Personal Statement
Basketball is a very important factor in my life. Basketball has taught me many different things in my life. Hopefully it will allow me to play competitive, collegiate basketball and attend an academically competitive school. Getting a good education is just as important to me as basketball. My ability of challenging my teammates to push to their limits, my love for the game, my leadership, my drive and hard work are some of the characteristics that I can bring to a college team. I play basketball because it's fun, and I love learning from the game. I've learned to be a team player,to go a hundred percent at all times,that if you want to be great at something you have to put in extra work,and to strive for perfection,but not to get upset if you don't doing something right. Not only do I use these aspects on the court,but I also use them off the court. I go to school early every morning to attend morning math(which is an early morning program where you solve difficult math problems.) At every practice I always go hard because I live by the saying,"you practice like you play." There are two main elements that set me apart from the rest. The first is my love for defense. I can honestly say I would choose defense over offense any day. Most basketball players love offense, but I love defense. The intensity you have during offense is nothing compared to the intensity you have on defense. Yes, defense takes communication and hard work, but the hard work pays off. For me, stealing the ball or not letting the opponent score is the best feeling you can have during a basketball game. These are two things that I can really help make an impact on in the game. These elements started to come out in me when my team and I were playing a game and we were losing, but in less than a minute I got two steals was able to help my team make the game a two point difference. The second factor that makes me different from others is my dedication I have for basketball. There's rarely a time when I don't have the basketball in my hand. I always have to make a good jump shot and layup before I leave for school and at the end of every practice. I dribble the basketball in the house daily before I go to bed and any other time I feel like it. I have the dedication to go outside and shoot hoops in the freezing cold winter months in Indiana. Basketball takes a lot of time and hard work, but I am willing to put make all the sacrifices, because I love the sport.
