Ahmet Ayan '21 Recruiting Profile

How did you start playing basketball and how did it enhance over time?

        I moved to the United States in 4th grade. I didn't know how to speak English and had a hard time communicating with people. Thankfully, my peers were extremely nice to me and invited me to play basketball with them. I liked playing basketball because it was a good way for me to have fun with my friends without having to talk much. Thanks to my young age, I was fluent in English towards the end of my fifth grade. I had played basketball at recess for two years, so going into six grade I wanted to join my schools basketball team. Unfortunately I didn't make the team that year, so I decided to train a little and make the team in 7th grade. I was supper confident that I would make the team this time, contrary to my beliefs I was cut from the team once again. I was determined to make it in 8th grade so I practiced and worked hard over the summer. Thanks to all the hard work I made the team, I became the starting center of the team and had a great season. During and after that season I trained extremely hard, I would train with my team for 2-3 hours on weekdays, then I would stay an extra two hours after practice to improve on myself, on the weekends I would practice 4 hours daily (this was due to both my determination but also the fact that I didn't hangout with friends outside of school so it was a good way for me to have fun). I fell in love with the sport every season and kept training harder and harder. 

What makes you think you are capable of playing collage level basketball?

        I believe that I'm capable of playing collage basketball because I can bring an energy to the court that many others can't. Throughout all my coaches I've heard one thing over and over and that was the fact that I gave it a 120% on and off the court. My energy also sparks an energy in my teammates so we all play hard as a team. I also believe I'm a valuable defender, I've locked down 6'6" and 250 pound players. Through the seasons I've had many blocks and rebounds, I believe in the fact that both offensive and defensive rebounds are game winners. I'm also pretty great at stealing the ball or forcing a turnover. I also know how to eat offensive charges, we lead the charges taken as a team in Las Vegas for high school. Unlike many tall players in high school who play power forward or center, I'm also an excellent ball handler. Thanks to all the boards I get, I can put it up easily and earn some quick points for the team. I'm also great at pump fakes, I use pump fakes for both tricking zone defenses and faking a shot to get a defender in the air. I also go to the gym and work out 3 times a week other than basketball to keep myself in shape and protect my body from injuries. These are just some of the skills that I can perform on the court. Therefore, I believe that I'm capable of playing collage level basketball!

Why would you be a better candidate compared to other players?

        I've traveled a lot before moving to the United States, I've lived in 3rd world countries and 1st. Throughout all of it, I learned how to appreciate everything, weather its an expensive sports car or a 2001 Toyota, weather its a million dollar house or not, but especially every opportunity. I learned that people take opportunities for granted, but little do they know that it wont be there forever.  due to this I've been living my best life ever since I moved to the United States, I've been doing great academically, learning new concepts, experiencing new things, and meeting new people because this was my opportunity.  Therefore, if I was given the opportunity to play collage basketball I would give it my all because I know that its a once in a life time opportunity and I need to make the most out of it. I would train everyday and try to improve with my teammates so we could create life long memories on and off the court.