Josh O’Garro: It’s Just Not That Deep…Or Is It?
Josh O’Garro - Santa Clarita Christian School - Class of 2021
Born and raised in the Cayman Islands, Josh O’Garro moved to the United States three years ago. His basketball journey began in Florida shortly before moving to California in 2018. His parents and brother still live back on the Islands. His father, Dwight O’Garro, works as a Trade Officer and his mother, Bobeth, is a commanding officer of a National Youth military program. His 17 year-old brother, Micah, is focused on his education and soccer. Although his family is extremely proud of him and wants nothing more than to be with him, they are playing it by ear and constantly communicating with his host parents, Garrett and Kendra Moss, in Santa Clarita.
Playing basketball abroad is a shared O’Garro experience. Dwight played at Master’s University in Josh’s new home city of Santa Clarita and Hiwassee college in Tennessee, while his grandfather and uncles played professionally or collegiately, respectively. Before getting into basketball, like most kids in the Caribbean, Josh played soccer, even playing for the U15 National Team for four years. He also displayed his athleticism on the track and baseball field. At 13, he began focusing more on basketball, measuring in a shade under 5’4” at the time, but reaching 6’6,” after a growth spurt, three years later. Says O’Garro, “it’s difficult starting a career in many parts of the Caribbean, which is why a lot of people leave.” Josh’s way out was Florida.
“It’s difficult starting a career in many parts of the Caribbean, which is why a lot of people leave.”
When he moved to Florida, he attended the Vanguard School in Tampa, a boarding school. There Josh faced a very regimented and structured schedule, the type he hadn’t before. He’d wake up, train, take a bath, make it to class on time, and slot in practice during study periods. He’d then go home to get an individual workout in and, most importantly, finish his schoolwork. This daily routine only heightened his sense of discipline. While getting adjusted to a new learning environment, he also had to get used to living in a place that had more of a country feel than he had experienced prior. He spent most of his leisure time on the court, but would occasionally find his way with friends to nearby ponds, where he promptly learned that those ponds also contained alligators. Although comfortable, the lifestyle made the transition to California a little easier where the closest thing to alligators are boots in a Beverly Hills mall.
It was still a difficult decision for Josh coming to California, knowing he also had the opportunity to play in Madrid. Spain would’ve offered him the chance to play with professionals, gain fundamental skills, and financially contribute to his family. But he had a moment of realization that made his decision much easier.
During a two week trip to Gibraltar, an Island off the southern coast of Spain, which hosted the Island Games, he spoke to his father before he went to sleep. Coming from a strong Christian support system, Josh’s father told him to try fasting and pray that the answer will come to him. That night he dreamt about where to go next and that destination was California.
There are moments when Josh misses home. As much as he loves Five Guys burgers and BBQ chicken wings, he misses the Caribbean food he grew up on. He still misses his family and friends and being able to attend Batabano, one of the biggest Mardi Gras-like musical events in the Cayman Islands. For now, he’ll have to settle for listening to Drake and Roddy Rich before suiting up for games. Coming from a small town where everyone knows each other, he wants to do everything he can to not disappoint. People with his background don’t get these chances often.
Josh’s rise from JV to Varsity starter, was the product of what happens when preparation meets opportunity. After two starters graduated and another suffered an unfortunate injury, he was forced into the lineup mid-season. Despite feeling terrible about his teammate’s bad luck, he knew he had to capitalize on the chance he’d been given. Since then, he’s grown close with teammates Tylare Black, Ryan White, Pejan Slater, Kyjuan Cannady, and Ty Harper, four of whom will be graduating this year. Next season, he’s preparing for an even bigger role without them.
He looks back on the past few years and is incredibly grateful for all the moments he’s experienced. He remembers his first game starting against Pacifica High School, not having a team for travel ball, and Director Robert Icart from the Basketball Training Institute (BTI) reaching out to offer him an opportunity. That’s when people began taking notice of his talent and the recruiting started. Now, he has the opportunity to play for the Oakland Soldiers in the Nike EYBL. Although he struggled making that decision due to his loyalty to Director Icart, he knows the best thing for his development is being challenged by the highest possible level of competition. He also recalls a memorable moment focused on others…his teammates. For him, experiencing senior night, playing their rival, Trinity Christian School, and “having opposing fans shouting and coming out with a win” is something he’ll never forget.
When he’s not on the court, he’s kicking back and watching movies. Don’t ask him to watch a horror film though because he’ll be watching most of it with his hands covering his eyes. Otherwise, you can find him trying to experience all that California has to offer, whether it’s attending football games or taking a trip to Six Flags. For now he’s just focused on enjoying the ride…although he may not fit on them all.
Josh still has many friends back home, who support him. At first, they were skeptical and protective, questioning whether he was sure about his decision to leave. But the more recruiting offers he received, the more they understood his choice. It’s been a swift journey from unknown to high major recruit for Josh, but he’s trying not to overthink it and “having a blast” going through this experience. “Whatever happens, happens,” he says, aiming to be as prepared as he can. Although he’s still in the recruiting process, he knows what he values and that’s “a team where everyone gels, a positive environment on campus, and a great education.” Ideally, it’d be an uptempo offense where he can push the ball up the court and create in transition, but he believes he can adapt to any situation. He knows nothing is guaranteed and if, god forbid, injury was to end his playing career, he’ll “have an education to fall back on.” As of now, he wants to “see as many schools as possible and feels lucky to have the opportunity to play in college.”
As he’s gained more publicity, he’s seen his share of negativity on social media, but it’s mostly been positive. He laughs off the former and appreciates the latter, answering any messages sent by kids that offer him encouragement. He keeps that positivity in his daily mindset, trying not to dwell on mistakes, knowing he’s just blessed to be in a unique position for someone from his country. The way Josh sees it, “as long as you’re alive, you’re doing well,” so don’t sweat the small things like being late to a party and focus on the more important things like grades.
Knowing he’s been blessed with opportunities others haven’t, he’s hoping to give back one day. Lucky to have food on his table every night, he knows that hundreds of thousands of poverty-stricken children struggle to possess the same. He’s hoping to one day contribute to organizations like the Children’s Defense Fund and Children’s Hunger Alliance. No matter what happens, he knows there’s a plan for him and he’s going to do everything he can to enjoy every moment of it.
He knows, in the end, everything will work out as it should. And if basketball isn’t part of that equation, he’ll shift his focus to business and potentially return to his home country. For him, his unique path serves as extra motivation and anything that doesn’t throw him off that path is “just not that deep.”