Okogie's Offseason Pursuit: From the Court to Behind the Lens
Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie is widely recognized for his defensive talent and boundless energy on the basketball court. This summer, however, Okogie has been channeling some of that passion into a fresh pursuit: photography.
Okogie's fascination with photography began unexpectedly during a vacation in Milan, Italy, coinciding with Fashion Week. Equipped with a Sony a7 III camera, Okogie was encouraged by a friend to explore his photographic skills. "I've kind of figured out how the camera works, how to do the settings, how to do the white balance and all that. So it's been pretty cool," Okogie shared.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Okogie directed his newfound hobby towards capturing live basketball, a testament to his relentless work ethic. Despite his tenacity and commitment, he candidly notes that most of his attempts have missed the mark. "I'm still not good. I'll say 90-95% of my pictures are BS, but I feel like I've gotten better -- slightly -- each day I've taken pictures," he admitted.
Adjusting to the rapid pace of basketball has proven to be a significant hurdle. "It's very fast. Every time somebody dunks, by the time I take a picture, he's already done finished the dunk and he's already playing defense," Okogie observed. He acknowledges that his primary area for improvement lies in not just anticipating the action but also positioning himself correctly. "I feel like the biggest improvement I have to make is adjusting to the speed of the game and not only anticipating, but also about being at the right angle to get the best picture."
Seeking inspiration, Okogie holds seasoned photographers David Sherman and Barry Gossage in high esteem. He particularly admires Sherman, saying, "That's my guy. He films the Wolves and he also films a lot of other NBA-sanctioned events. So I've always paid close attention to David."
What motivates Okogie most, however, is the desire to capture the raw emotion of the game. "Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there," he explained. His goal transcends merely freezing moments in time; he aims to immortalize the essence of those instants for everyone, whether in the stands or viewing from afar.
Okogie's off-court ventures haven't detracted from his commitment to the Suns. Recently signing a two-year, $16 million extension with the team, he remains dedicated to being a vital contributor. "My mentality is just to go out there and just try to give this team the energy that they need on both sides of the floor," he stated. He is determined to be the driving force behind the team this upcoming season. "We have a lot of talent on this team, but I want to be the battery of this team, if that makes sense. The motor of this team, to get people going, get people excited to play, get people moving."
Discussing the future, Okogie has shared his objectives with new Suns coach Mike Budenholzer. With a competitive Western Conference on the horizon, Okogie is optimistic about the Suns' potential. "The West is going to be really competitive next year. I feel like we can be as good as we want to be. I feel like our ceiling is as high as we make it. I'm excited. I feel like if we get a good training camp and we start to jell, the sky's the limit for us," he enthused.
In addition to his NBA commitments, Okogie is planning to bring his camera to WNBA games during the offseason, further broadening his photographic repertoire. His journey from burgeoning photographer to capturing the dynamic world of live basketball continues to evolve, reflecting the same dedication that has made him a standout player on the court.
Josh Okogie's dual commitment to both his passions demonstrates a rare blend of professional excellence and personal growth. Whether dazzling fans with his defensive skills or capturing poignant moments through his lens, Okogie embodies the spirit of an athlete continually striving for greatness in all facets of life.