Q&A with Grand Rapids Catholic Central 2022" Jack Karasinski

Grand Rapids Catholic Central class of 2022 wing Jack Karasinski comes into the 2021-22 season ready to lead the Cougars towards a state title defense. The All-State senior took the time to talk to the D Zone about his recruitment, his commitment to William & Mary, and some of his goals and expectations for the upcoming season. Check out his junior season highlights, some of my thoughts on his overall game, and our Q&A session below.

Jack is an athletic wing with a unique ability to score in a variety of ways. Jack displayed a smooth jumper from 15 feet, and a natural ability to score above the rim. His junior season stat line of 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game would most likely be inflated if not for the amount of talent on Catholic Central. He has a ton of bounce and likely added to that given the noticeable gains he’s made this offseason in the weight room.

TB: How did the recruiting process go for you? Did you enjoy it, was it stressful, etc.

JK: My recruiting process was amazing. I had 17 schools offer me opportunities to be a part of their program so that was amazing.

TB: Why did you choose William & Mary? What about their program stood out to you?

JK: I choose W&M because of the relationship that I built with everyone there. Coach Dane was a big part of it. He made me a priority from the jump and that was special to see. The timing was a big part as well. They are losing two 6’7 bigger guards. So it was a good time to jump in and commit. Most importantly though it was the guys. When I was on my visit they had that family atmosphere. They did everything together and that is just something that attracted me to be a part of.

TB: Did they say how you will fit in their offense/program? What’s their outlook for you?

JK: I think I’ll fit in really well. They have 4 guys on the floor that are versatile and positionless. The offense they run is very fluent with a lot of movement. They always have 3-4 guys on the floor that can grab a rebound and push the ball. They envision me being a big 3 that can guard multiple positions of the defensive end and I think I’ll be a great asset of the offensive end with the way I shoot it and my athleticism going to the bucket.

TB: Do you have any idea of what you want to study at W&M?

JK: I am looking to study business.

TB: What other schools did you have an eye on?

JK: I think my final 7 was Wofford, Furman, Central Michigan, Indiana State, Oakland, Western Michigan, and W&M.

TB: What are your expectations entering your senior season?

JK: My expectation for myself is being a 20 ppg 10 rpg guy. Also just want to make the guys better around me. Get them the ball when they need it and bring back that leadership role I played in my junior year and even in my sophomore year of high school.

TB: How will you guys approach coming into this season with high expectations? Is the goal to repeat as State Champions?

JK: We approach this season just like any other season. The off-season was great. We are going to be one of the best-conditioned teams out there. I think you’ll see the team out there last year but much much better. State champions is obviously on our mind but we’re focused on having a good first practice.

TB: What specific parts of your game did you focus on this offseason?

JK: What I’ve been working on is my body. I’ve put on a good 10 pounds of muscle. Sitting at about 205 now. This will help me in my senior year of course but also when I get to college so I can be ahead of the game and be closer to being an immediate impact player for the tribe.