Athletic Communications intern Liam Anderson sat down with graduate student forward Josh Odunowo. Odunowo is currently fourth in the America East in field goal percentage (55 percent) and is averaging 16.0 ppg. over his last five contests.

You've had a standout start at UMBC, scoring a career-high 23 points against Boston University. How did it feel to achieve that milestone, and what contributed to your strong performance? 

It felt great. A bunch of hard work over the years of my career is just starting to show itself. It showed me that everyone's time is different, and no matter what happens, you have to be consistent in the gym regardless of your game results. 

You led the Ivy League in field goal percentage while at Columbia. How has that experience shaped your transition to UMBC, and what aspects of your game have you focused on improving this season? 

I would say that helped me because it showed me that I know what I'm good at, and I try to stick to that while also trying to expand and add different things to my game. I feel like I definitely try to focus on my ability to drive to the basket and create off my dribble, whether it's for a shot or a teammate or just being able to be a threat shooting. 

How do you prepare mentally and physically for games? Do you have any pregame rituals? 

I feel like I try to be as chill as possible mentally. I don't like to overthink it. Like it's some big game, I'm just going out there and playing basketball. I have a simple mindset, try to be calm, and not be too serious. Physically, I like to get in the cold and the hot tubs, you know, use the Normatec and get rubbed out by our trainer. That's been my routine and pregame routine. The only thing I do before the game is sit for a few minutes and listen to music. Don't dribble the ball or anything. I try to take in the moment because we are blessed to play every game and have the opportunity to be out there. After all, health is a blessing. I've been in a position where I couldn't play. So just being out there to play is a big thing. So I like to go out there and just take in the moment before every game. 

Coach Ferry described you as a great leader for the program. What does leadership mean to you on and off the court, and how do you embody that role? 

To me, leadership means just being able to bring people with you. Having a goal and something that you're trying to achieve and just being able to bring people with you, whether that's verbally or just leading them by example. I feel like that's what leading is for me—just being able to bring people with you, no matter where you're trying to go. 

Off the court, what are some of your interests or passions?

I like to watch a lot of movies and TV. Law and Order is a big thing for me. I love Law and Order. I like to play the game, too. I like to hang out with my friends, just chill, and just be by myself sometimes. So I can reflect on how my life's going, how my day is going, and stuff like that. 

Looking ahead, what are your personal and team goals for the rest of the season? Are there specific matchups or milestones you're particularly excited about? 

My personal goal for the rest of the season is to continue to play at the level I'm playing at. I feel like this is the best I've played in my career so far. I want to keep this level of play and increase it at the same time. And as a team, obviously, I want to win the American East Championship. That's the biggest thing for me. I've never been to the postseason in college basketball. That's probably my biggest goal winning the American East Championship. 

Balancing academics and athletics is not easy, especially at an Ivy League school and now as a graduate student. How have you managed this balance throughout your career? 

I would say time management is the biggest thing. Uh, I'm a bit of a procrastinator myself. So one thing that tries to help me is do it a little, each day, so when I procrastinate it's not the biggest thing. So being able to do a little bit of work at a time, even if it's not the most, is just being able to do something. So by the time I want to lock in, there's little to do. 

What role do you see basketball playing in your future after you graduate? 

It's going to shape my entire future. I do want to play professionally. That's my biggest goal, and I believe I will. When I'm done playing basketball, I want to work in basketball. Even if I can't work in the sport, I want to learn how to use the money I make with basketball to do something. Whether I start a business or something like that, basketball will significantly influence my future. 

Lastly..Why UMBC? 

The people, the people, great people, man. It's rare in college basketball to have a brotherhood, to have people who care about you and solely want the best for you and the team. And that's what it is like here. We have a bunch of good people who care about a goal. And it's harder to find that now with NIL and stuff. It's such a political landscape. So, I am here with many genuine people who care about my success and those around me. It's something I wouldn't trade for the world.