Leading up to the men's basketball regular-season opener on Nov. 6, GoStanford.com will profile all 15 student-athletes on the team and learn more about their interests, experiences and goals.
In the 15th and final edition of our Cardinal Capsule series, we get to know senior Josh Sharma from Lexington, Massachusetts.
What's something most people don't know about you?
Before I started playing basketball, I played soccer and baseball. I was a goalie for our soccer team. The height and wingspan helped. I was going to continue baseball, but I broke my ankle as a freshman in high school.
When did you first get started in basketball?
I was always the tallest guy growing up, back row middle in class photos. However, I didn't start playing organized basketball until eighth grade. I had my first dunk (two-handed slam) on my last day of eighth grade. As a freshman in high school, I started on the freshman team, then moved up to JV in the middle of the season and was playing for the varsity team during the playoffs that year.
Tell us about your family.
My dad is from India and my mom is from England. They met in Massachusetts when my mom was in medical school and my dad was getting his PHD. I was born in Massachusetts and have lived my whole life in Lexington, Massachusetts.
Why did you choose to come to Stanford?
When I was being recruited and Stanford came into the picture, I was impressed by the school immediately. When one of the coaches called and told me I got accepted to Stanford, it was impossible to say no to that. I knew they were one of the best schools in the country. My parents always emphasized the importance of academics along with athletics.
Do you remember anything that surprised you as a freshman?
The first day of my freshman year when I arrived on campus with all my stuff to move in, I still remember all the RAs (resident assistants) cheering everyone's name when we walked in to our dorm. It felt a lot more personal than I thought college would be.
From that moment to where you are now, how have you grown?
I have become a lot more appreciative of what I have and the opportunities around me. When I was a freshman, I was naïve. I took things for granted. I am appreciative of the coaching staff and my teammates. I know it is different at other schools and I am thankful to be here.
What have been some of your memorable opportunities here at Stanford?
I have had the fortunate opportunity to travel the world with my team. We explored Italy as a team for two weeks right before my freshman year in school, visiting several cities and playing several games. My sophomore year, we opened the season in China against Harvard. That was an amazing experience to spend a week there. I am excited to head to the Bahamas next month to play in a big time tournament over Thanksgiving.
Is it hard to believe you are a senior already?
Looking back, it is really crazy how fast it has gone. Everyone says that, but they are right. I remember my freshman orientation like it was yesterday.
What is your major and what are your plans after basketball is over?
I am majoring in Science, Technology and Society. I have enjoyed it, as it has allowed me to take a wide variety of classes and learn many different things. I can't say yet what the future holds for me. I have a lot of areas I am interested in pursuing, but, for now, I want to keep playing basketball.
Nickname?
Sharm is the most common one.
Any significance behind the No. 20?
No real big significance behind the number. When I played baseball and soccer, I was No. 24. When I started playing basketball in high school, I switched them and was No. 42. When I came to Stanford, I wanted to try something different, so I chose No. 20.
Do you have a moment or moments that stick out for you on the court at Stanford?
Daejon's buzzer beater to beat USC last season. I also remember the one-handed put back slam I had against Arizona State my sophomore year.
What were your first impressions of Coach Haase?
The first thing that stood out to me when we all met him in our first team meeting was how personable he was. You could tell from that first meeting he would really care for us and he has.