Jose Caba '24 Recruiting Profile

For my dad, ESPN is like cable news for other dads. Growing up around the nonstop highlight reels sparked an early interest in sports, especially basketball. As a child, I looked forward to my dad's return home and watching highlight reels with him before going to sleep. My childhood dream of having a professional basketball career was ignited by these highlight reels, and basketball quickly became my first passion. 

Though it started off as a childhood dream, I must admit that Basketball has helped shape me into the man I am today. Having been born and raised in Brooklyn, New York - I quickly discovered how easy it was for young children to gain access to drugs, and alcohol, and even partake in violent crimes. Oftentimes, I found myself losing friends due to not wanting to partake in that lifestyle. The feeling of loneliness slowly began to consume me. I began to distract myself in the only way I knew how - with Basketball. Though it didn’t ease the pain at first, it definitely distracted me from it. Basketball was my outlet, all the rage, sadness, and loneliness that I had bottled up inside of me was taken out on the court. 

Though Basketball started off as an outlet for my frustration and most suppressed emotions, I quickly figured out I had a knack for it. Discovering my gift, my dream of becoming a D1 player quickly formed. This dream took its first tangible step when I joined the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). Itt was in the AAU league that I learned the true essence of competition and the value of hard work. Every practice was an opportunity to improve, every game a chance to test my skills. Under the guidance of dedicated coaches and alongside passionate teammates, I honed my abilities, gradually transforming from an eager learner to a determined player.

Eventually, High School came around and with that came another opportunity to immerse myself in the sport. Being selected as a starter for the Northside Charter High School Varsity team was not just a validation of my abilities but also a testament to the countless hours of practice and dedication I had invested. Wearing that jersey with pride, I felt the weight of responsibility to my team and the thrill of chasing victory on the court.

Though I cherish the sport, and if it were up to me - I would never stop playing, I understand the importance of higher education. My parents, particularly my dad, emphasized the value of a well-rounded education. They instilled in me the belief that higher education was the foundation upon for a successful and bright future, both on and off the court. Therefore, I embraced my academics with the same vigor I displayed on the basketball court. I understood that being a student-athlete meant excelling in both realms, finding a balance between my passion for basketball and my dedication to my studies.

In the pursuit of my dreams, I am not just chasing the thrill of victory or the glory of the game. I am striving to become a well-rounded individual, equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the world. My love for basketball, nurtured by those cherished moments with my dad, has not only fueled my athletic ambitions but has also inspired me to embrace the power of education, ensuring that I am prepared not just for the game but for life's challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.