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When Putnam Science Academy coach Tom Espinosa was asked about incoming postgrad player Josh Rivera, the first thing he said was “perfect fit for our program culture.”
And by that he means someone who’s got something to prove, someone who understands that nothing is going to be given, that playing time is going to be earned through work.
“That was the first thing they said to me on the Zoom call,” said Rivera, a 6-foot, 7-inch, 215-pound wing who announced in mid-June his commitment to PSA for the fall. “I have to come in here and work for what I want. Honestly, this won’t be anything new for me. I’ve always had that challenge and been that underrated one. I’ve always had to work, so I play with a chip on my shoulder and I know that I have to work for everything. I love getting in the gym and putting in the work.”
Rivera, from New Jersey, is having a strong showing on the summer circuit, starring for the NY Jayhawks. He has terrific athleticism, which he uses to his advantage when he plays fast and gets in transition, turning heads with highlight-reel plays.
“But there is always room to improve on everything you do,” he said, “so I am trying to work on everything…ball-handling, 3-point shooting, all of it.”
Said Espinosa: “Josh is big, strong, and versatile, and we expect him to have a significant role this season. He already has a college body, so we just need to continue to improve his skill work to be ready for the next level.”
PSA was one of a handful of schools looking to add Rivera for next year. He said his decision was made once he visited and met with people face-to-face.
“I had a good relationship with coach Scraba even before the visit,” he said, “but they greeted me and made me feel welcome right from the start. I took a tour and I loved the campus. I went down to the weight room and saw all the pictures of the players who have been here before and I heard about their stories and the different paths they took. I thought that was really cool. Everyone I met with were all very nice. I felt like it was a great atmosphere at Putnam Science Academy. I’m excited to get back up there and get started.”
By Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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