.” I feel like I have been through a lot in my life and BST is just a reminder for me to stay tough. BST is also a click with me and my friends outside of school. I also have my grandmother and aunt’s dates on my sneakers. These are two people that I loved who died during my time at SBS. I play for them. I also have “Second Chance” written on my sneakers. As some of you may know, I injured my knee in the fall. I feel like God gave me a second chance at life because he allowed me to be able to play basketball again and even at a higher level now.
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