In The Nest: Third-Generation Falcon Isaac Elsasser Talks BGSU, Golf And Finding His Role
by Medical Mutual
1/16/2023
Isaac Elsasser set multiple records at Bowling Green High School. Now the Bowling Green senior, and third-generation BGSU Falcon, has found his role with the 2022-23 men's basketball team.
Q: We will lead off with a non-basketball question. Where is the most interesting place that you have been?
Elsasser: U.S. Virgin Islands. Other than that, I have never been out of the country.
Q: Besides basketball, what sport do you enjoy playing the most?
Elsasser: Golf by far.
Q: When did you start playing basketball and how did you know that was the sport you wanted to continue playing?
Elsasser: I’ve been playing basketball ever since I was in 1st grade. Growing up my favorite sport was baseball but once I made the varsity basketball team as a freshman I decided to focus more on basketball.
Q: Being from Bowling Green, how often did you come to BGSU basketball games growing up?
Elsasser: I would come to a lot of home games. I remember games in Anderson Arena and then obviously in Stroh as well.
Q: What memory from coming to Falcon basketball games stands out to you?
Elsasser: When Michigan State played in the Stroh Center. It was one of the first seasons Stroh was open and the stands were packed. If I recall correctly, it was a fairly close game.
Q: What made you decide that you wanted to attend BGSU?
Elsasser: Having the opportunity to play division 1 basketball in my hometown made it a very easy decision. I also really like the coaching/supporting staff at BGSU.
Q: In high school you broke the school records for career points, three-point field goals and consecutive starts while being a three-time captain. How special was it to etch your name in the record book in so many different ways?
Elsasser: It honestly never was a goal of mine to break so many records until I became aware that I had the opportunity to after my junior year. Looking back on it I’m grateful and glad I put in so much work to get the results that I got. My high school point guard was also my best friend so he gets a lot of credit for setting me up for open shots.
Q: You were also named the Northern Lakes League golfer of the year as a senior in high school. How's your golf game now?
Elsasser: I spend a lot of my summer golfing. I have improved since I was in high school. I’m now a scratch golfer (handicap of 0).
Q: Since you've been at BGSU, the basketball program has had highs and lows. What is your favorite moment as a Falcon?
Elsasser: The U.S. Virgin Island trip was so much fun, and we beat Cincinnati in overtime which made the trip even better.
Q: Over your four years with the program, which teammate influenced you the most and why?
Elsasser: Daeqwon Plowden. I love how hard he plays and how he’s such a great leader. I tried to learn from him on how he leads a team and took inspiration from his game in playing every play like it’s your last.
Q: Your role on the court has grown this season, more than doubling your minutes per game from last season. How rewarding is it to see all the hard work of four years pay off in that way?
Elsasser: It’s very rewarding but there has been a lot of hard work put in to get to the spot I am at now. I’ve learned to be patient and make the most of my time. However, there’s no time for complacency as there’s still room for improvement.
Q: You're a third-generation Falcon. Describe the feelings and emotions around playing for a university that has such strong ties to your family.
Elsasser: It’s been amazing to not only go to school where so many of my close relatives went to school but also having the opportunity to play basketball at the school is truly a dream come true.
Q: What is your major at BGSU and what made you decide to study in that field?
Elsasser: Sport Management with minors in Entrepreneurship and Coaching. I’ve always loved sports, whether playing or watching, I love them all. Being in the sport industry has been in my blood since I was a kid with my dad working in it as well.
Q: What are your career plans after Bowling Green?
Elsasser: Find a job in the sport industry ideally a high school athletic director and eventually become a high school basketball coach.
Q: Who inspired or encouraged you the most athletically growing up?
Elsasser: Both my parents are very encouraging and supportive in everything I do.
Q: Do you have any pregame superstitions or routines?
Elsasser: I never wear the shoes I’m wearing for the game during shoot around on gameday.
Q: What is your go-to- restaurant and/or meal?
Elsasser: Go-to meal would be surf and turf (steak, salmon), with garlic potatoes and broccoli and carrots. Favorite restaurant in BG is SamB’s but Kabob-it if it’s a quick meal.
Q: Where is your favorite spot on campus?
Elsasser: Stroh Center or Maurer Center.
Q: Describe Coach Huger in one word…
Elsasser: Determined.
