Joe Diaz '17 Recruiting Profile

My passion for basketball all started when I was young; my Mother signed me up to play for the Junior Warriors at my local YMCA. At that point I knew I wanted to play basketball throughout my whole life. Since then I’ve put a lot of effort into it and it’s made me the person I am today. I’ve learned that it’s more than just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. It has helped me develop many positive characteristics and l use them in my daily life. For example, I’ve learned how to work with others and have grown into a team leader. I’m a better person because of basketball.

I want to attend a four-year university for basketball. As an athlete one should never go into an important game or match without a game plan. Plotting out your strategy helps you win, and it prepares you for any unexpected twists that you might encounter. The recruiting process may be one of the biggest competitions of my life. It requires a perfect plan of attack.

Throughout my next two years left in high school I will need to improve my game. I need to work hard if I want to get where I want to be. NBA MVP Kevin Durant once said, “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.” What makes me different from other high school players is my work ethic. If you don’t work hard then your talent is a waste. I know what I’m capable of and I want to be great. Once I become the player I know I can be then I’ll let the pieces connect themselves.

My main focus is not only basketball; grades are just as important. Without taking care of my academics there is no basketball. I will work just as hard in the classroom as I do on the court. If I need to take extra-curricular classes to challenge myself, I will. I will get my work done not just so I can play ball, but to have an education. Basketball is an opportunity in the world and education is as well. I want to make the most of my opportunities in life to accomplish my dream. While working hard on and off the court, I believe that my dream of playing college basketball will become a reality.