The Basketball Interview with Josiah Strong
Champlin Park guard Josiah Strong is the man taking the Rebel program into the next season after such success. Strong seems like a guy that can certainly handle the responsibility. Today he talked to Prep Hoops for The Basketball Interview.
At your school, what is your favorite part or parts about game days in terms of the routine leading up to the game?
JS: I would say my favorite parts about game day is a bus ride back after a big away game or the hours before the game when we spend time as a team.
What makes your crowd unique? What is a memorable thing that they’ve done that you will always remember?
JS: Our crowd is very unique, because the past 3-4 years our home and away attendance has been through the roof. Also the student section Cp 6th Man is always big, especially in big games! One memorable thing I’ve done that I’ll always remember was against Wayzata in the state semis when me and Brian smith hit 4 or 5 threes at the end of the game to seal it.
Who is the toughest player you can recall playing against in Minnesota basketball and why?
JS: The toughest player I have played against in Minnesota basketball is probably Amir Coffey, because he was such a mismatch for us. At my position either Brad Davison because he was so smart and skilled.
Who is your biggest rival and what about them makes the rivalry both heated and memorable?
JS: Our biggest rival for high school would be Park Center. Every year everyone on the team knows each other and talks a lot of smack everyday leading up to when we play them. Also it makes it even more of a rivalry, because they are in our section and we have to beat them to go to state usually. For me personally the rivalry goes even to a deeper level, because one of my best friends Jarius since we were little have played AAU with each other and then against each other in regular season. This year should be really interesting since we both think our teams will be good and might end up guarding each other.
Who is your favorite basketball player in the world and why?
JS: My favorite basketball player in Kyrie Irving. I think he is the best scorer at the point guard position in the NBA, and I like him so much because he genuinely thinks he’s the best and that no one can guard him. Also the way he plays backs it up.
All basketball players love gear. What brand of gear or type of gear are you partial to?
JS: I like any gear I get pretty much, but usually if I purchase it myself I’ll go with Nike and sometimes sprinkle in Adidas, UA, and Jordan.
What is your favorite venue to play basketball in that you’ve played in?
JS: I would have to say Target Center during the state championship the atmosphere was amazing
What court that you haven’t played on would you dream of playing on?
JS: A court that I would love to play on is Madison Square Garden. It is so historic and so many greats have played there and had amazing performances, so one day I hope I get that opportunity
Explain the relationship varsity players have at your school with youth players?
JS: The relationship between the varsity team and the youth in our community is amazing. We often help out with running kids camps, sign autographs after games, and even help out at practices for the local traveling teams. It always nice to keep inspiring the younger kids, which hopefully will lead them to fill our shoes and keep the program strong.
Best coaching advice you’ve received is what and who was it from?
JS: I have recieved amazing coaching advice from many great coaches, but the best advice I have received is from my father. He told me “Don’t ever play for anyone else other than the God who gave you the gift to play”. I still go by this today along with many other words of advice from coaches.
Who is your basketball influence?
JS: There was never really one particular person who influenced me to play, but when I was little my parents bought me a ball and a little tikes hoop and then I’ve loved it ever since. Jonathan Williams and DJ Phillips both influence my game a lot skill and mental wise. Some of the guys who have made it to college that I’m close with like Kin, Theo, JT, Marty, Jerm, etc. keep influencing me to keep working and setting my goals high.