Thu Feb 09 2012
by Frank Aceto
Associate Sports Editor
When you're 6 feet, 7 inches tall, you might be the tallest guy on the floor during most high school basketball games.
As a result, such players probably get a number of shots from point-blank range.
On the collegiate level, however, those same players may have to spend more time on the perimeter.
Either way, Hudson 6-7 senior forward Josh Jonaitis appears to have all the bases covered.
Jonaitis recently signed a letter of intent to continue his academic and basketball careers at Seton Hill, a Division II program in Greensburg, Pa.
Jonaitis, who is considering pre-med courses, spends a number of time near the basket for the Explorers, who also include 6-7 senior forward Colin Geaney.
Jonaitis will most likely be asked to take more shots from the outside when he joins Seton Hill.
"I'll probably play a wing position," he said. "The coaches gave me a list of certain things to work on."
Jonaitis probably won't need too much work fine-tuning his game.
He already has the green light to take the perimeter shots normally reserved for guards.
"Josh is a very versatile player," Hudson third-year head coach Jeff Brink said. "He normally plays with his back to the basket, but he can shoot. He has good range."
Seton Hill plays in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
The team was 1-4 as of press time.
Jonaitis, however, isn't too concerned about his future team's current record. He's just happy about getting the chance to play on the next level.
"It takes a lot of stress away," Jonaitis said. "I thought about it [committing to a college team] all the time.
"Now that it's over, I'm looking to enjoy playing more," he added. "The season should be a lot more fun."
So far, so good.
After a 50-44 victory over host Medina Dec. 16, the Explorers moved to 3-0.
Jonaitis finished with eight points and a team-high 10 rebounds as Hudson used its significant height advantage against the Bees' long-distance shooters.
And with a player like Jonaitis on the roster, the wins should keep coming. The senior wouldn't settle for anything less.
"He's a great leader who supports his teammates," Brink said. "He's very passionate about the game. He's very competitive and he wants to win."
Jonaitis couldn't be happier with his situation.
He won't lose any more sleep about choosing a college and his team is playing on a high level.
Jonaitis also is grateful to his coach. Brink's tutelage and encouraging words have done wonders for the standout forward.
"He's the best coach I've ever known," Jonaitis said.
E-mail: faceto@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3914
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