Joseph Fernandez '22 Recruiting Profile

Since I picked up a basketball at age 7, I fell in love with the sport. My dad took me to the park and taught me the correct form to shot, rebound, pass, dribble and defend. He said then and still says today, “Proper technique, basketball IQ, and my heart will separate me from my competitors who are bigger, stronger and more athletic.” This is my motto.

I am so ready and excited for high school basketball. I will work hard everyday through my four years to improve my skills so when I begin my college basketball years I will be a great teammate and a vital contributor to bringing a championship to our school. The coach will find me to be a good listener, respectful and dedicated to carry out his or her’s game plan.

I also know the importance of being a good student academically. I will work hard to maintain good grades. As my dad says, “Don’t let your good mind go to waste for there will be life after basketball and you must be ready for that.” I will be ready for that. 

My goal after graduating college is to continue playing basketball in a professional level, whether it’s the NBA, Europe, China, etc. My dream is to build a financial foundation through the sport I love, so when I leave the game I will work at a career of my choosing. I also, God willing, will be financially comfortable to give my future family a happy and easy life. I am motivated and committed to achieving my dream.

Febuary 19, 2021 

The Covid Virus hit me harder than any hardship I suffered in my life relating to basketball. Last year I was the only sophomore to make the varsity high school team. The team was mostly seniors, four juniors and me. I hardly played any games except for some garbage time at the end of games. It was frustrating but I practiced hard and at the end of the year my coach told me I will be a starter next year. I got very excited and planned to practice hard in the spring, summer and fall to prepare for next year. 

Then the virus hit. It hit us especially hard in my community, Nassau County, Long Island. They closed all parks and gyms. My dad bought me a bench press and weights for me to workout. So I regrouped and workout hard to gain strength, researched nutrition to eat better and shoot hoops in my driveway. My hope was that in the fall the virus will be gone and we can have a great basketball season.  

But when fall 2020 came Nassau County announced high school basketball season will be canceled. I was devastated and discouraged. I felt like my

practice hard in the spring, summer and fall to prepare for next year. 

Then the virus hit. It hit us especially hard in my community, Nassau County, Long Island. They closed all parks and gyms. My dad bought me a bench press and weights for me to workout. So I regrouped and workout hard to gain strength, researched nutrition to eat better and shoot hoops in my driveway. My hope was that in the fall the virus will be gone and we can have a great basketball season.  

But when fall 2020 came Nassau County announced high school basketball season will be canceled. I was devastated and discouraged. I felt like my 

Wow, that number 3 is going to be tough but heck I’m playing basketball, so definitely yes!

When February 1 came we got four days of practice before our first game. Everyone on the team was out of shape. It took a while for me to get my basketball legs and my shot back, especially playing with a mask on. Not only that but because our team is filled with shorter players and our 6’5” big man came into the season in terrible shape, the coach is playing me as a power forward. I’m a 6’1 natural shooting guard player, but hey anything to help the team win.

We’re now four games into our eight game schedule and each game I could feel my stamina growing and my confidence coming back. I just hope that 

Wow, that number 3 is going to be tough but heck I’m playing basketball, so definitely yes!

When February 1 came we got four days of practice before our first game. Everyone on the team was out of shape. It took a while for me to get my basketball legs and my shot back, especially playing with a mask on. Not only that but because our team is filled with shorter players and our 6’5” big man came into the season in terrible shape, the coach is playing me as a power forward. I’m a 6’1 natural shooting guard player, but hey anything to help the team win.

 you coaches could give us Nassau County kids a chance. Next year I’ll be a senior and I’ll be ready to show you what I got!