Santiago Ariza '22 Recruiting Profile

Hello coaches. My name is Santiago Ariza and I am a senior. My main goal is to play basketball at the college level. I feel like with the right program, I can thrive at the next stage of my basketball career. I take my academics really seriously and always try my hardest to maintain my grades as high as I can. I look to major in Business Administration as though I feel as though it can open the most doors for me in the future. 

What sets me apart from everyone is that I am a very dedicated and hardworking player who is always watching a ton of film to minimize mistakes. I am not one to shy away from big moments and games, as though I feel like I play better when the competition gets tougher. My coaches have worked hard to instill confidence in myself and in my shot and it has really paid off, as I have increased my scoring numbers year by year. 

I had an ACL surgery at the start of the pandemic and I feel as though it benefited me and helped me become more mentally tough. I used the time to get stronger and watch lots of film on myself and my team. I believe that it helped me become a better player and made me realize how important it is to take advantage of every moment you have out on the court because it can all be taken away in an instant. I never have been someone who takes anything for granted and the injury really taught me that the mental part of the game is very important. Now that I came back, I have been playing with a lot more confidence and a much smarter player who is trying to make the right play every time down the floor.