Student-Athlete Spotlight: Joe Saker
Sport: Men's Basketball
Year: Senior (C'16)
Position: Guard
Hometown/High School: Freehold, N.J./Christian Brothers AcademyMajor: Business Studies
Concentration: Management Why did you choose Drew University?
I chose to come to Drew University after I had been recruited to play basketball here by Coach Keckler and former Assistant Coach Nevolo. My neighbor and long-time friend Pat Mullin’s older brother Gerard had played basketball here at Drew for Coach Keckler and he told me nothing but good things about the University. After visiting, I knew that Drew would be a great fit for me and I’m happy with my decision to come here.
Why did you choose your major and what is your favorite course?
I chose to major in Business Studies because I plan to help manage a family business upon graduation. My favorite course would have to be Management with Professor Kohn. The course is structured around creating groups to make management decisions for hypothetical firms. Professor Kohn always makes the class interesting and fun.
What is your most memorable moment as a Ranger?
My most memorable moment as a Ranger would have to be scoring my first basket in a game against FDU my sophomore year. After not seeing time my freshmen year, the feeling of finally scoring in my first college game was awesome and I’ll never forget it.
How has being an athlete helped you as a student and in the classroom?
Being an athlete has definitely benefitted me in the classroom because I know I can always ask my teammates for help when I’m struggling in a particular class. Thankfully, throughout my time here I’ve been blessed to play with a lot of genuinely nice teammates who have always helped me through confusing subjects and assignments.
What is the most difficult part of your sport?
The most difficult part of basketball would have to be the pace of the game. On top of running back and forth, players need to constantly be thinking of what to do with and without the ball in order to defend their basket or score on their opponent. Basketball’s challenging, but that’s what it makes it a fun sport to play.
Why do you wear your jersey number?
At first I didn’t choose my number, 23, but after wearing the number I enjoyed it because of the rich history that comes along with it. So many legends like Michael Jordan and Lebron James have worn the number 23 so I’m constantly reminded to play as hard as I can when I show up for both practices and games.
What advice do you have for a prospective Drew University student-athlete?
The best advice I have for a prospective Ranger would be to attend as many events as you can and to be involved in the program as much as possible. There are a lot of really great people that work for this athletic department and involving yourself really makes you embody the family-style privilege Drew student-athletes are thankful to have.
Why is community service important to your role as a student-athlete at Drew?
By becoming a student-athlete at Drew, whether you like it or not, you’re becoming a role model for the community. Drew University has a great reputation in the town of Madison, New Jersey and giving back in any way is the least we could do to help the people around us.
Name one obstacle or form of adversity you have had to overcome…
One obstacle I’ve had to overcome is losing my grandmother. My grandmother and I were very close so it was difficult to deal with and I had to take some time away from basketball. The coaching staff and my teammates were extremely supportive and helped me get through a difficult obstacle in my life, I’m very thankful for that.
Rapid Fire:
Color? Blue
Food? Chickens
Restaurant? Teak
Movie? Wedding Crashers
TV Show? Entourage
Musical Artist? David Bryan
Athlete? Brandon Roy
Pro Team? Trail Blazers, Rangers, Giants, Yankees
Hobbies? Traveling
Most Prized Possession? My car
Biggest Fear? Spiders, can’t stand them
