In good company of family, teammates, coaches, and other friends, Zackery Bryant signed to play collegiate basketball at the University of Alabama Birmingham on Nov. 9. For Bryant, his signing day wasn’t just committing to play a sport at the next level or the process thereof; it was a decade’s worth of work, challenges overcome, even a school relocation, all leading to one dream-come-true moment.
Bryant is a senior point guard at Providence School with excellent control and the ability to shoot the ball. However, his vigor on the court truly makes him shine.
“I’m all about bringing energy to the game, and I know the team feeds off my energy,” Bryant said. “I’m looked at as a team captain, so I try to come out and play with a lot of energy. I love to have a lot of emotion when I play because I have love for the game.”
Although he exudes confidence on the court, his road to becoming a collegiate athlete wasn’t easy. Growing up in Hastings, Florida, Bryant played basketball as a child. As he entered middle school, Lindsey Hancock, the AAU coach of the Jacksonville Mavericks, noticed him. With the help of Hancock and all the extra time on the court, Bryant tapped into his potential as an athlete by the time he reached high school.
However, even with his noticeable ability as a freshman, Bryant, his coaches, and his family felt that he wasn’t getting the exposure he needed at his then current school, Pedro Menendez High School.
“We looked for a program that had a good basketball team and was a good academic school nearby, and Providence was like that; so I made the choice,” Bryant said. “The transition was pretty hard especially in an academic aspect. Now that I’m used to the system, I like it.”
Providence won the state championship the year before Bryant made the move to the school. The 2015-16 season would be Bryant’s first at his new school. Last year’s team was left hungry for another win, but very young. Although the Stallions had the mindset of winning during the playoffs last season, nerves dulled their efforts.
Bryant believes the team is ready this season.
“I hope we all come out ready to play our game,” Bryant said. “We always play with emotion to win and to compete. It’s a great atmosphere. Everyone tries to make each other better, and that’s what we need this year to win the state championship ring.”
Regardless of the season’s results, Bryant still has a lot of basketball ahead of him. During the recruiting process, he was considering several universities including Clemson, Georgia, and Iowa State. However, he felt a sense of loyalty to the University of Alabama Huntsville. His future UAB coaches were interested in Bryant for some time, and Bryant had faith that they would take his game to the next level.
“Signing day was basically like a dream come true,” Bryant said. “I’ve always wanted to play at the collegiate level, and my mom wanted me to go to college because none of my other family members went. I really want to bring the energy to UAB, but I really want to get into the NCAA tournament and make it quite far, if not win, because every year they make it there, but they get knocked out in the first or second round. My goal is to make it there and go further than it ever has been.”
From recreation and AAU to high school play, Bryant’s basketball career has been a ride he will never forget. He’s the type of athlete that has plenty of skill, but we believe it’s his undeniable passion for the game that will take him far in the sport and in life.
Prospective Area of Study in College: Sports Management
Favorite High School Subject: English
MBA Role Model: Kevin Durant
Favorite Movie: “Coach Carter”
Good Luck Charm: “I have people that I think of before my games that have passed away. It helps me to stay motivated and to always stay on a good path.”
Shout Outs: “I want to recognize my AAU coach, Lindsey Hancock, because he has truly done a lot for me, and I am so blessed to have him in my life. I want to thank my parents for all of their support and my brothers for helping me stay on track and focus on my game. Also, Will Cummings, a former Providence player, that I knew before I came to Providence. He now plays for an NBA team – the San Antonio Spurs. We still stay in touch. He always gives me advice.”
NF – Providence School Basketball – 0217
Zackery Bryant
Written by: Sarah Turner
Providence Point Guard to Bring Passion and Energy to the University of Alabama Birmingham
