Matt Schettino, Boys Basketball
NHS senior
When did you first start playing basketball?
The first time I ever picked up a basketball was in fifth grade when one of my football teammates invited me to play for their rec team. I was not very good at all, but I was just playing for fun just to stay in shape for the football season.
The team had a good year. What factors made that possible?
The team did have a good year and that was made possible by all the talent that was on the team.
You scored 1,000 career points! That’s big time. How did it feel to achieve that goal?
Achieving the goal of 1,000 points was so surreal. This was only possible because of how supportive my teammates were. I remember after scoring my 1,000th point how excited they were, I would even say they were a little more excited than I was.
Talk about a few other highlights of your career?
Over my three-year varsity career my all-time favorite highlight was junior year winning our team’s first county game against Irvington.
The team played exceptionally well as we were underdogs heading into the game, however, we pulled out the win because we wanted it more than they did. After the game, the euphoria in the locker room has been etched into my mind and will be an everlasting memory.
What’s your favorite sports team? Player? How come?
My favorite sports team is the Miami Heat and my favorite player is Dwyane Wade. When I was younger and just started getting into the game, he was the first person I watched and the way he carried himself on and off the court was very inspiring. Dwyane Wade was also a humble leader who picked his teammates up.
You’re a senior. What are your post-grad plans?
After I graduate Nutley High School, my post-grad plans include attending Montclair State University where I would like to pursue the business field along with continuing my passion of playing ball.
What do you do for fun these days?
After the season I acquired a job as an assistant basketball coach with an AAU team. It has been the best job for me because I can still stay around the game while teaching the youth.
If you won a million dollars in the lottery what would you buy first? And why?
If I won a million dollars in the lottery the first thing I would like to use my money toward the unfortunate because I was blessed enough to have basic amenities to get to where I am now.
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