Golden Secondary School is nesting a future basketball star. 14 year old Saje Gosal spent the majority of his summer playing for the U14 Provincial Basketball team.
“I have been playing organized basketball since I was 5 with the Golden Basketball Association,” Gosal said, “but I played much earlier with a Little Tykes hoop in my back yard.”
The U-14 Provincial Basketball Team is sponsored by Basketball BC and is based out of Delta B.C. The team is not Gosal’s first summer basketball adventure.
Gosal said that he has been attending basketball camps in Calgary and the coast since the age of 9 and that the sport is his top priority.
“My future plans are to definitely go into something to do with basketball, whether it’s playing or going into scouting or broadcasting. I would be happy just doing what I love.”
Gosal is not only thinking of long term plans with basketball, he said that this year, he also plans on winning the East Kootenay banner with the GSS Eagles.
“[I also plan to] make the provincial team next year and go to nationals. I hope to get a scholarship to play college basketball.”
Gosal explained that provincial teams go from U14 to U17 although only U15 and U17 teams attend the nationals. Although U14 does not go to nationals, Gosal and his 11 team mates did travel to the United States for games.
A provincial team is no easy feat. Gosal was noticed by Basketball BC provincial team scouts and was chosen to tryout. It is no question that Gosal’s determination and never ending energy had a play in their decision to choose him as one of the twelve. The 14 year old said that the best experience of being on the team was “just practising day in and day out with all the great talented players and fantastic coaches. There was never a dull moment.”
This motivation and willingness to learn has been with Gosal since he was a child.
“I was originally motivated when I was younger by my dad playing and showing me great players like Michael Jordan. It showed me what a great thing basketball can be. Today I am motivated by the thought of walking into a packed gym with thousands of fans cheering you on.”
Gosal is now focusing his energy on his GSS Basketball team and keeping his edges sharp for next summer when he will have the opportunity to try out for the U15 provincial team.
“I had a great experience and want to thank my coaches as well as Basketball BC for the opportunity and all they did for me.”
