When Josh Perkins plays in the NCAA Tournament, it’s a family affair.
“I’m super sad that he’s leaving because this was great,” said Josh Perkin’s little sister Lauren Perkins.
Knowing that with one bounce of the ball Josh Perkins’ Gonzaga career may be over isn’t always easy for the senior’s step brother Cam, sisters Lauren and Kailynn, and dad Randy.
“Anxieties. There’s these layers of anxieties,” said Randy Perkins. “Coming into the whole March Madness, anxiety number one. Then to be a top seed, anxiety number two. Then this possibly being his last game, and definitely his last NCAA Tournament, anxiety number three. You combine all those layers of anxiety, it makes it a challenge to manage.”
But the joys far outweigh the anxieties.
“Josh coming here and being able to accomplish some of the things he has, obviously the family has been with him,” said Randy. “With his experience, it allows the family to get those experiences as well. It’s something that no one could ever take away from us. That in itself is something special.”
They’ve been able to see firsthand how Josh’s college career has made him special both on and off of the court.
“it’s crazy to see how much Josh has grown over the last four or five years he’s been here,” said step brother Cam Beards. “He’s embraced the figure of the leadership role which is cool to see now that he’s the one leading the team. Obviously, he’s been a national championship. To see them get back there would be a big accomplishment for him.”
“The kid has accomplished getting his degree early, being on the academic all-conference the last three years, and then all the basketball accomplishments,” said Josh’s father. “I can’t find a word or words to describe how proud I am of his accomplishments.”
A million accomplishments down, one more to go.
“It’s almost like I was the author of the story,” said Randy. “This is the perfect script with the one ending we’re still needing for the final chapter and that is to win the national championship.”
“That’s the last goal for him,” said Cam. “He’s already done all he could here so that’s like the last thing he has to accomplish to be one of the all-time great Gonzaga point guards and players here.”
“Yes,” sister Lauren said. “He’s someone to look up to.”