Noah Hartsock on Basketball

Where would you be without basketball?

I’d probably just be another tall person, probably a bowler or something. It’d probably change my life quite a bit. The reason I was able to go to college was because I got a full-ride scholarship. It helped me grow up as a person and helped my confidence. I think without basketball I’d be a totally different person.

Why basketball?

I remember playing all the time when I was a kid. When I was in fifth and sixth grade, I remember going out and shooting for a couple of hours every day. Sometimes I’d skip dinner because I just love shooting and love playing.

Why do you love basketball?

I really have a passion for it. I love going out there, competing with people and playing games. As a kid I always wore shorts under everything I wore just in case there was a game going on that I could play in.

Best family basketball memory?

I’d say this last (NCAA) tournament in Okalhoma City. My whole family was able to come out and watch. It was great seeing them in the stands. I’d look over at them sometimes after we’d make a great play or after the Florida win. They were really excited, jumping up and down. I thought it was a special time we could share as a family.

Any advice for young players?

You’ve got to work hard everyday. You’ve got to practice, shoot, work hard on all the different skills. It comes with time. It took me a lot of years to get where I’m at. Just having a determination and love for it and working hard at it.