2023 Grant Zeiler Commits To Saint Leo University

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Late Wednesday night, 6'7 forward Grant Zeiler decided where he'll play his college ball. Zieler currently sits outside of the top 100 recruits in Florida, but after a solid junior year of doing chin-ups on the rim and strong summer, his name will move up our board. I called Grant to discuss his decision and what made him hop on Saint Leo's offer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“It started with me. I went to their elite camp a couple of weeks ago and killed it over there. (I) kept in contact with the coaches, and then they called some of my coaches asking about me, watching film on me. Then told me to come out for a visit, and they offered me there.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Many schools were involved in the above the rim athlete's recruiting process. Saint Leo got the nod over FIT, Emory Riddle, Rollins, and other out-of-state schools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“The fact that before my senior season, they (Saint Leo) offered me a full ride and really saw something in me. I just fell in love with the campus too, when I came up over there. I thought it was beautiful.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zieler qualified for several high academic programs and prioritized education in his decision. His mindset is very clear; it's the books before the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Try to make the best out of four years and try to find a place with good education first and a good basketball team second.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zeiler's athleticism pops out on film. He finishes above the rim with authority, blocks shots, and plays with a motor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“They're (Saint Leo) is getting a guy that can shoot and finish. Also, a guy that's great on defense and will try to block every shot.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 prospect is more than a calendar year from joining his college program. That leaves plenty of time to refine his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I'm trying to work on my ballhandling and playmaking. So being able to the ball up the court a little more and become a better playmaker.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spruce Creek finished with a record of 14-12 last season. Going into his senior season, Zeiler has championship aspirations for the Hawks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I want to win a district championship and make it far in the playoffs.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the young man's high school career is far from over, it's always nice to take a second to appreciate the folks that got you where you are. He used his closing remarks to thank his former coaches and tell the Saint Leo staff what he's ready to bring to the party.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“To my former coaches, I'd like to thank you. I wasn't the best player in middle school or the start of high school, so I'd like to thank them for believing in me. To the staff at Saint Leo, I'd also like to thank them for believing in me. I'm glad they saw something in me.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->