Recruiting Report: Michael Zitney (2017)

Rarely do you interview a high school student and feel like you’re speaking to a seasoned veteran. However, <strong>Michael Zitney</strong>, a 2017 center from Massilon Jackson who currently stands a quarter inch shy of 6’10”, is the exception. Ziteny is a young man teammates want to be around as they develop — not only in basketball, but in life. “I’m not keen on divisions. I want to get the best educational experience I can. I definitely am looking into being a dermatologist or radiologist, if that is possible at that school. But, Pre-Med is definitely going to be the first thing that I ask and talk to about … I’m big on education, and then basketball is how their coaches see me and how I would impact the team,” Zitney said. Going into his senior season, Zitney has interest from a number of programs: Ashland, Lafayette, Cleveland State, Army West Point, Mt. Vernon Nazarene, Wheeling Jesuit, Otterbein, and Carnegie Mellon. The unsigned center has noticed throughout his time with the All Ohio AAU program that he belongs amongst best players nationwide. While some guys may have been intimidated against stiffer competition, he stepped up. And he definitely has no reason to be timid: he enthusiastically uses his bouldering frame to make space around the rim. Also, his team of trainers have been focusing on adding a few extra layers to his game. “I’ve been very keen on my fundamental skills, as far as being able to shoot from anywhere. The key to the mid-range to the three-point line … On the inside, at my height and at my high school, they definitely want me to be in that position. But I do want to become versatile for the next level,” Zitney said. Zitney also mentioned that he is working on ball-handling this summer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9rJLnSeubg While Zitney was clear that he doesn’t get caught up in division tags, he does enjoy being challenged on the court. “I can try to work as hard as I can in the offseason, and that’s just something I love, getting better and better and seeing those results happen. Now, I like playing against the more competitive athletes, more skilled athletes. I see way more potential when it happens. So, I like playing against as good as competition as I possibly can,” Zitney said. The largest player on the court can set the tone. Whether the “big man” welcomes it or not, he’s simply the first person others notice. “I want to become the best leader to the team, that provides energy. To keep everybody’s heads up … If one player on the team falls down, that can bring others down. I don’t want that to be the case. I try to keep improving their attitudes and their confidence,” Zitney said, when asked about how he approaches the game. Zitney will finish his final AAU season with All Ohio, along with getting out to as many college camps as possible. Taking the time to get to know Zitney is not something schools will regret. A pleasure to talk to, and a fierce competitor on the court. He could land anywhere from D-III to D-I, and is willing to do just that.