Ben Oosterbaan
senior
Hinsdale
What are you most excited about going into your final basketball season?
We have a lot of offensive talent. We just need to string everything together. We want to realize our maximum potential as a team. Most of us have been playing together since we were little kids. We really want to win conference this year and make a little playoff run.
What do you enjoy about the sport?
I like that the hardest workers seem to get the most success on the court. If we have a really good week of going hard at practice, we have more success in games. Hard work translates directly and quickly onto the courts. It's awesome to see.
How would your teammates describe you?
As pretty intense and hardworking. I always like to have fun, too, though, hanging out off the court. But during practice I really like to get to work and focus and do my best to be a good leader.
What advice helps guide your play?
My grandpa and my dad always tell me, "Let the game come to you." I try to play into the flow of the game, whether it's making a pass to a teammate or taking a shot.
Any special talents?
I can do a backflip from standing.
How did it feel to sign to play baseball at the University of Michigan?
It was really humbling, but it was awesome. That was my goal my whole life was to play a sport at Michigan. My brother goes there and my uncle played basketball there.
Where might we find you in 10 years?
My hope is to be a professional baseball pitcher.
What's on your Christmas wish list?
A couple pairs of basketball shoes and a pair of walk-around shoes. I go through shoes so quickly, and sometimes I've been stuck wearing a pair of shoes I didn't like in a game.
Why does coach Nick Latorre like having Ben on the squad?
Ben has been a tremendous leader in our program for the past four years. In addition to his basketball skills, Ben has a tremendous attitude, works exceptionally hard and is a great role-model. He is extremely coachable, is a great student, is very respectful and is loved by his teammates.
- profile by Ken Knutson, photo by Jim Slonoff
