Greg Osawe Commits to the Ryerson Rams
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TORONTO, ON–Transition and adaptation are two elements in life and basketball that are often overlooked. Former Sheridan Bruin, Greg Osawe has often had to encounter these essential experiences, with the current one he is facing as he transitions from the CCAA to the CIS. As of July 27th, Osawe officially committed to the Ryerson Rams where he will be joining two new additions in Aaron Best and Nem Stankovic in the 2011-2012 campaign.
His summer practices with the Rams have proven to continuously elevate his game, which is easily noticable in his summer league performances at UTM Men’s league, where many former and current CIS players reunite on the hardwood. Osawe mentioned that the biggest challenge he faces is tuning up his body and mind to play a more controlled game. The 6’3 guard states, “University level ball is more like a chess game, whereas the OCAA (Ontario College Athletic Association) more athleticism was used to get by your man one-on-one. Now, almost every possession is based off a play, less dribbling and a lot more teamwork.”
Osawe is well aware of his surroundings and is very comfortable on the court in a team oriented game. His athleticism and explosiveness can attribute greatly to the Rams offense, as his ability to get to the rack is one of his strong suits. These same characteristics are beneficial on the defensive end as well, where he will frustrate his opponents with his active presence and quick hands. As a Bruin, Osawe accumulated points off of his steals regularly and this is something that he will continue to do in the OUA (Ontario University Athletics).
Although the CIS is a controlled brand of basketball, this does not mean that Osawe needs to hinder his athleticism; rather, this is where better decision making comes into play. Getting the urge out of his system to put on the jets and get on the OCAA mode is currently being filtered, however traces of it will stay with Osawe and will prove to be valuable to his stock as a player, and to his team.
This versatile talent had an offer from Laurentian University where he attended a training combine and worked very hard to acquire attention from Coach Shawn Swords, also a junior national team assistant. In the end, Osawe chose Ryerson for multiple reasons including the convenience of being close to home, the rising basketball program and for his academics in studying social work. Another motivating factor that aided in his decision to become a Ram is the coaching staff and tenacity of fellow teammates such as freshman, Aaron Best.
“It’s tremendous, I’m living and learning each day about life, myself and basketball in general. When you can do those things and do what you love, go to school and get an education, there’s no flaw in that. I’m having fun and I’m happy. I don’t like waking up early everyday but I have to, in order to put the work in”.
Rams’ Coach Roy Rana has got himself one heck of a recruiting class that NPH will be keeping close tabs on in the upcoming 2011-2012 season.
PHOTO COURTESY: SHERIDAN ATHLETICS
