Joshua Webster is a freshman guard on the UMSL men’s basketball team and a communication major.
By KEVIN SMITH
In his first season on the court at University of Missouri–St. Louis, Joshua Webster has already made an impact for the Tritons after redshirting last year. He is playing nearly 25 minutes per game and averaging more than seven points per game with a season-high of 19. Poised to help his team any way he can, Webster, a communication major, is excited for the rest of this year and his career here at UMSL.
Why did you choose to wear the number 11?
I chose number 11 because it is my favorite number. I wore it in high school, and one of my favorite players John Wall wore it in college also.
How do you think redshirting last season has affected you as a player, on and off the court?
I believe on the court it has affected me greatly. I was able to put the time and work in to get better. I spent a lot of time on the court working on becoming a better overall player and I spent a lot of time in the weight room and was able to get a lot stronger. I was also able to get a feel for the type of pace college basketball is played at this level, especially in the GLVC, which is one of the best DII conferences. Off the court it has helped a lot too because I was able adapt and get used to the college lifestyle.
For you, what has been the biggest change from high school basketball to college?
The pace of the college basketball is much faster than high school especially with a shot clock. In Missouri, high school basketball doesn’t have a shot clock so I had to get used to that.
Do you have a pre-game ritual?
I normally listen to the same playlist before every game, and I also take a 30-minute nap before each game.
What are some personal goals you have set for yourself for this season?
My goal is just help my team any and every way possible to win and also become conference champions and also be national champions. That’s our main goal but we have to take it one game at a time.
What are some drills during practice that you really enjoy or benefit from the most? Why?
A drill I really benefit from is a one-on-one full court drill that we do during practice. I like it because it gives us a chance to be competitive and I am able to work on my one-on-one skills and changing speeds, which is one of the things I want to improve in my game.
What major factors played a role in choosing UMSL?
What played a big role in me coming to UMSL was how comfortable the players and the coaching staff made me feel when I came on my visit. When I came here I really felt like UMSL was the best fit for me.
What has been some of the best advice you have gotten in your early career here at UMSL?
The best advice someone gave is to “Keep my work ethic up. Never get content or lazy just because things are going well. Just keep working hard and get better each and every day.” (Assistant Coach Rob Holloway)
Kevin Smith is a UMSL senior majoring in criminology and criminal justice. He’s also a pitcher on the UMSL baseball team and an athletics media intern.
