Jordan Gonzalez (Shooter) '17 Recruiting Profile

LEARN MORE ABOUT JORDAN  @   www.jordangonzalez.net 

        Favorite Quote: "Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard" Kevin Durant

What makes me an excellent candidate for your program is that unlike many of my fellow recruits, I have perspective on what is expected and what it takes to play at the collegiate level. Growing up with an older sister who played Division I softball in the Big Ten at Northwestern University, I learned first-hand how much hard work and dedication it takes to be a student-athlete. Having traveled to her appearances in the Women’s College World Series and many conference games, I was given the rare opportunity to follow her rigorous schedule and see first hand what it takes to keep up with academics while playing college sports. Often, it meant studying in airports, on buses and sometimes having tests proctored mid-air. Everyone wants to play at this level but not everyone “really” understands the sacrifices, dedication and choices one must make to play at this level.

My collegiate aspirations are to attend a college or university that will further my growth not only as an athlete but also as a person. Although my long-term goal is to earn a Master’s or Doctorate degree in either business, sports management analytics, computer science or statistics, my immediate goal is to be a contributor to a winning basketball program and or take part in developing a winning program. The opportunity to travel and meet different people while playing the sport I am passionate about, would be a dream come true. Some great advice that was once given to me by a former college player was to keep focused on my goal of playing college basketball but to not forget to enjoy the journey, the struggle, and the teammates I meet along the way. This advice taught me that the process is just as great as attaining my goal.

Athletically, what makes me stand out from other recruits is that I have a very high basketball IQ and because of this, I am a coach on the floor often seeing what other’s miss or do not anticipate. I have studied the game of basketball at the collegiate and professional level since the age of 7 so I am fundamentally sound and consider myself a basketball historian. This soundness is translated into my high free throw percentage and understanding that fundamentals is what often wins games. What makes me stand out, is my focus on fundamentals and a practice regimen that most players of today ignore which is why I have received coaches awards for being the most consistent player. I am very coachable and know that there is always something new to learn strategically offensively and defensively. I have leadership qualities which are evidenced by my team captain assignments and MVP honors my Freshman year. I also have first hand understanding that when you play collegiate sports, the team becomes your second family and just like in a family, it is your job to have the team’s best interest in mind; not the individuals.

What makes me an excellent candidate academically is that I have always put education first. Education in my family is the expectation so I have never been nor will I ever be, on academic probation. I have maintained a high GPA while taking challenging courses and playing sports and I am currently placed a year ahead of my grade level peers in the area of mathematics. I have been awarded scholar athlete on several occasions, received Honor’s awards and will be taking AP courses my Junior and Senior year of high school.

One of the greatest basketball and life coaches commented on character by saying, “be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” John Wooden. Some of my most proudest moments have been when I received good character and good citizenship awards. What makes me stand out from other recruits is that I have and will continue to make a conscious effort to make sound decisions understanding that my decisions will determine my destiny. Things such as complimenting a teammate, accepting responsibility and never blaming a teammate is how I live on and off the court. Throughout my life I have never had a discipline issue at school or engaged in smoking, drug or alcohol use. I have been a good role model and good citizen, volunteer in my community and I am always willing to help others.

    Jordan Gonzalez  

        Learn More About Me at   :      www.jordangonzalez.net