Ojo is a point guard in the District’s George Goodman League. He has been named league MVP and defensive player of the year, and he’s shared the court with NBA All-Stars like Kevin Durant who frequent the summer basketball league.
What is this league?
It’s a good streetball league. It’s something for people to do when they come home from [playing] overseas. A lot of NBA guys play in the league. Sometimes even high school kids who are well-known. As far as I know, it’s the No. 1 streetball league in the nation.
Do you get paid to play?
No. A lot of people go down there just to get noticed, get their name out there.
How is streetball different from other leagues?
In organized ball, you have more plays and stuff like that. It’s more structured.
Is showboating part of streetball?
I would say crowd-pleasing. I wouldn’t say showboats, because there’s a lot of talent in this league.
How often do NBA players show up?
When they get home after the playoffs, if they didn’t advance as far, we have a couple guys who come five or six times throughout the summer.
Like who?
Along with Kevin Durant [Oklahoma City Thunder], Ty Lawson [Denver Nuggets], Michael Beasley [Minnesota Timberwolves], John Wall [Washington Wizards], Greivis Vasquez [New Orleans Hornets], DeMarcus Cousins [Sacramento Kings], Brandon Jennings [Milwaukee Bucks].
What’s it like playing with superstars?
It was fun. When they come out to play with us, it brings the level of the game even higher. It’s kind of cool to play with a guy who’s been there and done that.
Who’s the best player you’ve gone up against?
Probably Ty Lawson. … I wouldn’t say I shut him down, but I’ll say this: I had a pretty good game. … We both were scoring against each other.
Do the pros take it easy at all?
They go 100 percent. … What I really respect about Kevin Durant is he comes out there and plays like it’s Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
– Jacob Demmit
