If the nomadic process of the multi-JUCO route has taught former Miami Triple Threat Prep guard Koby Isaac anything, it is the power of strength between the ears.
Isaac, once a hotly-pursued recruit and 20 PPG scorer at Creekside HS (GA), finds himself citing patience and mental toughness as a finer point of his whirlwind prep to JUCO journey.
Isaac recently culminated a season at Palm Beach State (FL), where he played a role in helping revive an ailing program.
“I’ve had to realize my journey is different,” said Isaac.
“Being from Atlanta, it is a big city with a big basketball culture. I grew up playing against big-name guys like Anthony Edwards and Sharife Cooper. Not everyone’s path is going to play out like theirs. The JUCO level allowed me to learn more. I’ve picked up different traits and different concepts from the JUCO environment. A lot of people take the JUCO process for granted and think it’s an easy springboard to a Division-I program. It’s actually a tough process and you have to trust that process and buy-in.”
Part of that buy-in component, for Isaac, has been sacrificing individual stats for team glory.
“Coming to Palm Beach State, I figured I would have to take a bigger role in scoring,” Isaac said.
“We had some guys who could score. And at times I was called on to do so. But it was nice at times to aid in bringing out the best in my teammates. I was willing to do whatever it took to impact the game. Whether it was diving on the floor for loose balls, or boxing out for my teammates could rebound, it was just a matter of doing what the team needed of me. Sometimes these things do not show up on an individual stat line.”
Isaac turned in a 24-point (7 for 13 FG, 4-6 3FG,6-6 FT) performance during Palm Beach State’s lone win against newly minted rival, Florida Gateway. He authored a 28-point scoring spree during a 98-90 loss to the top nationally-ranked Indian River State.
He shies away from talking about individual accolades, as he’s learned to prioritize winning and team concepts over everything else.
Part of adapting to a role that entails doing everything the team needs of him involved shouldering a vocal leadership role. As an elder statesman who previously played at Southeastern Community College, Isaac brought the battle-tested experience and wisdom that he could instill in the younger core.
“I had to be more of a leader, more of a coach on the floor,” Isaac said.
“Coach (Michael) Ruane gave me a voice in the locker room and it allowed me to speak to the younger guys, especially when they were going through the freshman blues. At this point, I’m a veteran so I tried to give guys insight and make them better.”
While Isaac has prolonged his career in the JUCO ranks, the entire recruiting landscape has changed around him. Coaches across Division-I are emphasizing experience and prioritizing transfers, as the portal is expected to pop once again this spring.
Isaac isn’t worried about his next destination. He wants to wind up at a place where he can prioritize winning and advancing the agenda of the team first and foremost, even if that means sacrificing components of his game and undergoing another adjustment.
“At this point and time, I am a plug-and-play type of player,” Isaac said.
“I have experience and I am battle tested. I have the scars to prove it. Nevertheless, I am eager to continue my development and understanding of the game. Wherever that may be.” Isaac said.
