Challenge, hard work and adjustment are key issues when transferring schools, much less coming into an already established basketball team. Junior forward Jody Woods knows them all too well.
After attending a junior college in Iowa, Woods decided to further his basketball and educational career by becoming a Triton.
The 6’4″”, 220-pound forward provides head coach Greg Lanthier and the rest of the UCSD squad with a different aspect of basketball.
“”Jody has faced and played with an array of people and therefore he brings a different background to our game,”” Lanthier said. “”His maturity as a player and as a person is a big benefit to our young team.””
Woods’ strong work ethic and ability to adjust to playing style has earned him a starting spot on the Triton roster.
He has started all 15 games this season and leads the team with 53 defensive rebounds. Woods is among the team leaders in field goals, points scored, blocked shots, playing time, assists and free throw attempts. His stature inside the key offensively gives the Tritons a go-to option at the post and allows a team that is perimeter-shooting oriented other opportunities to score.
“”Jody’s size gives our team a great advantage. If he gets the ball in the post he almost always scores or draws a foul. This opens up our three-point shooting because teams will be concerned about Jody in the post and will double team him, leaving someone else open for a shot,”” said a UCSD teammate.
Woods believes that his aggressive attitude gives the team a greater advantage than his stature.
“”You have to have heart,”” Woods said. “”Whoever wants the ball will make the plays.””
As the only active junior on the team, Woods assumes a leadership role along with Triton teammate senior Nick Christensen. The leadership role and respect has come gradually to Jody. It takes time to earn respect, but clearly Woods has conquered and has overtaken the challenges set before him.
“”His addition to the team has without a doubt been a major change to our team,”” said sophomore guard Cameron Jackson. “”Jody is the oldest player on the team and therefore he’s been around the block before.””
Averaging 8.2 points per game and 5.0 rebounds per game, Woods is definitely a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court.
“”He brings a more physical defense by blocking shots and a more potent offense by posting up. Most of us end up following his lead, which leads us to play more aggressively. He brings motivation and a positive attitude when our team seems down or flat,”” his teammate commented.
“”Along with Jody’s experience, he also brings a lot of confidence, and confidence is contagious. Jody often plays with a sort of swagger and when we’re playing well, that very same swagger can be seen in our other players,”” Jackson said. “”His size and physicality proves that Jody is a versatile body that can guard an opponent’s more athletic player. Our offense is a thinking man’s offense and is a tough one to learn. However, in his first year here, Jody has done a good job picking it up and is improving consistently as we go along.””
Woods grew up fast and turned to basketball for happiness and relaxation when he was young. His comfort level on the court encouraged him to play to his potential and enjoy himself while he was playing. This still proves true for him today.
“”Everyone makes an impact on the team and improves the team dynamic through hard work and determination. Jody has had this sort of effect on the team,”” Lanthier said.
The Warren college communications major plays basketball for the love of the game. Woods and his teammates are individual players who, with their talents, join together to achieve a common goal.
Woods knows that the Tritons must constantly battle to win and gain respect in the ever-challenging Division II California Collegiate Athletic Association.
That challenge is what Woods loves.
“”And I am always up for a challenge.””