By Kostas Psimoulis

 

One more prospect coming off UK’s developmental system, Josh Steel, who currently sits at #31 spot in our ’97 ranking, talks to Eurohopes about his skills, his role at Barking Abbey, his future goals and more.

How was the Jordan Brand Classic Camp in Barcelona? Was it valuable experience?

It was my first real test against playing with people of my own age, because I had always played up above my age group in England. So this proved to me that even being from England I could compete with the other players. I really enjoyed the high level environment and learnt a lot of things from the coaches that I still practice now so it was definitely a extremely valuable experience.

You're another top European prospect coming from England. Do you think the level of basketball in UK is still improving?

For sure! There are a lot more academy programs in place, our national teams are improving and basketball is growing more popular in the country. So in years to come I believe the UK could be a very good basketball nation.

You're playing at Barking Abbey, can you tell me a few things about your role on the court? What does your coach demand for you on the games?

I feel that my role on the court is to dominate and score; shut down the best player on the other team and then when I play the point guard I need to get people involved as well. Also to be a leader and help push my teammates forward, so the team at a higher level. Every game my coach demands excellence from me at both ends of the floor, to make the right decisions that help our team to perform at its best so we can win.

Speak about your game, what are you bringing to the table as a basketball player? In which position you feel more comfortable of playing?

I believe as a player I'm very unselfish, but like to score the ball especially shooting threes and other kinds of pull ups. Defense is something I pride myself on, it’s me being competitive and not wanting the guy I'm playing against to look better than me. I’m quite athletic so running lanes in transition or making a cut to finish with a dunk is another way I like to score. Although I prefer to play at the SG and SF spots I enjoy setting my teammates up to get everyone involved, so playing the PG is almost a natural thing for me although I'm not quite as good as I would like to be in that position.

Which aspect of the game you feel that you need to improve on the most? Are you working on it throughout practices?

Pick N Roll is one of the main things I’m focusing on at the moment because it’s such a huge part of basketball globally, it’s used in every country and at least once in almost every offence so it’s important to be great at it. My pull up game is something I’m constantly trying to improve as it's my favourite move on the court and all the best players have a great mid range game, it makes you harder to guard. I’m always
working on these things and tweaking other parts of my game every day in practice, before practice and in other individual sessions so I can be better every day.

What are your personal goals and dreams for the future?

My short term goals are to help every summer England national team and in the next few years maybe be invited to the Nike Hoop Summit. My ultimate long term goals is to get a scholarship at a good Division 1 school in the States and then go on to a career in Euroleague or hopefully even the NBA.

How's recruiting going? Are you aware of any recruiting suitors?

I have recently had some interest shown in me from Division 1 colleges in the US. At the moment I’m looking to explore different avenues before I make my decision. I’m just looking for the right situation for my career, whether that means me going to play in Europe or going to college. I like the idea of both.

 

Twitter of the author: @Gus_bball

 

Photo: FIBA Europe / KSBiH