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Mr. Basketball Ogorek has Warrior mentality

Waterloo Warriors men's basketball coach Justin Gunter likes not only the skills but also the smarts of Jaden Ogorek.

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Waterloo Warriors men’s basketball coach Justin Gunter likes not only the skills but also the smarts of Jaden Ogorek.

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Ogorek is already using his head to figure out the best way to get playing time as a rookie.

The Northern Vikings combo guard has signed with the University of Waterloo for next season.

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He wants to make an immediate impact by playing well defensively.

“At this level, being a good defender can get you more minutes and more opportunity on the court,” he said. “That’s something I want to focus on.”

The six-foot Ogorek won the Barry Howson Mr. Basketball Award this year as the regular-season MVP for Lambton County schools. He was the co-winner last year.

Ogorek was also the player of the game in this year’s LKSSAA final as the Vikings won their fourth consecutive title.

“We’re really excited to add Jaden,” Gunter said. “He’s been coached really, really well at Sarnia Northern, so we’re getting a kid with a high basketball IQ. When he was down for a workout, guys loved playing with him. He’s a great passer, he has the ability to get to the rim, he’s a competitive kid (and) he defends people.”

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Ogorek’s competitiveness will serve him well in the OUA, said the Warriors head coach.

“He loves to play,” Gunter said. “He loves to compete, and that’s a huge thing at this level – finding guys who are willing to put it on the line.”

Ogorek, 18, needed only one visit to know Waterloo was the right choice for him.

“It’s a good academic school and I like the coach,” he said. “He’s a good guy and he’s an easy guy to get along with. They (the Waterloo players) are all super easy to get along with. (I had) a good vibe.”

Ogorek showed on that visit he could hold his own against the veterans, Gunter said.

“I know he’s not going to back down,” he said. “I know he’s going to come in and compete and push the older guys.”

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