SAN JOSE, Calif. - Redshirt freshman Josh O'Garro is looking to make a major impact in his first season with San Jose State men's basketball. The 6-foot-6 forward joined the Spartans in the offseason after one season at the University of Oklahoma, and is one of five power five transfers that joined Tim Miles' program for the 2021-22 campaign.
A native of the Cayman Islands, O'Garro moved to the United States in 2016, settling in Santa Clarita, Calif. where he attended Santa Clarita Christian High. His time in SoCal proved to be fruitful as he dominated at the high school level and quickly shot up the recruiting boards. By the time his high school career was under wraps, O'Garro was rated as a four-star prospect, the No. 132 player overall regardless of position and the No. 14-ranked player in the state of California. He was a second team All-CIF Southern Section selection as a sophomore after averaging 13.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. He saw a big productivity bump as a junior as he boosted all averages up to 17.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.4 steals per game en route to earning first team all-state and All-CIF Southern Section honors.
O'Garro signed with the Oklahoma Sooners after high school and spent one season in Norman where he appeared in a pair of games. Now, looking for a fresh start, he brings his talents to the South Bay and is looking make that big impact sooner rather than later. Read on to learn more about Josh in today's Meet The Spartans Feature.
What made you want to come to San Jose State?
"Really, it was the coaching staff. They believe in what I can do with my talents, for sure, so that was a big reason why I decided I should come."
How has your time in San Jose been so far?
"Great. Splendid. I have no complaints. I love the city, the coaches, the team - it's all great."
What's your favorite San Jose restaurant so far?
"I'll go with Iguana's. It's convenient, it's right there, and it never disappoints."
How has it been getting to know the coaches and your new teammates?
"It's been great. Everyone on the team is great. We all look out for one another on and off the court. Same with the coaching staff. They are a great staff and have a lot of energy. You really want to go to practice because of the energy they bring every day."
Is there a particular team on the schedule that you look forward to playing the most?
"I'm looking forward to playing Stanford, because they are in the Pac-12, and Texas, because they are in the Big IX. Also UNLV, because one of my friends plays for them, so I'm looking forward to that."
If you could play any other sport here at San Jose State, which would you choose?
"Soccer. I used to play on the national team in Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands). I was pretty decent. I go to the soccer matches here on the weekends. I enjoy watching them, and I miss playing it for sure."
How much of a transition has it been coming from the Cayman Islands to the United States?
"I left the Cayman Islands when I was 15. It's been a good transition. I do miss home though. I haven't been home in two years and some change because of like Covid and stuff. But it's been cool. When I first got here, I had to change how I spoke sometimes because apparently my accent was really strong, so I had to change it.
What are your team goals for 2021-22?
"We're here to win. That's unspoken. We all know how it is - we want to win and go to the tournament. I think everyone here on this team has aspirations to play pro, so if you have a good season that gets you another step closer to that goal."
What is something most fans would be surprised to learn about you?
"My favorite movie is the Lion King and I can play the piano."