As Josh Langford prepares to play in the 2016 McDonald’s All American Game this week, it is clear that he is ready to compete at the highest level. After committing to Michigan State last June, the 6’5” Shooting Guard from Huntsville, Alabama is ready to show the world what he’s made of. “I’m going to Michigan State with the mindset of winning a national championship. I want to play my heart out and be the best I can.”

 

     Langford’s commitment to Michigan State was the culmination of years of hard work. Despite starting to play at six years old, Langford’s basketball journey began even before that. “I’ve just always been around the game.” Langford says. “Ever since I can remember, I was at a basketball game. When I was born, my dad was attending the University of North Alabama. So, it’s been there since I was born and I’ve always been around basketball.”

Being around the game all his life, Langford began to develop a passion and started to realize that he can compete with the best of them. Playing AAU with the Atlanta Celtics, he joined forces with players such as EJ Montgomery, Braxton Key, and Kobi Simmons, forming one of the most elite AAU teams in the nation. “The Atlanta Celtics are one of the best programs to ever assemble. I think they are one of the best programs that have ever been started and with the everyday competition in practice, being around other great players, has made me push my game to even higher heights.”

 

     Playing with the Atlanta Celtics has definitely helped Langford in establishing himself as a top player in his class. However, it hasn’t been all fun and games for Langford: “When I was about 12 years old, I was diagnosed with Bacterial Meningitis, a bacterial illness that eventually takes over your whole body. It affects your organs and I could’ve died.” Described the now-19 year old. “So, basically I was on my deathbed at 12 years old and they said I wasn’t going to make it.  Once I made it through that, I showed some symptoms of blindness and deafness. The doctors said that I wouldn’t be able to play basketball again.”

When things seemed bleak, Langford’s recovery was nothing short of miraculous, as he describes, “I was able to overcome my sickness with the help of God. A lot of people really don’t understand that God is the reason for everything, so I do a lot of praying, I try to read the bible as much as possible, and just meditate on God’s words because it brings about peace in my mind. It has helped me overcome all the obstacles I’ve had to go through.”

 

     There is no doubt that Langford’s tough journey has helped him in the long run both mentally and physically. Since recovering from the illness, Langford has worked meticulously on his game whenever he has had the chance. “I just stay in the gym. I try to run as much as possible and I have a great strength trainer back at home, who helped me stay in shape all throughout the summer.”

From his work with his trainer and his training on his own, Langford has shown a tireless effort to improve, as his AAU teammate and Alabama Commit, Braxton Key says, “He's a leader on and off the court and pushes himself to be the best everyday. I'm going to miss playing with him but I know he has a bright future ahead of him.”

 

      With the McDonald’s All American Game on the horizon and his start at Michigan State in the near future, Josh Langford has definitely shown why many consider him to be a top prospect in his class. He is definitely a player to keep an eye on in the 2016 Class as he continues to show immense determination combined with an uncompromising attitude, “I’m motivated by my love for the game. I feel like I’m one of those avid fans. I love to watch the nets swish. I love to hear the ball dribble, shoes squeak. I really love the game.”