Personal Statement
My name is Ezra Smiler, I am a 6’4” SG/PG Senior from Hamilton New Zealand. I am an athletic guard with a 6’7” wingspan. I enjoy getting out and running the lanes and making plays for my teammates. I also enjoy the challenge of locking down defenders when the chance arises. I have been fortunate to play along with some of our countries best high school players and have learnt from some our best coaches. Admittedly I have only been playing this game competitively for 5 years, but through hard work and commitment I have been able to achieve a lot during this time, the latest of which was winning our national high school 3x3 basketball competition.
One of my father’s favorite sayings is “you’re only as good as a coach that believes in you.” Thus, I am looking for a program where the coach believes in me and trusts me to get the job done. I will work incredibly hard and do all I can to fulfil my commitments, just as I have done the last 5 years.
I follow players like Damian Lillard who invested 4 years at the college level before going pro. My goal is to play professional basketball, and I see college basketball as an amazing place to master my craft whilst preparing for my future outside of basketball.
I have been blessed with amazingly supportive parents, who work hard to support myself and my 5 other siblings. We are heavily involved in the LDS faith and enjoy the benefits of clean living. Currently I am the assistant president for the priest quorum. Over the years I have been involved in many service projects to help the sick, the needy, and the elderly. My family is big on service and living a happy life no matter what we’re doing.
