C.J. O’Hara, a 6-foot-4 wing from Fridley (MN) Totino Grace, is one of the top players in the Midwest in the Class of 2023 and is ranked as the number five senior in the state by Prep Hoops.
O’Hara averaged a team-high 13.4 points per game this past season, despite the presence of two highly-rated teammates. He scored in double figures in 17 of 21 games, including three games of 20 or more points as the Eagles finished 16-5. They led Class AAA champ Minnehaha Academy, by 15 points in the first half before losing 73-60 in the section finals.
Totino-Grace will be a favorite to win a state title as they return Tasim Chatman, the top player in the Class of 2023, recent Iowa State commit Demarion Watson and Patrick Bath, who is the 6th ranked junior by Prep Hoops.
GopherHole caught up with O’Hara at the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association D1 Showcase to learn the latest on his college recruitment and upcoming junior year.
Gopher Hole: This is one of your first experiences playing in front of the college coaches for a long time. What was it like to see some of these guys who have been wanting you play for awhile?
C.J. O’Hara: I was kind of nervous at the first start, but then my teammates really brought me in and gave me confidence, so after awhile, I got comfortable and started playing well.
GopherHole: You had a terrific year this past season with Totino-Grace. You got knocked out by a very good team in the playoffs, but are going to be one of the favorites this upcoming season. What are the expectations for next year?
C.J. O’Hara: It’s to win state. That has been our goal since I’ve been a freshman, so I am hoping to really bring a championship to T-G, because we never really got that before.
GopherHole: You were in a tough section with Minnehaha last season and to be honest, you could have been in the state tournament finals. Is that a motivating factor in not getting to state that will help you get there this upcoming season?
C.J. O’Hara: Yes, I think it motivated the whole team. We really work hard in the offseason, so when we come to the next season, we can really dominate and never lose again.
GopherHole: What schools are you hearing from the most right now?
C.J. O’Hara: Florida, Butler, Oklahoma State and South Dakota.
GopherHole: How many offers are you up to right now?
C.J. O’Hara: I’ve only got two. Siena and Cal Poly.
GopherHole: Are you hearing much from the homestate school?
C.J. O’Hara: Yes, they called me Tuesday.
GopherHole: There has been a coaching change there. I know that Coach Johnson has made it a priority to keep a lot of the top talent and in-state kids at Minnesota. Is that something that they have talked to you about?
C.J. O’Hara: Yes, they talked about just bringing me in and fitting me in with the program. Keeping me close to my family.
GopherHole: I know that you are so young, just finishing your sophomore year, but are you liking the recruiting process so far?
C.J. O’Hara: Yeah, I’m loving it so far. Just to talk to coaches. I’ve never really done that before, so it is very good to talk to them on a daily basis.
GopherHole: Obviously, it has been different for you because you haven’t been able to meet people and see people because of COVID. Is that something you are looking forward to building those relationships with those coaches?
C.J. O’Hara: Yes. I try to text them as much as I can or call them, just so we can build a bond and maybe when I pick or decide where I’ll go, it will be perfect.
GopherHole: I know that schools could finally contact you. What schools did you hear from?
C.J. O’Hara: I heard from Creighton, George Washington, U of M, Florida, Oklahoma State, Butler, Nebraska, South Dakota and Iowa State.
GopherHole: What is it going to mean to play college basketball?
C.J. O’Hara: It is going to mean a lot, especially playing D1, because no one in my family has done that, so I’d like to take pride in that and try to do my best every time I step on the floor.
GopherHole: What would it mean to maybe play for the homestate school?
C.J. O’Hara: I think that it would mean a lot to probably my high school coaches and the coaches at the U of M.