Zachary Bates '18 Recruiting Profile

Physically, I am long and am currently 6'5.5". I work hard, on and off the court. While at Terrell High School, I was always ranked 1st or 2nd in my class academically, and I received two all-district academic awards. I have also received individual Maxpreps Player of the Game Awards. I have an incredible work ethic, which involves putting in much gym time outside of the school.  I have witnessed, first hand, how athletes at the highest level train and prepare themselves to be excellent; consequently, I hold onto the reality that there is no substitute for hard work.

I feel I bring things to the game beyond what show up statistically, such as possessing a high Basketball IQ, sealing off opponents so that my teammates can get the rebound, as well as maintaining my composure in pressure situations. Mine is an all-around game.  My ability to defend is noteworthy, and my rebounds and number of shots blocked per game were regularly under-reported. I have continued to improve in the areas of explosiveness, quickness, and efficiency, and I have the ability to run the floor and finish on a fast break. I am working more on moving without the ball to increase the number of high percentage shot opportunities. I have been screened by Coach Tom Kuyper with NCSA.

I have attended prep school and played collegiately for two years. When the pandemic hit in 2020, recruiting was interrupted, and I made the decision to enroll in SMU in Dallas, so that I could stay close to home and attend classes virtually.

Now, I look forward to finding my new basketball family, and I look forward to hearing from you with any questions you may have!