Zachary Graf '23 Recruiting Profile

Coaches,

From my experience, the best collegiate basketball players are well-rounded individuals on and off the court. I believe that my academic record, athletic achievements, future goals, and overall life experience have molded me into a well-rounded recruit—fully prepared to put every ounce of my effort into leading and improving any team that I have the privilege of playing for.

I am very studious when it comes to the classroom. As shown in my profile, I have maintained a 3.92 GPA throughout my entire high school career. As a collegiate athlete, I will continue my studious habits in pursuit of a degree in either engineering or sports medicine. 

As a high school athlete, I have been a varsity starter every year. This past season I notched 1,000 career points, made the all-conference team, and made the all-state team. This coming season will be my senior season, and I will be a starter for Arkansas High School here in Texarkana.

I have a deeply-rooted love for the game of basketball. I recall a time during my sophomore season when one of our star players was unable to participate in a major rivalry game. This lowered the morale of the entire team going into the game. Despite the circumstances, I took it upon myself to be a leader in that moment. In the end I was able to contribute 31 points, and we came out on top. That season we went on to win the state championship.

Embracing the grind, battling through tough times, and ultimately being able to claim the title of "State Champs" was an amazing feeling that I will remember forever; it encourages me daily to continue playing the game I love. However, my greatest motivation in basketball is my father. Basketball is a hobby he and I shared before he passed away. After his passing, basketball became an escape from the world and the problems around me; but most importantly I began to take the game seriously in order to make him proud.

I know without a shadow of a doubt that playing at the collegiate level is the next step for me in my basketball journey—it would be a dream come true. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing back from you.