Upcoming Event: Men's Basketball versus Nevada [Exh] on October 17, 2025
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Men's Basketball
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Finding A Home Away From Home
12/28/2001 12:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 28, 2001
By Casey Wilson, Sports Information Student Assistant
Two and a half years ago, Martin Osimani ventured from his home in Uruguay to come to the United States. He left his family, friends and culture to chase down a dream of pursuing an education and a basketball career simultaneously. "I wanted to play ball and I wanted to study," explains Osimani. "In my country, you have to choose one or the other. You can play professionally, or you can [advance] your studies. I wanted to do both."
While living in his hometown of Montevideo, Osimani became a member of the Uruguayan Junior National Team. As the starting point guard, he helped lead the team to a third-place finish in the South American Tournament. He also played in the Pan American Tournament. The competitions provided Osimani with the experience of facing some of the world's top players, including Americans Jason Williams (Duke University) and Jason Richardson (Golden State Warriors).
"Playing against international teams helped open up a lot of the ways that I see the game. It was a great experience for me and it helped spark my understanding of competition," says Osimani.
In an effort to land a scholarship from an American Division I university, Osimani departed Uruguay to play basketball in Miami, Fla., at Champagnat High School. He received many accolades during his senior year and was a highly touted prep star. Osimani was named to Florida's all-state team and voted MVP of the Hooters National Tournament and the Collegetown Classic. He was also ranked as an ESPN.com Top 100 Recruit and as one of the top 20 point guards in the nation. Duke, UCLA and Georgia Tech were among the marquee schools that recruited the 6-3 guard, but it was Utah's hard-nosed reputation and the Salt Lake environment that inspired him to become a Ute.
"I always liked the system at Utah. I liked the way they played ball, and they have a great coach," tells Osimani. "After I visited the campus, I realized that Utah was also a great place for academics. I wanted to go to a place that was quiet and relaxed. Since I'm far away from home, I liked the idea of having the family environment the U. offers around me. I feel at home here because everyone is so nice."
Aside from being an entire hemisphere away from his family, the biggest obstacle Osimani has been forced to overcome is adapting to the English language and U.S. culture. "It has been very frustrating. Sometimes it is tough to communicate, but I am still learning," says Osimani.
The language barrier has been toughest for Osimani to work through in the classroom. "It makes studying much more difficult because I have to read things over and over. Something that takes me five minutes to read in Spanish takes 20 minutes to read in English. It's hard, but I keep fighting through it," explains Osimani, who ranked third in his high school graduating class with a 3.82 GPA.
However, Osimani refuses to let such obstacles hinder his academic success. His desire to earn a college degree is equal to his desire to play basketball. "My education is very important. I have the opportunity of a lifetime and it is an honor for me. Basketball will be in my life forever, but it is not going to support my family. Getting a degree is my first goal," admits Osimani.
Osimani is also on a quest to become educated from one of America's top teachers on the basketball court. Coach Rick Majerus calls Osmani a student of the game and compares him to a sponge in that he wants to absorb everything he possibly can.
"I want to understand the game of basketball," says Osimani. "I want to study the game and learn as much as I can about it. Utah has one of the best coaches in the nation, so this is the perfect opportunity for me."
On the basketball court, Osimani has a burning passion for the game, one that couldn't be fueled in his homeland. According to Osimani, basketball is solely a game in Uruguay, but in the U.S. it is a way of life.
In Urugauy, he had to search hard to find others who love the game as much as he does. Even his parents showed little interest in basketball until he began to play. Osimani struggled to find professional games to watch on television, and instead developed a strong interest in American basketball.
His impressions of Utah were molded when he caught Utah's 1998 National Championship game against Kentucky on TV. Now, just four years later, the former viewer is suiting up as a Ute.
"Playing here is a dream come true," tells Osimani. "I watched the Final Four game and was impressed with Utah. It's a great honor to play here. Nobody from my country has ever been able to play basketball in the United States."
Enjoying his educational endeavors and already earning significant playing time as a freshman, Osimani is optimistic about his future at the U. He looks forward to continuing to learn in Majerus' system. "He is a great coach. I have already learned a lot from him--not only as a player, but as a person. He has helped me to understand things and he makes tough situations easier."
With an optimistic outlook on life, a strong work ethic and great potential, Osimani's stay at Utah is bound for success. "I want to make an impact here by being a good leader and organizing the team. When I leave Utah, I want people to be able to say that I left it all on the court. I take pride in what I do and I'm always going to try my best."
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