Last Updated:6:07 PM EST 1/27/10 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Joe Caruso Basketball second chance for Cardinals' freshman standout

The gifted 6' 6" player out of Hamburg, NY has a strong presence when he's on the court, but he started out on a completely different type of playing field, an ice covered one.
When Norsen was younger he played competitive hockey until he was in the 6th grade. Unfortunately after an illness that soon resulted in his hospitalization, doctors advised Norsen to steer clear of hockey due to the amount of contact involved in the sport.
"Since the absence of playing hockey left me pretty bored, I decided to take up competitive basketball," Norsen said.
It was inevitable that Norsen would soon end up playing basketball, as many of his friends were already involved in the sport, and finally encouraged him to give it a try.
After many years of competitive basketball, Norsen found himself being heavily recruited by various colleges for a sport he originally overlooked.
"The main reason I decided to play basketball at Fisher was because of the dedication of the coaching staff," Norsen said.
Someone from Fisher's coaching staff would attend almost every one of Norsen's games throughout his senior year of high school. During his visit he found comfort in the campus, and most importantly in the players he would soon spend the next four years with.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed this year so far and I do plan on being here for all four years," Norsen said.
Good news for the Cardinals, as Norsen leads the team with 24 blocks and averages eight points a game. The freshman standout compliments his father as his mentor.
Norsen's father would always help him as he shot baskets outside. He instructed him on how to use his size to his advantage, and still pulls him aside after his collegiate games to tell him what he did well and what he can improve on.
Even when he's off the court Norsen enjoys watching college basketball, and his favorite player is Duke sensation Jon Scheyer.
Throughout his time in high school, he also played volleyball and baseball for four years.
Most would think Norsen's plate was already full, but he graduated in the top ten of his class in high school.
Norsen gives credit to sports for a big part of his success in the classroom, as it gives him the experience of good time management.
In the 2008 Empire State Games Norsen was named co-captain with fellow Fisher teammate Grant Wrap. The Western Scholastic Basketball team went on to win all their games and were awarded the gold medal.
Norsen may only be a freshman, but he has already made a name for himself on the basketball court.
He's played in every game, and started in two. With the way Norsen is playing for the Cardinals this season, Kornaker is expecting big things out of him in the future.
"I'd be very shocked if Jason wasn't a leader for us at some point in his career," Kornaker said.

amd03770@sjfc.edu

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