Adonai Syllien '18 Recruiting Profile

The first time I picked up a basketball was at the age of 5. I had been playing at one of my friend’s house, we began to shoot around and I struggled to make a jump shot. My friend’s father encouraged me to pick up the ball and try again. After a few tries and his advice on form, I dunked the ball through the hoop. It was in that moment I fell in love with the sport basketball. Basketball has forever changed the way I react when met with adversity. Through the sport I’ve learned to assume responsibility and to always observe discipline. Not only do I employ the principles of basketball on the court, but I’ve applied them to the classroom as well, making me a more focused and dedicated student.

During my high school career , I received many accolades for my skills in basketball. My dedication to playing basketball seriously served as a privations tool and acted as an outlet for my energy, fueling my overall success during my freshman year. Making the varsity team which was a huge opportunity for me considering I want to take my basketball playing career to a professional level. In order to meet the skill level for varsity however, I had to work towards exceeding my potential every practice and every game. I went to the gym to lift weights, practiced my jump shot daily and, go to the park with my trainer and work on some new moves. I committed myself to basketball because as with all skills, practice doesn’t make quite perfect, but it makes it better. It was Indian spiritual leader Dada Vaswani who once said “sincere practice, makes the impossible possible”.

I had taken my SAT during the spring of my junior year and received a score of 910 which I wasn’t very happy with. I spoke with my college advisor about potential study programs. He introduced me to a college readiness program called Let’s Get Ready. I enrolled in the program during the summer.. In October, I retook the SAT. My score went up from a 910 to an 1160. I was able to improve my score based off my determination and strong work ethic. I studied for at least an hour everyday, in addition to practicing for the basketball season. I was excited to juggle both responsibilities. I would read prep books on the bus as I went to the gym during the summer. It was this balance that I learned from playing basketball the first time.

Most recently, I met a mentor while riding the bus and he asked me what my goals are. I remember pausing because such a broad question often lends itself to a specific answer and I find it hard to speak my goal without listing the steps I will take to reach it. As we chatted the whole ride and he shared his college experiences, he asked me what size are my shoes. Upon telling him a size 18, he was shocked because he could imagine how hard it is to find my size in the store, but I told him that finding basketball shoes in my size are quite easy. He then said “the costume has been tailor-made for you, all that is left is for you to put it on. When your feet are tired, soak them in epsom salt. When your shoes are worn, buy new laces. There will be times when the road through college is challenge, but meet every challenge with a solution and you will find your finish line. You are a basketball player so it’s important to remember to be leader, and the best leader knows how to work with the strength of their team. Your professors are your team, your degree is your basket, and the only timer you have is life. Be great.” I am ready for college to begin, to beat the buzzer, and to actualize my goals.