Gratitude and passion sum up the new chapter of Ruben Boykin Jr.'s basketball career.

Boykin is grateful to be employed as a full-time basketball coach. Boykin also recognizes that his passion for the game is an important trait to possess as he learns the ins and outs of teaching the game and concocting strategies to beat opponents.

The former Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks forward (2003-07) is in his first season as an assistant coach for the Osaka Evessa.