Joey Lane is living a dream

DEERFIELD, Ill. — When senior years end, dominant high school basketball players across the country are often faced with one of the hardest decisions of their lives: playing time or playing for the big time.

Joey Lane, a junior walk-on at The Ohio State University, recalls having to make said decision. Did he want to play at a NCAA Division II or III school did he want to walk-on for an NCAA Division I university?

The answer that resulted in his sporting the scarlet and grey changed his life, but it wasn’t always an obvious one.

“When I went to camps sophomore and junior year, I was set on playing Division II or III basketball,” Lane said last month over the phone. “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else than basketball in college.”

Lane grew up an Ohio State fan and as one of the top players at Deerfield High school in Deerfield (Ill.). Playing for the Buckeyes was always an ultimate dream.

As a high school senior and team captain, Lane averaged 12 points and 3 assists and was named to the all-state, all-area and all-conference for the CSL North (Central Suburban League). He also led Deerfield to the CSL North Championship.

With offers from schools like Illinois Wesleyan and Denison that promised playing time, Lane was faced with the decision.

“The only way I would even consider not playing Division II or III basketball was if I could play at Ohio State,” said Lane.

After visiting and meeting with coaches his senior year, this dream become more of a reality when he was offered a walk-on spot after his senior season.

At the time, the option was a tough pill to swallow, Lane said.

“It was really, really hard because the hardest part is you're basically giving up your basketball career,” Lane said. “At a Division III school, I knew I would play and be a factor.”

Being a walk-on absolutely has its negatives. Lane knows how much he means to the team, but he also knows his role. In practice, he works on the scout team, where he has to mimic the opposing players for the upcoming game. He also runs with the second team when Ohio State’s practice shifts to 5-on-5 play.

“There may be times when I get a couple less practice reps or a little less attention from the coaches, but I know my place and my part on the team,” Lane said.

Lane’s schedule is the same as that of the star players.

A typical day, according to Lane, involves workouts from 6-7 a.m., class at 9:00 a.m., lunch at 12:30 p.m. and practice at 2:30 p.m., which consists of lifting, basketball and film until around 8:00 pm. Then it’s time to for school work and to get ready to do it all again the next day, Lane said.

For Lane, the time commitment is the hardest part of being a walk-on.

“Every day you need to work on your game, get good grades, get sleep and have a social life,” Lane said. “Essentially you have to pick 3 of the 4 and sometimes it affects people in a negative way.”

Lane has adapted into his role for Ohio State. He has become a vocal leader for the team.

“In the games, I have to be an energy guy and be people to help the players understand how the game is being played,” Lane said. “In the huddle I need to keep everyone positive. Sometimes players don’t want to hear from the coaches, so sometimes I need to put my arm around a player and tell him he’s fine.”

Two years into his decision, Lane said he absolutely has made the right choice.

“It’s my dream to be playing here, at a program with tons of former NBA Players, amazing coaches and being able to travel around the country. It’s a once in a lifetime thing and I’m thankful I didn't turn it down,” Lane said.

He’s also thankful for a scholarship earned prior to his sophomore season.

“I honestly still don’t believe it,” Lane said. “I feel that the stuff I did not on the basketball court for this team paid off, and to know the coaches saw all my hard-work means a lot.

“This is my dream and I’m super happy and super thankful every day that I’m where I love, doing what I love, and my future is very bright because of this university.”

Andrew Zoldan is a contributor at PowerMizzou.com, part of the Rivals.com network