Prospect Spotlight: Will Zahradnik (2020)
Linn-Mar has been one of the better high school hoops programs in Iowa for a while now, and that won’t change in the near future.
The juniors coming up are an illustration of that, including 6-foot-7 forward Will Zahradnik, a versatile stretch-four who’s able to play the three through five.
He may have played varsity for several other programs last season, and have made a big impact. He’ll be able to showcase his versatility and athleticism this season for the Lions’ varsity. .
”I’m athletic for my height, so I like to run the floor, block shots and crash the boards and just bring a lot of energy,” said Zahradnik, who mentioned some things he’s been working to improve.
“Right now, I’m really looking to put on muscle, so I can guard some bigger guys. And I’ve been working on my jump-shot, I’ve been working a lot and my ball-handling too, so that I can be more versatile when playing the three and the four.”
This past spring and summer, Zahradink was playing with Martin Bros 16U, he says he played well and improved plenty.
“At first, I wasn’t paying very much, and I got more opportunities as the season went on, and I just tried to make the most of them,” said Zahradnik. “Our team started to click a lot in the late spring and summer. It’s just a great organization, Hank (Huddleson) does a lot of great stuff with us.”
Last season with Linn-Mar, Zahradnik was one of the leaders of the sophomore squad, but was able to get some key experience while practicing with the varsity towards the end of the season.
“Me and John (Steffen) did move up to practice with the varsity at the end of last year, that was a great experience to really get used to that varsity level. This year, having that experience, it will be a lot smoother start for us,” said Zahradnik.
“As a team, we got a lot of great pieces. I think we’re going to have a great year, and I think if we play together we’ll be making a run to Des Moines.”
Also a football standout, Zahradnik is a wide-receiver with the Lions. Through five games this season, he’s hauled in 100 catches for 185 yards and two touchdowns.
“I think when (college) coaches see I play both sports, they like that,” said Zahradnik.
Football is a priority for the rangy athlete, but basketball is also a passion. He says he’d be happy playing either in college.
“I’ve really been focusing a lot more on football. It’s my favorite sport, I spend a lot of time on it,” said Zahradnik. “Recruiting-wise, I expect a lot more to come in for football after this junior season.”
He added: “For basketball, I got invited to the Central Michigan elite camp, other than that, I haven’t really gotten much.”
Will Zahradnik is ranked by Prep Hoops as a top 50 player in his class. To see the full rankings of Iowa’s 2020 class, click here.