About ME
Josiah’s basketball journey began at 3 years of age playing in the backyard with his dad. Josiah’s passion was so intense that his father would set up lanterns for him to play basketball in the dark. They would shovel paths in the snow and stand underneath trees when it rained-searching for every opportunity to pursue and perfect the game he loves.
His parents instilled in him the 3 P’s: Prayer, Persistence, and Perseverance. In order for him to play basketball, it was a prerequisite that his grades and attitude had to be up to par and in order. As a result, Josiah graduated in June 2022 from F.D. Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park NY with honors, receiving the Hudson Athletic League Scholar-Athlete Award for successfully maintaining a 90% or higher GPA throughout the sports season.
Growing up, he continued to hone his skills playing for the Long Island Community Basketball League, the CYO Catholic League in Hyde Park, and several AAU teams around the city. After playing for 1 year on the Junior Varsity team, he was jettisoned to the Varsity team. Josiah held the position of captain and starting point guard on the Varsity team.
The Poughkeepsie Journal published December 3, 2021, wrote: “What makes Josiah Super? Smith is quick and aggressive in penetrating defenses and getting into the paint to finish or set up teammates. He blossomed offensively last season as a scorer, and facilitator, and became the Presidents’ leader on and off the court. Smith averaged 15.3 points, five assists, and 3 rebounds per game.” On senior night, Josiah scored a game-high 28 points leading to a furious comeback that concluded with a thrilling double-digit win over FDR’s arch-rival.
“Josiah has impacted our family in such a meaningful way. He is truly an exceptional and special young man. My son, Codie is diagnosed with Autism. Josiah has instilled confidence in him where none existed prior; he challenged others to accept him by taking the lead himself. When it came to school tryouts, Josiah encouraged Codie to try out. My youngest son even walks around saying ‘I am Josiah Buckets’ as he pretends to make an air basket emulating Josiah. Thank you so very much Josiah “Siah Buckets” Smith”.
- Albrie Canfield
(See entire testimonial on Testimonial Page).
Josiah does not drink, smoke, do drugs, use profane language, or indulge in any illicit behavior that is non-conducive to being a productive citizen and success in life. “All I need is an opportunity”! His work ethic to be the best is second to none. As a point guard, he understands that to win on the court and in life, you have to be willing to guide your teammates and help make them better, heavily imploring the ideology that ‘teamwork makes the dream work’.
After graduating high school, Josiah became the Assistant Coach to the Junior Varsity Boys' Basketball Team at Franklin D Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park, NY. Josiah has held the position of Assistant Coach for two basketball seasons. During his high school years, he assisted his high school coach with running a basketball clinic for the JV and Varsity basketball players. He also assisted an AAU coach with developing the ball-handling skills of elementary school-aged students and, participated in the selection of the final players for the team during tryouts.
Josiah is pursuing a degree in Sports Management at Herkimer College. He is a Point Guard on the Herkimer Generals Men's Basketball Team. Herkimer said he is a " Shifty point guard with explosive first step and high percentage finisher on the drive ".
Josiah achieved a very high academic GPA of 3.83 in the first semester.
As his dad said, "he is a 'diamond in the rough' and a 'floor general who gets the job done'".
