NCSA caught up with rising basketball star Joey Osinski to talk about his high school season and the opportunity to compete at the next level.
NCSA: What motivates you before a big game?
Osinski: Before a game I always listen to a few favorite songs on my i-pod. I separate myself from the team for a few minutes and play my favorite pre-game song, Second Coming by Juelz Santana. For pre-game I make sure to do a good stretch and warm up properly.
NCSA: What are you looking forward to if and when you get the opportunity to play at the collegiate level?
Osinski: I am looking forward to new experiences and challenges. Meeting new people and seeing new things will be an adventure. I look forward to the college atmosphere and excitement of the game.
NCSA: Why did you get involved in basketball?
Osinski: I have played sports all my life. By the time I was in the 7th grade I had wrestled competitively, played t-ball to majors and All Stars Little League baseball, soccer (both indoor and outdoor), and had been playing basketball since I was 5. I enjoyed all of them, but basketball became my favorite. Since choosing to focus on basketball in 7th grade I have played basketball year-round, playing for the school during the season and AAU Teams in the off-season.
NCSA: Tell us about your interactions with college coaches so far.
Osinski: So far my communication with colleges has been great and I haven’t even started my junior year of High School basketball. While I’ve contacted or heard from many colleges, I am already in frequent/regular communication with 10 different schools. Even though it is only interest at this point, I am excited about the possibilities ahead. I have received many letters, e-mails, and a few phone calls from college coaches around the country. Also, I have gone on two unofficial visits. Those were great experiences. One in particular was really exciting. At a meeting with one coach we discussed the game and different types of plays for almost an hour. I felt honored that the coach would spend that much time with a prospect. I was invited to meet the team at practice and shoot a few baskets. The guys on the team were inviting and polite. I felt really proud. I have been surprised with how far away some of the colleges are that have shown an interest (From New York to California). I can’t imagine this would be the case without NCSA.
NCSA: How is your team doing so far?
Osinski: This season is just about to begin. My teammates and I have played in off-season tournaments and a fall pre-season league. I believe we are looking better than the past two years. We have a good combination of fast point-guards and tall posts and forwards with some outside shooters. I have improved a great deal since my sophomore year. Playing with an AAU Team (Total Package from Bremerton, Wa.) in the off-season has been key. Through Total Package I had the opportunity to play in the Reebok Summer Classic in Las Vegas. That was a great experience. Even though I wasn’t the top scorer I gained confidence and experience on the court that helped me improve my game. Plus, I have spent a lot of time working on my own to improve my ball handling and my outside shot. You know, perfecting that nice little jumper that is difficult to block against.
NCSA: What are your goals – athletically, academically and in your community – for the rest of the school year?
Osinski: My goals are simple. I need to keep above a 3.0gpa, hopefully higher and shoot 75% on the court. At school I have joined The Future Business Leaders of America. I have enjoyed the meetings and activities, some of which involve different community interactions. Recently, I staffed a voting location in Seattle for the November 4th General Election. I also volunteer at a local library and attend church. I keep myself busy non-stop. I hope to provide a college with a well-rounded student-athlete. Next summer I’d like to compete in challenging tournaments, visit more colleges and continue to build positive relationships with the coaches at schools I’d like to play ball for.
NCSA: Tell us about what you’ve learned since being with NCSA.
Osinski: I have always planned on going to college, but didn’t realize playing sports at a collegiate level was really a possibility. I couldn’t imagine how anyone was going to know who I am or what I can do? I really wasn’t sure how that was going to happen. I attended a presentation at my high school and shortly thereafter I discussed it with my parents. We set up a phone conference with a NCSA recruiter. Based on our discussion the recruiter believed that I was good candidate for the program. Then it all started. No kidding. NCSA walked us through the NCSA plan. When I first began working with NCSA I was very nervous and intimidated. It didn’t seem real. How was this going to be possible? The plan works. My information was sent out to colleges. Some colleges sent e-mails or letters of interest. I completed the on-line athlete forms for some schools. The coaches logged on to the NCSA webpage, looked at my information, and contacted me. Wow, it’s working. Now I am communicating with several coaches. I am very excited as I continue the process. I am more motivated now than ever to prepare myself for the future ahead.
