Zon Murchison '26 Recruiting Profile

I'm Zon Murchison. I am a high school freshman, graduating in 2026. I love basketball. I know sports leadership hears that a lot, but for me the statement is true. It may be truer for me than most players. I didn't play basketball since a young kid like most of my friends. As a little guy I played football, soccer and ran track. I took tennis lessons, mostly because of my mom, but basketball wasn't in my cards.

In the sixth grade, I was playing with my friends. I got embarrassed. I didn't know the rules. I couldn't shoot. Let's just say my defense was nonexistent. I was so frustrated, I shoved a kid and got in trouble. I realized while talking to the teacher, I was the problem. I owned up to my frustration and acting out. I apologized to the other player, and I made up my mind I was going to learn to play basketball. When my mom picked me up, I told her I suck at basketball. She told me to call my dad. I was so skeptical. My dad was a track star and a football player – not basketball.

I did reach out to my dad, and that weekend, he picked me up. He had cones, balls and we went to a basketball court. I put that ball in my hand and started shooting. I think I fell in love that day. Basketball has taught me discipline. My grades improved and I study the game.

I watch old clips of Kareem and Bird, and Isaiah Thomas, and Magic. I look at how those guys changed the game of basketball. I watch LeBron, and I see what a career in basketball can do to change the culture. For me, basketball is not just a sport, its what I love. I love teaching my younger brother everything I have learned. I even coach his school team sometimes. The last game before their tournament I created the plays. Basketball is a game of strategy and audibles. It requires an IQ all of five men, like a football quarterback. I love this game.

Basketball has taught me a lot about myself. I have come a long way since that little kid in the sixth grade. I may not be exactly where I want to be, but I’m going to get there. Not because of just desire, but because I consistently put in the work required. Basketball has allowed me to know myself and find my passion.