Emre Bayazit '24 Recruiting Profile

I was first drawn to basketball when I was three years old when every Saturday, my dad would take me to his pickup league games. Since then, my world revolves around the world of basketball. I joined my current AAU team, High Rise in Stamford, when I was fifteen years old and I am ready to take my talents to the collegiate level and be a part of your team. In terms of my academic collegiate goals, I plan to receive a four-year education majoring in something along the lines of either entrepreneurship, business or law. When looking at my personality, I have many traits that benefit my craft in the game of basketball. On the floor, I’m the loudest in the gym, especially on defense as using my voice to not only encourage my teammates but to communicate with them is a skill I take pride in. Another quality I take pride in is my work ethic. Having OCD, when I practice either by myself or with my team I always hold myself to high standards with whatever I am doing and so not giving my full effort is not something that I allow myself to do. If I was not pleased with my last rep or think that I could’ve done better I’ll tell my coach, “One more, that last was not good” rather than just moving on. Another trait that I value in myself is my competitiveness. Whether it be basketball or anything outside the court, I always try to not let anyone outwork me. On the floor, my competitive mindset allows me not only to push my teammates but also allow my teammates to make me work even harder. In addition to being competitive, hardworking and a vocal leader, I am mentally and emotionally resilient. This is from my struggles with mental health which is something I’ve battled with since I was twelve years old. While my mental battles produced many low points in my life, the experiences I’ve gone through have made me mentally resilient and additionally, made basketball more than just an interest but also an outlet to help provide comfort and happiness during any times of struggle. As I transition into college and adulthood, I believe that my mental battles as well as my experiences on my school and AAU teams prepared me mentally and skillfully for all the future holds for me and I believe that I am ready and worthy to be a leader on your team.