Zack Rosen and Jess Knapp first met prior to their freshman year in Penn’s Pre-Freshman Program.
They’ve been friends ever since.
At that time, the two future captains couldn’t have known what an impact they would have on Penn basketball.
From the first time Rosen stepped onto the court wearing the red and blue, the point guard made a difference. As a freshman, he contributed right away, leading the team in assists en route to Big 5 Rookie of the Year honors.
But being a captain hasn’t affected the way Rosen looks at life or the game.
“Whether I was captain or not ... I would still be the same person,” Rosen said. “What I try to do on a daily basis is give everything I have to the guys in that locker room.”
Knapp had to wait a little longer to start building her legacy at Penn. She tore her ACL and was forced to sit out her entire freshman season.
When Knapp recovered and got her shot to play, she — like Rosen — had an immediate and positive impact. In addition to leading the team in blocks and rebounds, the then-sophomore forward won the Team Heart and Hustle Award.
“It’s really an honor,” Knapp said of her captaincy, a post voted on by the players.
Like Rosen, Knapp believes that her captaincy does not define her or her contributions to the team.
“I am the same player this year as I was last year, except last year I wasn’t put in the captain’s position ... I definitely get to see it in a different light this year,” the forward said.
Both Penn basketball junior captains hold each other in exceptionally high regard.
“I sort of look to Zack,” Knapp said. “He has everyone’s respect ... He’s sort of the figurehead for his team, for the athletic community, and everything.”
Over the last two years, Rosen has certainly become the face of Penn basketball — a star player praised by fans and teammates alike. It’s a role the point guard reluctantly plays.
“I just try to be me. I’m not trying to fake anything or do anything that’s out of my character,” Rosen said. “I’m just trying to be me and do what I can with the opportunities that I have here.”
As for his compatriot on the women’s team, Rosen can see why Knapp was voted captain despite playing only one season prior.
“All the girls look to her because she’s the rock,” Rosen said. “She’s the do-it-all person for them. She’s really grown a lot as ... a leader in that capacity since we’ve gotten here.”
Two and a half years since Rosen and Knapp first met and became friends, they still offer each other advice and insight, perhaps about how best to lead Penn basketball towards its bright future.
Even if they haven’t quite figured it out, both captains share another important asset: one more year.
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