A different pace and style in Israeli basketball
Josh Owens made his return to Israel this season with Hapoel Jerusalem after playing with Hapoel Tel Aviv four years ago. The big man has been a force inside for the Reds so far this season and has owned the paint both on the offensive and defensive sides of the floor. From his vicious slam dunks and tremendous blocked shots to his tenacious rebounds, Owens has been exactly what the doctor ordered for Coach Oded Katash. The Sports Rabbi had a chance to speak with Owens to shed some light on his career to date starting with his appearance in last season’s Turkish League Finals where he faced European powerhouse Fenerbahce.
“The feelings are double sided. At first you have the joy and elation of reaching the finals and accomplishing so much from a long and difficult season, but at the same time we ended up falling short. It feels good to get there but to get to that point and come up short is very painful. However, it was a learning experience and I learned a lot from the highs and lows.”
The New Hampshire native’s parents and family were not only his role models, but were very influential in his development. “I always thank my parents for the amazing job that they did with me. My siblings, my older brother and sister were always huge role models for me. But basketball-wise, my favorite player growing up was Kevin Garnett. Mostly, it was family. My family is very important to me and I am very blessed to have them in my life.”
Owens continued discussing “KG.” “I started watching Garnett when he was with the Timberwolves. The thing that stuck out about Kevin was the heart he played with. Obviously he was very talented and an amazing player, but the passion and heart that he played with was something that always stuck with me.”
The Stanford University graduate had the opportunity to play with a number of future NBA players and was also coached by a former NBA star. “I was so happy that I had the opportunity to attend Stanford. I was playing with the Lopez twins. Brook and Robin and I had never been in a situation where I was playing with two seven-footers in practice, going against them every day. As a freshman I wasn’t nearly as physically developed as these guys, but it was great from a growth perspective.
LEARNING THE game from coach Johnny Dawkins was also such a blessing because he is incredibly smart and knows the game very well. So much of it is learning about being a good person off the court. I was able to learn so much more than just the game of basketball as he coached me to be a man.”
In Owens’s last year in college, he won the NIT Championship at Madison Square Garden in New York City. “It was a lot of fun, and I had a young group of guys that were following my leadership, because there were no other players on the team from my senior class. It was really special to be able to win my last career college game.”
Having played in Israel prior to joining Jerusalem is always an advantage, as Owens was able to learn a different type of game than he had been used to in college. “It wasn’t just my first year in Israel, it was also my first year overseas. That whole year was a learning experience. Learning the different pace of the game and learning a different style of play. For me it was a blessing. We had a great team, and although we didn’t have high expectations, we ended up going a lot further than we were expected to.”
Of course, almost every basketball player wants to reach the top level, the NBA, and Owens is no different as he continues to dream the dream. “That dream will never die. To want to compete at the top level and play with the best – that will always be there and drive me. In that pursuit, whatever opportunities come to reach that point, I’ll take. I don’t think that that dream will ever die.”
Jerusalem certainly has players and staff that know what it takes to win and that has made Owens feel right at home. “I think it’s all about professionalism and experience. We have coaches that know the game very well. They know how to teach the game and they have played the game at the highest levels. It’s great to know that they are dedicated and locked in to make sure that we have all the resources and information we need to be the best we can be as a team and as a unit. You definitely feel the dedication and investment in the air in order for this to be a special season.”
The writer, the Sports Rabbi, covers Israeli sports and organizes Israel Sports Adventures for tourists and residents. Follow him at sportsrabbi.com, on Twitter @thesportsrabbi or reach him at sportsrabbi9@gmail. com.