Jake O'Neil: From Fruitland, Idaho to Professional Basketball Overseas
How does a small-town athlete from Fruitland, Idaho go from motocross, golf, and no major basketball recruiting spotlight to playing professional basketball overseas?
In this episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, Shane Larson sits down with Jake O'Neil, a professional basketball player whose journey is anything but ordinary. Jake grew up in Fruitland, Idaho, where basketball was not always the main focus. Before chasing basketball at the highest levels, he spent much of his early athletic life around motocross and golf.
Jake opens up about what changed when he started taking basketball seriously, how the weight room transformed his game, and why strength, confidence, and preparation became such important pieces of his development. He also shares the adversity he faced after a major leg injury and a difficult season of life that forced him to rebuild mentally, emotionally, and physically.
From there, Jake's story becomes one of belief and opportunity. After starting college as a golfer at Boise State, he eventually walked on at the College of Idaho with one mindset: all he needed was a shot. That opportunity led to a standout career, a College of Idaho national championship, a move to Division I basketball at Idaho State, and eventually a professional basketball career overseas.
This conversation is packed with lessons for athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone chasing a goal that might not look realistic from the outside. Jake's story is about betting on yourself, staying ready when opportunity comes, building toughness through adversity, and learning how to become a professional before you ever get paid to be one.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Growing up in Fruitland, Idaho
- Why Jake focused on motocross and golf before basketball
- How strength training changed his basketball career
- Why the weight room matters for young athletes
- Overcoming a major leg injury before his senior season
- Choosing Boise State golf before returning to basketball
- Walking on at the College of Idaho
- Winning Freshman of the Year as a walk-on
- The College of Idaho national championship run
- What made that C of I team special
- Transitioning from NAIA basketball to Division I at Idaho State
- How rebounding became Jake's calling card
- What overseas professional basketball is really like
- The mindset required to keep chasing the next level
Whether you are a basketball player, coach, parent, Idaho sports fan, College of Idaho fan, Idaho State fan, or someone who loves an underdog story, this episode with Jake O'Neil is one you will want to hear.
GTG Partnerships
Fascia Sticks
As athletes, lifters, runners, coaches, and everyday movers, we all deal with tight spots that are hard to reach. That's why I'm excited to share Fascia Sticks. The Fascia Stick Pro is a stainless steel precision tool designed to help target smaller areas like the hands, feet, neck, jaw, temples, and around joints where tension can build up.
It's portable, easy to keep in a gym bag, and can even be chilled in the freezer for cold therapy on those smaller areas. Whether you're training hard, recovering between workouts, coaching all day, or just trying to move and feel better, this is a simple tool worth checking out.
Use my affiliate code/link here: https://fasciasticks.com/GAMETIME15
Disclosure: This is an affiliate link/code, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through it, at no extra cost to you.
Note: Fascia Sticks products are cosmetic wellness accessories and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.
Grit Sticks
This episode is also supported by Grit Sticks, a 100% American-raised beef stick brand built for athletes, coaches, entrepreneurs, service members, and everyday people who refuse to quit. Grit Sticks are made for those moments when you need fuel on the go, whether you are training, coaching, working, traveling, or simply pushing through a long day.
Available in flavors like Original, Jalapeño, and Teriyaki, Grit Sticks are all about true American grit and giving you a high-quality snack option when you need something quick and convenient.
Use code GTG10 at checkout.
Shop here: https://www.crossomeats.com/?ref=GTG10
Follow and subscribe to The Gametime Guru for more conversations with athletes, coaches, and sports figures from around the world.
