Feature photo courtesy of Josh Einbinder-Schatz/City of Basketball Love

Back in mid-March, Nazeer Bostick had recently transferred to Roman Catholic from Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School. At the time, the 6-foot-5-inch junior small forward from Philadelphia had received several offers from a few school but said he would wait it out and make a decision the following summer. However, Bostick did mention that one school was high up on his radar.

“My top school right now, because it’s the biggest school that’s offered me, is Penn State University,” Bostick said. “I think the school is great. I love everything about the school. I think their coaching staff is great, and that’s everything.”

Now it’s May and Bostick did not keep anybody waiting by announcing his commitment to play for Pat Chambers and Penn State. After consulting with his father, Bostick decided Penn State would be the best place for him to elevate his game, he said. He also mentioned that he liked the college’s nearby location as it’s very close to home, but was clear on what really influenced his final decision.

“The coaching staff, the class they have coming in and the future of what Coach Chambers is talking about having Penn State Basketball on the rise is what got me,” Bostick said. “Everybody looks at Penn State as a football school but I think we can change that with the right pieces.”

Coming off of a successful season with Roman Catholic, Bostick emerged as a valuable asset for his team, performing on all ends of the floor. Bostick reflected on his team’s successful year that included winning the 2015 Philadelphia Catholic League Boys’ Basketball Tournament.

“It felt great, man,” he explained. “The Catholic Championship felt like no other championship that I’ve ever played in. The atmosphere was different, it was a special day, it was a special moment and hopefully I can be here next year and win it again.”

With the addition of Lamar Stevens, Roman Catholic will have Bostick and a few other starters returning for their next season. As returning champions, Bostick and company will have plenty of teams trying to dethrone them. Bostick explained the pressure on him now that he is committed to a school in the Big Ten.

“Everybody’s going to try to prove that they can match up against me or that they can prove that they can play in the Big Ten,” Bostick explained. “That’s basically it, this drives me to work in the gym and have the same mindset to go out there more aggressive.”

Bostick mentioned that the past season was a major breakthrough for him, calling it his “best season.” He also mentioned his struggles as a freshman where eight seniors were ahead of him in the line-up. Despite getting injured twice in his sophomore season, Bostick was able to bounce back the next year and earn the honors of being an All-Catholic and All-City player in Philadelphia.

With one final season in high school keeping him from playing with Penn State, Bostick made it clear that the goal next season is to win championships and continue to produce for his school.

“I’m not going to try to play no different,” Bostick said. “I think with me being committed it will make me work harder because everybody will be coming after me now that I’m a Big Ten player.”