(Jarrod West Citynet Statewide Sportsline interview)
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Just months after finishing up his five-year college career at Louisville, Notre Dame High School and Marshall University graduate Jarrod West began a globe-trotting year playing professional basketball overseas.
Over the last twelve months, West has played in New Zealand (NBL Giants), China (Fujian), Germany (Bayreuth) and Greece (Karditsas).
“It was a great experience overall, being overseas, seeing different parts of the world and experiencing different cultures. I was experiencing all different types of basketball in different levels of leagues,” West said.
“I am super-grateful for it and I am excited to go back.”
The Clarksburg native says his international adventure featured both highs and lows but he was grateful to start the tour in New Zealand.
“I got lucky going to New Zealand first because they are an English-speaking country. It wasn’t that massive culture shock right off the bat. I will say that when I went to China, I felt it for sure. It was definitely overwhelming. That was a very different experience with not much English being spoken. Real, authentic Chinese food that I was not used to, a quarantine that I had to do for 14 days by myself, that was a challenge for sure. But I am glad I got through that.”
West built a reputation as an elite perimeter defender. He remains Marshall’s all-time steals leader (254) by a wide margin.
“I think I attack the game with the same mindset. I think I am just a little bit better at it. I am stronger and mentally I am a lot better. My feel for the game and my IQ has grown.”
West concluded his college career by using an additional season of eligibility at Louisville.
In two weeks, West will be reunited with former Marshall teammates as Herd That competes in The Basketball Tournament. West Virginia Regional play in Wheeling opens on July 25. No. 4 Herd That will face No. 5 Zoo Crew in the opening round.
West says finally getting to play back in his home state will be special for several reasons.
“I am super-grateful and excited to be playing in front of my family, friends and all the people I know for the first time in a while. Reppin’ the Herd again is going to be a great time and it is going to be super-fun. I think we are going to get a really good crowd in Wheeling. And I think it is going to be super-competitive.”
Herd That owns an all-time record of 4-3 in the TBT. They advanced to the national quarterfinals in 2020 and won one game in each of the last two tournaments.
“Our expectation is to go and win this thing. They’ve obviously had a couple of good runs so far. They advanced in the bubble pretty far and they have won games in every year. And we are fortunate to be in West Virginia for our region. We’ve got high expectations. We’ve got experience. We’ve got vets. We’ve got youth and a lot of talent too. We’re looking to win this money.
“It is hard to get guys all together at once right off the bat. Guys need time to spend time with their families and relax a little bit. It is tough from that aspect, not playing with those guys everyday. With that being said, I think we have a lot of built-in chemistry.”
West’s younger brother and fellow Notre Dame alumnus Jaidyn West will join the roster at Fairmont State this fall.
“He’s got that itch right now and I know he is excited to get to Fairmont for sure. And I am excited for him too. I think they are going to have a good season and a great team.
“I think they are going to realize how good he really is this year.”
If Herd That can run the table and win six games in the TBT, team members will share the $1 million winner-take-all prize. West says the money would be used wisely.
“I am not a big spender. I like to save my money and put it in the right places. I’ll have a little bit of fun. But I like to be responsible with my money. That’s the plan after we win.”