Recruiting Update: Alex Jaczko (2019 Newberg HS)
The season almost got derailed for Newberg and Alex Jaczko. It was almost like a medical ward at times for the Tigers this year and the versatile 6-foot-5, 190-pound forward and his teammates and Jaczko himself fought through an injured…
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Continue ReadingThe season almost got derailed for Newberg and Alex Jaczko. It was almost like a medical ward at times for the Tigers this year and the versatile 6-foot-5, 190-pound forward and his teammates and Jaczko himself fought through an injured ankle. But the senior finished season strong and now assuming everything all checks out, he’s got his college destination settled as well.
“The injuries were obviously a big part of things and it had the chance to ruin everything,” Jaczko said. “But I think we ended the season really strongly and while it was disappointing to get an injury like that and for there to be injuries on the team, but in the end I’m really proud that we stuck together.”
Newberg entered the year with some fairly high expectations but at mid-year, the chance at making the post-season looked dim. But as Jaczko got healthy and was able to play, the Tigers ran off eight wins in a row and despite a loss to McMinnville in the regular season’s final game, Newberg qualified for the season. Playing hurt was definitely tough for Jaczko but looking back he sees it as a blessing for his game.
“I just got a lot better just being physically because that for awhile when I was playing injured I didn’t feel as athletic as I usually do,” Jaczko said. “So I had to get really good at using my body to get places and be really efficient with my movements, and I think that will really help me at the next level because you have to be efficient and not tire yourself out when you’re playing at a high level. I think overall I improved by developing a lot better shooting and better defense.”
Speaking of the next level, it appears that assuming the financial aid paperwork goes through, the senior forward appear to be heading south to play his college basketball. “Right now I’m leaning towards going to Cal Lutheran,” Jaczko said. “That’s the place where I want to be. Nothing’s official yet but I really liked my visit down there. It’s kind of a new coach and he really struck me as somebody who has a plan for the future and he said that I was somebody he really wanted there to build the program.”
“They run a system that I think I could fit in really well and it’s kind of similar to what we had at the high school level,” he continued. “And I feel really confident that it would be fun in a program that is building from the ground up and I’m excited.”
Jaczko noted that he should be hearing back from the financial aid office soon to make things official. He currently ranks as the #40 player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2019 rankings.