Haverford School's Giant Import Getting Used To Teammates

He’s in the United States a little over a month and Tao Xu has already quickly immersed much around him.

The 6-foot-11 senior transfer student from China has picked up the offense, while still dealing with the language barrier, but maybe the most surprising element of the Chinese 19-Under National Team player is his constant humility. He’s even willing to grab a towel and mop the court of sweat after a teammate just went crashing to the floor.

The Fords just began practice last week and basketball coach Henry Fairfax is easing in his new player. Xu is coming off a back injury during the summer and Fairfax doesn’t want to push his star too much at the outset. So Xu stands back and takes everything in, usually smiling and joking with his new teammates during down times.

“That’s one of the refreshing things about Tao, he’s willing to do anything to help his teammates and to fit in,” Fairfax said. “He’s really picked things up very fast, but watching him in person, I didn’t realize how good of a shooter he is. The other thing is his willingness to learn and blend in with everyone. He doesn’t think, talk or act like a star.”

Last year, the Fords were 11-12 overall, which by past years could be considered a good season. But with Xu and freshman Sammy Foreman, who could very be the best players on the Fords this season, Haverford School’s basketball fortunes could change.

“I feel prepared,” Xu said after practice Sunday afternoon, his grasp of English growing exponentially. “I’m getting used to playing in practice and I
feel more comfortable. I’d my back feels like it’s 90-percent (heeled).”

Haverford School will open what promises to be its most interesting basketball season in years next Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 4 p.m. against New Beginnings Academy, a private charter school from Chester.

Before Xu stepped foot in the United States, he’s already received scholarship offers from Georgetown and Utah. Villanova coach Jay Wright may be buzzing around to see him from time to time, too.

“We’re excited about this year,” Fairfax said. “Xu has been great to deal with; I just don’t want to push him too much. My first responsibility is to take care of him and his health above everything else. But he’s been a real joy to deal with, and he’s incredibly coachable. It doesn’t surprise when I see him grab a towel and mop up the sweat off the court.”

Nearby Xu heard this and understood. A big smile creased his face, and Fairfax beamed, when Xu said, “Play hard, play smart, play together.”

What every coach lives to hear.