Weiyang Xiong '14 Recruiting Profile

I came to the U.S. from China in 2007 when I was 11 years old. Since 6th grade, I've started playing organized basketball: I was a starter on my 6th grade basketball that went on to win Runner-up in Washington, D.C. I made my middle school basketball in 8th grade and started a few games. When track season arrived, I wanted to try it out. I excelled in track, getting third place in the 800m and 2nd place in the 1600m in DCIAA Track & Field Championships in 2010 and winning the track MVP. After freshmen year of high school, I transferred to a private boarding school named Indian Springs School in Pelham, Alabama. Because of AHSAA eligibility rules, I was ineligible to play my sophomore year. However, I practiced with the team and served as a team manager. I became the starting power forward my junior and senior seasons and made great contributions to the team. When I arrived on the UCLA campus, I realized it was unrealistic to make the Men's Basketball Team there. As a result, I created my own intramural basketball teams and throughout the four years, we've won two IM championships and made IM Championship Finals three times. I am a good candidate for a team because of my relentless pursuit for greatness: basketball has always been my number one passion. As a young child, I would always go to my dad's office to shoot on my own, despite the hot summer weather. Moreover, I am willing to put in the world and work harder than anyone, doing whatever it's necessary to succeed at the next level.