| BG’s Joe Jakubowski attempts a shot earier this season. (Photo: Andrew Weber/Sentinel-Tribune) |
Many times the best-laid plans don’t come to fruition, no matter how much thought, time and effort went
into the plan.
When that happens, you just try to stay positive, move forward the best way you can and make the most of
whatever opportunities are presented.
That’s been the story this season for Joe Jakubowski, a senior on Bowling Green’s men’s basketball team.
A native of Rossford, the 6-feet-2 point-guard is the only scholarship senior on the team.
The plan was to have Jakubowski lead the young Falcons this season, running the offense, making the right
pass and hitting key 3-pointers and free throws.
Simply put, Jakubowski has struggled this season and has seen his playing time diminish with the
emergence of sophomore Jordon Crawford.
"To be honest, I don’t think I’ve developed as much as I’d like to. This season, I can’t understand
why I’m playing like I am. I have ideas, but nothing concrete," Jakubowski said earlier this week.
"It’s just been a tough year. I’ve lost a lot of confidence.
"But I have learned a lot leadership-wise, how to be a leader," he continued. "Great
leaders lead on the court. They produce and they play. You get respect playing. I haven’t been able to
do that this year."
Even with the disappointments, Jakubowski said he’s learned things this season.
"I’ve learned a lot failing; I’ve learned a lot in losing," he said. "I’ve grown a lot in
that area."
The Falcons have at least two games remaining this season and Jakubowski knows that anything can happen.
"You never know. Every game is different, maybe it will turn around," Jakubowski said.
"That’s the great things about sports … I’m not giving up yet."
Jakubowski was a member of Louis Orr’s first recruiting class at Bowling Green, and Orr is impressed with
how Jakubowski has grown in four years.
"He’s represented himself, his family and the Lord in a great way," Orr said. "We’ve been
through the peaks and the valleys. I have a lot of respect and appreciation for Joe Jakubowski."
Jakubowski had a strong game in BG’s 70-64 win over Toledo on Jan. 25, scoring 16 points with four
assists and two steals while playing 25 minutes. He’s had only one double-digit scoring game since, a
span of 10 games.
"I know I can play. I’ve proved it in the past. I’ve had great games," Jakubowski said.
"The problem with my game (this year) is that I just can’t be consistent out there. I know I can do
it, it’s just not happening."
The problems on the court, haven’t deterred Jakubowski from having many positive experiences during his
time at Bowling Green.
"I’ve had great times at Bowling Green, both on and off the court, getting a college education with
a full-ride scholarship. Being close to home. I have a great family and a coach who feels the same way I
do spiritually," Jakubowski said. "I’ve learned a lot of life lessons. I’ve learned a lot
about relationships, about people. I’ve grown in character, doing the right things when no one is
watching. And staying with it, not giving up, even when the chips are down.
"There is frustration, but you always have to look at the positives," he continued. "I’m
very blessed to be in this situation and have the opportunity to play here at Bowling Green."
For his career, Jakubowski has started 110 games. He’s sixth on BG’s career list with 378 assists, eighth
in 3-pointers made with 129 and tied for 10th in steals with 124.
Jakubowski plans to finish his degree, majoring in business, in August. He’ll start an internship in
April, with a company where his older brother Jon, a former Falcon football player (2003-05), works.
"You can’t look back and regret. Even thinking about it is futile, because you can’t change
anything, you just have to look forward and live with the decisions you made," Jakubowski said.
"Yes there are negatives, but I can take a lot of positives from my experience here.
"There is a lot of good stuff I’ve learned and I’m going to take a lot from this experience It’s
going to pay off in the long run."
