Jonathan Hoover '23 Recruiting Profile

I want to play Basketball at the highest possible level. I’m a 6’7” Small forward/Power forward, I currently play for Gonzaga Prep.

I’ve been playing basketball since I was about four years old. I didn’t start playing Basketball seriously until I was in sixth grade. My family is very active which has played a major role in my life. I started playing sports when I was in kindergarten. I started out doing  Tiny-Mite Packers Football in 2010. Then I switched to cross country for three years, which has allowed me to train my body for a better endurance, and how to properly stretch my legs so injuries are less likely. Then from fourth through sixth grade I went back to playing football. 

It wasn’t until sixth grade that I had finally realized I could use my height for a sport that I love.  Growing up I had always been the tallest kid in my class, so I had always had the advantage over my peers when it came to certain sports. Growing up attending a Catholic school I never really got to experience the competitiveness that most kids do in public schools, nor against kids who play AAU or any other club teams.  However that hasn’t affected my love for the game.

In sixth grade I got coaches that truly wanted me to use my height against my opponents and teach me that I can make a big impact on the floor. Whether that be posting up in the paint, grabbing rebounds, or getting defensive stops I could make an impact.  So they worked with me every practice and my game truly improved. I was frequently given the ball and could play all game.

Then once I got into high school I got to experience players that not only were as good as me, but better. As a freshman I made the A team. Once more my coaches worked with me during practices coming up with plays to use my height as an advantage and teaching me new moves that I can use.  Even as a freshman I was not only the tallest on the team, but the whole school.  Even during this time I am still working on my skills and weaknesses so for next season I will have the jump on everyone and be the best.

Once I entered Sophomore year I was put on C-Team to show the coaches how I had grown as a player over the summer.