Kyle Downing '18 Recruiting Profile

My biggest fear is not reaching my highest potential in something I give 100% effort in and something I am passionate about.  I am passionate about basketball, learning and life.

I like to think of myself as a student of the game; the game of basketball and the game of life.  For basketball, I am always watching old games and instructional videos.  I want to learn what makes different players successful on the court, what steps they take on the court in college, NBA, overseas, etc.  What have they have done to allow them to get that role?  Certain players have a niche – shooting threes, lockdown defender, whatever can be done to help the team.

I am a versatile player.  I can adjust my talents and style to do whatever is necessary to make the team better.  For my high school team, I can be the number one scorer but will also be a lockdown defender, guard a bigger position or play point guard.  On my AAU team I do not have to be that player so I am willing to do the all the little things that will help the team win along with scoring.  I am willing to self-sacrifice for the good of the team.  Team first, my success second.  This is the way I lead too and others follow.  

I have passion, tenacity and focus. If I have a day or game where I am struggling, I can still rely on my effort and positive mentality to fuel anything else that is needed to succeed.  I can control these areas each and every day even if my scoring or something else is off. 

In terms of being a student in the game of life, I am constantly educating myself at school and on my own in the areas I am passionate about.  I am very interested in business and global economics.  I buy and sell basketball sneakers online.  I am constantly trying to figure out how the markets work.  I also love history and politics and the influence they have on business. 

I am looking for a program that fits me both academically and athletically.  I believe my passion, tenacity, leadership skills and focus coupled with my versatility and willingness to do what it takes to make a team successful will serve me well in my academics and career.  I also believe these attributes will serve the program and college I choose as well. 

Thank you for your consideration.