Nicholas Gowen '25 Recruiting Profile

Ever since the 1st day of kindergarten I was asked what do I want to do when I grow up and my answer was and still is to be in the NBA. Basketball has always been my one favorite aspects of life. I love basketball not because it’s a sport but because it represents so much more. It’s my release, the opportunity for me to just set aside any worries or troubles, even for a moment, and to focus on just playing my heart out in a game that brings me so much excitement and joy. I get connected to those I play with, not only growing closer with teammates but also developing respect for those I play against. Basketball forces me to trust my teammates, teaches me to be a team player and pushes me to get back up and keep playing, no matter how bad the score may be or how bad of a game I might have had. The next game can always be different. There is absolutely nothing like the nerves you get right before a game, the hype that rises within you as you listen to your music during warm-ups and the rush of adrenaline as soon as that jump ball starts. Once the ball goes up, you know what’s about to go down. I wouldn't trade any of it away because it has made me who I am today.  I wouldn’t have had the determination to keep moving forward, the opportunity to meet new people or the feeling of freedom from burdens and responsibilities. Every time I step on the court, I will always be grateful for that  opportunity I was given. I will always be thankful for my mother, who has the same passion as I do and who is my biggest fan and I will never stop playing what I love and that is the game of Basketball.