Choosing the right sneaker can make all the difference in a basketball player’s game. If the player doesn’t feel comfortable or right in those shoes, how can that player be expected to play at his or her best.
The same goes for choosing a university to play with. All the right aspects need to line up for a successful union. It has to be the right situation, right teammates and right coaching staff.
For NSU sophomore basketball star Chris Page, this was the case. He needed to find the right situation for him to maximize his basketball potential. Page, a psychology major, was born in Indianapolis, and went to Plainfield High School in Plainfield, Ind. There, he was a three-year starter before graduating and enrolling at the University of Albany. Page played for Albany for two years, redshirting his freshman year, before transferring to NSU for the 2013-2014 season.
“I got minimum playing time my true freshman year [at Albany] and I decided to transfer and I chose NSU,” said Page. “It came down to playing style and opportunity to play, which is what I was looking for mainly. Obviously the great weather down here helped a little bit and it’s an up-and-coming program. We got a chance to start something special here at this school.”
Page’s first year with the Sharks had its ups and downs. It took time for the team to get together and really develop chemistry on the court.
“I would say it was a little bit of a success. We did better this year than last year overall. We got a [Sunshine State Conference] tournament win,” Page said. “We had a lot of injuries and I feel like if we didn’t have all those setbacks we could have done a lot better than what we did.”
With the core group of players returning next year, the team’s chemistry will be much improved and this will reflect on the court.
“Next year, I have big expectations. We should finish a lot better than this year and make the NCAA tournament,” said Page. “That’s our number one goal.”
After each season ends, players take some time off to heal and regroup before getting back to work on their games. Some players take longer time periods off than others but some, like Page and the Sharks, like to get back into the game as soon as possible. They are looking to constantly improve their games and don’t have the patience to wait longer.
“After our loss to Eckerd [College], I took that weekend off. That next Monday, I got back into the weight room and started lifting, working out and getting some shots up with the rest of the team. We’ve played pick-up a couple times since then and started regular workouts with the team,” said Page. “We have been doing voluntary lifts on our own.”
I got the chance to sit down with Page to ask him some questions to get to know the star basketball player a little better.
What has been your most memorable moment playing basketball?
“I went to nationals a lot and played in a lot of big Amateur Athletic Union tournaments. It was cool getting to travel around. Winning the American East Championship last year at Albany. Playing in the NCAA tournament for Division I was pretty special. And this year here [at NSU] has been one of my most favorite years playing. We beat a Division I team, Florida International University. It was just a great year; it was a lot of fun.”
How would you describe yourself as a player?
“Athletic guard who can score in a lot of different ways and is active on defense.”
What would you consider your strengths?
“Driving to the basket and creating shots for myself and passing to my teammates. I draw in the defense when I drive in, and I’m able to kick it out to all our great shooters we have on the team.”
Weaknesses?
“I’m going to have to get bigger and stronger like everyone else. A lot of the guys played heavy minutes, and if we were in a little bit better condition, it would have helped.”
Who is your favorite athlete?
“Michael Jordan. But as far as someone playing right now, Kobe [Bryant]. I’ve always looked up to him.”
What is your favorite sports team?
“Indiana Pacers. I got to go for the hometown team”
What is your favorite food?
“Chinese food. Orange chicken.”
If you could play another sport at NSU, what would it be?
“Probably baseball. I played baseball all the way through my junior year in high school. I loved pitching.”
If you could play one-on-one with anyone, who would it be?
“Either Larry Bird or ‘Pistol Pete’ Maravich. I enjoyed watching Pistol Pete’s old tapes. He was my dad’s favorite player.”
Have you ever dunked on anyone?
“Never in a game, just in practice once.”
Do you have any rituals or superstitions?
“I put on my shoes on the same way. Like right sock, left sock, right ankle brace, left ankle brace, right shoe, left shoe. But other than that, just a little prayer before the game.”
What are looking to do after graduation?
“I’m going to try and play overseas a little bit. See if I can make it. Playing pro basketball has always been my dream. After that I’m going to come back and try to become a college coach somewhere. That’s something I’ve been thinking about lately. Or go to graduate school.
What is your favorite movie?
“Hoosiers.”
If there was a movie about you, who would play you in the movie?
“Zac Efron has played in some basketball movies, but maybe Leonardo DiCaprio.”
