Zach Riddle '21 Recruiting Profile

I am working hard to achieve my goal of attending a college where I can play basketball, as well as earn a degree in sports medicine (or related fields). I have been able to shadow Jason Benguche, Carolina Panthers Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, and have been able to see first hand what this career path could lead to. Ultimately I want a job that will let me remain connected to basketball on some level.

I have had a passion for basketball since before I could even walk (my parents have pictures to prove this).  While I do have a natural talent, I do not rely on just that. I work constantly to improve my times, endurance, vertical jump, rebounds, shots and everything else. I also continue to work on my body through training at Ultimate Athlete. In addition to all or this, I practice daily, I study basketball,  I watch teams play, I read articles, I eat healthy all while maintaining good grades. 

Last season I earned a starting position on the Cox Mill High School JV team. This season I'm on our Varsity team. Our school has much talent (our previous Varsity team  won 2 state championships back-to-back and made it to the final 4 this past year) so this is a huge accomplishment. I am the kid that at first glance won't cause much fear in the competition's eyes. I don't give the impression that I'm fierce on the court. I honestly think that is to my advantage because it takes the other players by surprise and knocks them off their game. I am my team's secret weapon. I've been told that my game resembles UNC's Luke Maye. I too was always thought of as a shooter, but this year my coaches asked more of me and I've become a consistent rebounder, create turn-overs, am a dependable inside scorer and I've averaged a double-double several times. My 2018 AAU coach said when he and the team recognized me at the end of a season by honoring me with the MVP award (after we won the season and the championship tournament) Zach is "Quiet, unassuming, not particularly physical, always trying to get more out of his game... to be the one player on the court I can go to, I can't live without." I have much to offer in terms of leadership, knowledge, ability and solid work ethic to be a true asset to a basketball program. I am teachable. I want to learn. I want to continue to improve. Most of all, I want to play. When given the chance I've never disappointed my team, on or off the courts. It's been said that I set the tone for our games and my teammates. I respect and appreciate this role. This is why I am the kid you want to represent your school, program and team.