Nathan Bland '19 Recruiting Profile

I'm a hard working athlete. I will give it my all to do what it takes to win. Whether that means get 20 assists, steals, points, or even sit the bench. I will play through just about anything possible. I don't fight other players or run my mouth when others tend to run their mouth. I use it as motivation to keep moving forward. Whenever I can get into the gym I get in there as much as possible. If I'm told to do something I will do it 110% effort. When people start missing shots ill say its alright keep shooting you will get it next time. If I make a turnover ill run back on defense and try and get it back. Basketball is in my opinion mental toughness. You have to be willing to put the time and dedication into it. It isn't always about being on the court. Working hard can be in the film room breaking down step by step moves of other players watching and learning players bad habits. I have dealt with a lot of hard times and bullying but I don't let it bother me. I just look away and smile because I know I'm destined for greatness. People have always run their mouth at or about me and it is just time wasted. I use it as motivation when I get mad or want to give up because if I give up that means they win. So I wont give in. I haven't ever really been in the popular group everything I have done I have had to earn. I'm usually the guy at practice everyone says hey look at coach bland trying to tell people what to do or they say look at coach bland running while we are jogging cause he thinks he is better than us. But I look at it as they aren't trying to their full potential. All I have ever wanted to do is go pro in basketball but I realized basketball just isn't a sport. Its about life too. Life is full of ups and downs just like in basketball you win and lose some. But you cant just give up. Basketball and the coaches who have taught me have made me into I am today. I am proud of who I am but I know I can be better.