Everyday Champions - Josh Tarver
They're having fun.
There wasn't much fun last year for the Oregon State men's basketball team, but junior guard Josh Tarver from Portland's Jesuit High School says things are different this year, even if it's at 5 a.m. practices.
"We're smiling (at practice) because the coaches are making it a fun environment," Tarver said. "Nobody is complaining and everybody understands what it takes to compete in games and win. Everybody gets along and the team is excited about this season."
Tarver, along with younger brother Seth, are two of the most experienced players on the team and first-year head coach Craig Robinson is counting on them for leadership to help rebuild the program.
"We are a lot better than last year," Josh said confidently. "We are more disciplined; we have a stronger work ethic - I think we have a better team overall."
Discipline is not a problem for Josh and Seth, who come from an athletic family that also includes brothers Shon (a former standout guard at UCLA), Zach (former OSU football player, now at Portland State) and sister Taryn (track star at Oregon). Their mother Jean was quick to point out the importance of academics.
"My mom always stressed that school comes first," Josh said.
The entire Tarver family, including father John (played in the NFL) have earned college scholarships, and for Josh's siblings it was important to do so.
"There is no way my parents would have been able to pay for our college education," Josh said. "I'm grateful for the generosity of the donors (Beaver Athletic Student Fund) to make earning a college education a reality."
Josh and his teammates are hoping the donors and fans who make up "Beaver Nation" return to legendary Gill Coliseum this year to see the team and for a glimpse at the future. After all, if they are having fun again on the court, it will likely be an enjoyable experience for you as a fan.
More with Josh Tarver
Q. What has Coach (Craig) Robinson brought to the program?
A. A new sense of work ethic overall. I think we are better on and off the court as well. The team is pretty excited about everything.
Q. What was your first impression of him when he met with you the initial time?
A. My impression was thinking Coach Robinson was Barack Obama's brother-in-law. I had heard he was a hard-nosed coach for defense and I thought he was going to be a tough guy - and - I guess I was right he is a tough guy. He has a small margin for error.
Q. What has he asked this team to do off the court?
A. Coach Robinson made a point to tell us to be respectful off the court. He expects us to work as hard in the classroom as we do on the court. He cares about us as people not just basketball players.
Q. On the court, what will fans see from an offensive and defensive standpoint?
A. On offense a lot of patience, cutting, screening hard and definitely better shooting. On defense we are up in people's faces and not backing down. We try to make opposing offenses make mistakes.
Q. What has he specifically asked you to do?
A. Coach Robinson has asked me to run the offense. He wants me to shoot more than I have in the past, but also shoot with more accuracy. Basically, he wants me to lead the team and help others on the floor.
Q. Where has your game changed the most from your freshman season to now?
A. I've become tougher. This year I will shoot better than I have because I will have more open shots, but I also expect to drive to the basket more. I will be better at creating open shots for others as well.
Q. What did you personally want to improve at coming into this year?
A. My shooting definitely. I haven't shot too well the last two years, but I know I can shoot. It's a matter of gaining some confidence. The coaching staff knows I can shoot, so it's a big goal for me to improve that percentage this year.
Q. Are you and your younger brother Seth close off the court?
A. We are very competitive. We are only 18 months apart. We have a lot of the same friends. Growing up we played a lot of one-on-one basketball and there were times we couldn't even finish the game because we would get into an argument or fight.
Q. How important is it for you to earn a college degree?
A. It's very important. Everybody in my family has a degree; most people can't say that. It would be a big failure if I didn't complete my degree requirements. My mom told me when I was little that I needed to get my degree. She's worked very hard for us to have what we have and to have a good life. She always told me if you want to get far in life you have to work hard in the classroom.
Q. You are majoring in communications, what do you hope to do with your degree?
A. I'm not sure exactly, but I would like to stay in sports. I'd like to play professional basketball somewhere after college.
Q. Why should "Beaver Nation" come out and see the team play this season?
A. We are a lot different from last year. We are better on defense and we run an offense that will help us get a lot more shots. I think our fans will see some exciting dunks and plays, things they haven't seen in a while. People should definitely come out and watch us.
