Benjamin Samples '21 Recruiting Profile

I have two sets of goals when it comes to college: academic and sports related. Academically my goals are to achieve either my doctorate in Physical Therapy or become a Dermatologist. Either way, I know that I will pursue an advanced degree in a health science-based field and plan to continue achieving grades that are consistent with the academic legacy that I am currently building. In basketball, it is my goal to be selected to a division 1 or 2 school where I can continue to let my skills grow and soar while becoming a part of a team of highly skilled players such as myself. Not only would I consider it an honor to be a part of such a team, I believe that I bring a lot of skills to the table.

I have loved basketball my entire life and began playing at the age of four. While most collegiate level players will tell you that they love the game, what makes me stand out is that I translated my love into a strong work ethic and attitude towards the sport at a young age. Aside from playing city league every year, participating in middle school athletics, and playing for the Hallsville Bobcats as a three-year starting varsity letter-man, I have held myself to a regiment of working out and basketball training with a trainer (although not every session is with the trainer, the plan is overseen by him) 4 to 5 days out of the week from the age of 10. I spend most of my free time either conditioning my body or honing my skills so that I can perform at the highest level and reach my full potential as a player. True to the adage that “hard work pays off”, I perform at a level that is above my peers at this time which was evidenced by the fact that I was the only sophomore to place 1^st team all-district in my area. While I specialize in long-range shooting, creative shooting (both long and short-range), running point, and defense, I make it a point to be strong in all aspects of the game so that I can be effective no matter the situation. In that same token, it should also be known that my personal goals do not make me lose sight of being a pillar for my team. To me being a pillar is not just about being the best but about making those around you better which is something I strive to do both on and off the court. On the court due to my many years of experience, I am often able to assess what strengths a teammate has and help play into those strengths when the opportunity arises. There are players who excel in athleticism, physicality, long-range shooting, driving, etc. and I am able to bring them into those moments when they present themselves. Off the court, I take pride in encouraging my teammates to be the best they can be as men of integrity and academically.

Off the court, I have many strengths pertaining to both character and academics. My entire life I have maintained straight A’s while taking an advanced course-load. I am a year ahead of my peers in both mathematics and science. My academic achievements have earned me membership to the National Honor Society, recognition as a Texas Globe Scholar with Distinction, and national recognition for my outstanding performance on the PSAT (in the 10^th and 11^th grade), SAT, and ACT. My studies are of paramount importance. As a young man, I find it extremely important to carry myself with integrity at all times while being an uplifting part of the community around me. I frequently volunteer to give back to the community and have participated in: holiday and food drives for the homeless, services for underprivileged children, work with elderly communities, and events for breast cancer awareness (in honor of my mother who is a breast cancer survivor). I was raised not only to excel in all that I do, but to be strong, kind, ethical, and uplifting to myself and those around me; I feel that it’s important not only for that light to shine for myself but to carry it out into the world to shine in other places as well. For these reasons, I feel that I would be an excellent candidate for anyone’s team.