As a senior at Bellbrook High School, Jana Gross said she never planned on playing college basketball. That might sound surprising for a player that lead the NJCAA in assists last year at 7.5 a game.
“I originally wanted to play volleyball,” Gross said. “I thought I was too short, not quick enough and didn’t have enough ball handling skills to play basketball at the college level.”
Sinclair women’s basketball coach Jeff Dillon saw something different. At the advice of an AAU coach, Dillon decided to scout the 5-foot-4 Gross and said he was impressed with the poise and leadership she plays with.
“A lot of people look at players and think it’s just about the number of points they score, but (Gross) has the uncanny ability to make everyone on the team better with the way she distributes the ball,” Dillon said.
In need of a point guard to run his up-tempo style offense, Dillon offered Gross a scholarship to play for the Lady Pride. Gross said it was a hard decision to give up volleyball and come to Sinclair to play basketball.
“Volleyball was where my heart was at, but I’m really happy with my decision,” she said.
Gross said the competition at Sinclair has been a lot different than high school. She said the pace of the game is a lot faster and the players are more athletic. She said players often underestimate her because of her height.
“Being short, you’re really quick and that’s a very good advantage to have,” she said.
As a freshman, Gross lead the NJCAA in assists and guided the Lady Pride to a 12-13 record, in a year where they only had nine players instead of the traditional 12.
This year, Gross’ assists are down more than three a game, but the Lady Pride have already surpassed last season’s win total.
“(This season) everyone is making that extra pass, which I love,” Gross said. “I don’t care that my assists are dropping. I’m happy that we’re winning games.”
Dillon said Gross is one of three leaders on the team. He said players can’t help but laugh and smile when they’re around Gross because of her bubbly personality, but at the same time she can get in someone’s face if need be. Gross said her leadership ability comes from her competiveness.
“If someone has to step up and take the leadership role and put people in the right spots, I’d rather do that and do it right rather than let somebody else do it,” she said.
With only eight games left, Gross said she thinks the Lady Pride can win out the remainder of their schedule and have a good shot at the national tournament. What happens after Sinclair, Gross is not so sure of.
“I want to keep playing if I can,” she said. “I may not be the best defender (or) the best offensive player, but I’m going to hustle.”