While the winter season for Oswego States men’s basketball has been canceled this year, sophomore Jeremiah Sparks is making sure he is ready for next season.
Sparks was an important piece in the Lakers’ success last season as the team went 19-8. Because of his efforts, he made the All-SUNYAC Third Team. He is confident the long hiatus in between seasons will not affect his play, as he practices everyday to hone his skills.
“I don’t think it’s going to affect it at all,” Sparks said. “I get outside, I dribble, I keep my skills intact as much as I can.”
He has his mind set on the future, preparing himself to improve on a successful freshman season.
Head coach Jason Leone said he expects Sparks to keep playing the way he has been. Leone added that Sparks had as good a freshman season as any other freshman he has had coaching at Oswego State. But, he knows that there are things Sparks still needs to work on to take his game to the next level.
“Like any freshman, he needs to matriculate into a role where he’s a great player. Now, I want him to become a championship-level player,” Leone said. “What I’d like to see him do is affect the game in a few more ways.”
Leone hopes that Sparks’ impact on the game will mature and grow stronger as he gets older and has more experience on the team.
Men’s basketball assistant coach Bill Farden said he believes that Sparks is an important player, not only on the court, but as an enthusiastic presence on the team.
“He’s a special player and a special guy. He comes to practice everyday with enthusiasm and spirit,” Farden said. “He’s a fun guy to be around.”
Farden said that Sparks is one of the most coachable players on the team.
Leone, Farden and Sparks himself look forward to seeing what he can do next season. Until then, he will improve in order to surpass his freshman season.
“The plan is going forward, he’s going to have an enhanced role,” Leone said. “We expect him to play more of a role, where he is going to have the ball in his hands.”
Photo from Nicole Hube | The Oswegonian
