JEFFERSON TWP — Connor Shinsky took a year off basketball to focus on beefing up. Playing Division I football mandated adding muscle mass.

Thoughts of playing basketball were never far from Shinsky’s mind. His old teammates made sure he didn’t forget.

Every time he wore Knoch boys’ basketball gear to class, David Gallagher made sure to point it out.

“I wanted him to play because we used to play together when we were younger and he’s a big body and would help,” said Gallagher, who is a senior guard. “We have classes together and he wears old basketball shirts. I’d say ‘Hey, Connor nice shirt, you playing this year?’ I guess it got to him and he decided to play.”

Shinsky, a 6-foot-6 250-pound, senior didn’t need to be persuaded. After adding the necessary 25 pounds, he was ready for a return.

“I missed it a little bit, honestly,” Shinsky said.

Shinsky has drawn interest from Division I FBS Schools Kent State and the University of Texas El-Paso. He also plans to visit several FCS schools (formerly known as Division I-AA) Stony Brook, St. Francis and Albany.

On the court, Shinsky gives the Knights a tough presence underneath the basket off the bench.

Knoch (8-1) has a plethora of big men, featuring Matt Zanella, Stephen Oblich and Jim Larrimer, who are all 6-4.

Shinsky has averaged 2.75 points per game, including a season-high six points in the Knights’ recent 54-33 win over Kittanning.

Second-year Knoch coach Ron McNabb wasn’t sure what to expect from Shinsky. McNabb had never seen him play.

“I thought he’d be out of shape and lumbering up the court,” McNabb.

That notion was quickly put to rest.

“He moves. He gets from Point A to Point B really quick,” McNabb said. “He can catch it and gather himself. That was a plus for us. He’s big and gives us an added dimension inside.”

Taking time to bulk up last season allowed him to focus on adding muscle. He wasn’t sure how many looks he would get if he didn’t add weight.

“I felt like I needed to gain weight,” Shinsky said. “I was under-sized to be a Division I tackle. I was 225 (pounds).”

Shinsky kept in basketball shape by playing pickup games. Feeling healthy, he decided to come back for his senior season.

He sought out McNabb before the season and told him he wanted to come back. Shinsky’s niche of physical play has also helped out in practice.

“If anything, he’s made Matt Zanella a better player,” McNabb said. “Going against a big kid everyday. Matt’s become more physical and a better defender and scorer.”

Shinsky is happy to be back and able to help the team. He also enjoys what the sport gives him a chance to utilize.

His quickness.

“I miss the running and the quicker moving,” Shinsky said. “I always thought I was quicker for my size. Basketball lets me showcase it. I enjoy it.”