Catching Up with Denzell Hosch
If you were an avid high school basketball fan in the Shelby (NC) area back in 2010, you probably remember the name of then Shelby HS basketball star, Denzell Hosch. He currently is a freshman guard that competes for the University of North Georgia after doing several years of service in the Army. He’s currently averaging over 10 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists and has buried 12 triples through 5 games.
Denzell HoschAs a high school senior, he led his Shelby Golden Lions team to a 19-5 record while averaging 21 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals per contest. He would then go on to graduate from high school and join the Amy, eventually catching on to Fort Hood Post basketball team.
During his time in the Army, he eventually would make the All-Army Basketball Team where he would be granted the opportunity to compete playing basketball against other military branches and some collegiate teams as well. After having much success against several colleges and winning the National Military Championship, he began to attract interest and offers from several collegiate programs, eventually committing to play at the University of North Georgia.
We recently caught up with Denzell to see how things are going, ask him what it was like taking an unconventional route to eventually play collegiate ball and to see what advice he has for kids that aspire to play collegiate basketball. Read all about it below in this interview.
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PrepHoopsNC: First things first, how are things going so far at North Georgia?
Hosch: Things are going good here at North Georgia. I could be playing a little better, being though it’s just my freshman year and 5 games into the season, things are going pretty good.
PrepHoopsNC: How exactly did you end up at North Georgia? (In detail)
Hosch: I ended up at North Georgia because when I was in the military, I played for Fort Hood Post Basketball Team. We ended up winning the National Military Tournament. I got selected to try out for the All-Army team out of about 20 people and made the cut. The roster from there was cut to 12 and we actually had a game against North Georgia where I scored the ball really well. They offered me that night once they knew I had 4 years of eligibility and it led to a lot more looks, playing with the Army Team.
PrepHoopsNC: Was it hard initially out of HS to decide between the service or college?
Hosch: It was kind of hard choosing to join the service because everyone has a dream to go and play college basketball. However, it was a family tradition to join the Army ever since my great-grandfather on my dad’s side was in the Army. However, playing college basketball was a big dream of mine. I felt there wasn’t a better time to do it and things have worked out for me to be here.
PrepHoopsNC: When did you realize you would eventually be able to play collegiately?
Hosch: I realized I’d be able to play college ball when we (the All-Army Team) started playing against college programs and they begin offering me after games. I even remember going down to Florida State, playing in their facilities and several teams just saw me and expressed their interest.
PrepHoopsNC: What drove you to commit to North Georgia?
Hosch: North Georgia coaches always stayed committed in pursuing me. It showed me that they were loyal. Even after I initially told them I may be going to another program, they made it clear that if things didn’t work out that I would still have a home here. When things didn’t work out, we talked again and I asked for the paperwork. He sent it to me and I filled out the paperwork the same day.
PrepHoopsNC: You didn’t come to college straight out of high school. What is some advice you would give to kids that feel like basketball is their only ticket out?
Hosch: The advice I would give to kids is to let them know that there is much more to life than just playing basketball. I went to the Army with the mindset of being in for 20 years. Everyone is not going to make it to the NBA. That’s not even a goal of mine, but I am getting a free degree which is something kids could do as well by staying in the books.
I’ll also say that the Army matured me a lot. My mindset is so much different than it would have been had I come to North Georgia straight out of high school. I wouldn’t have been as mature as I am now. Back then (in high school), being on time wasn’t key to me. It’s just one of the things that the army instilled in me.
PrepHoopsNC: What are your expectations for college and after the college experience?
Hosch: I would definitely say the main thing for me is getting my degree and applying it to my life after the college experience is over.