Jordan Nwora is one of the top small forwards in the Class of 2017. The 6-foot-8 Nwora will be contributing periodically to ZAGSBLOG going forward. Here is his first Player Blog.
Hi. My name is Jordan Nwora and I am a 6-foot–8 SG/SF from Amherst, New York.
I’m currently playing on the Nike EYBL circuit with the NY Rens. I’m really thankful for the opportunity to post my brief autobiography on ZAGSBLOG.
I am 17 years old and am finishing my senior year at the Park School of Buffalo. Because my birthday is in the fall, I started school when I was 4. I plan to attend prep school next year for a post-grad year to further develop my basketball and finish growing. My doctor thinks I may have an inch or two still to come. I am presently living at home with my parents, three younger sisters, and two additional boys that my parents have guardianship of. I know that seems like a lot, and at times it really is a lot, but my family is great. The house is always chaotic, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. With all these people around, I have certainly learned the importance of teamwork!
My mother is a college professor, so academics have always been really important. Mom has made it very clear throughout my childhood that if my grades were to drop, she would pull me out of sports long before any coach ever told me I couldn’t play. I have always kept my grades up, not just because I have to, but also because I don’t want to let my parents down. I have also worked to challenge myself academically. I am currently taking Honors Physics and AP Government, along with my other classes.
While my mom handles academics, my father is Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Erie Community College. He has spent more hours than I could possibly explain teaching me the game. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t play basketball. When I was in first grade, my parents signed me up for Players in Progress (PiPs). PiPs worked on ball handling drills and we performed during halftime of the varsity boys basketball games. It seems strange, but I think that the experience of PiPs really advanced my ball handling skills ahead of other kids my age at the time. When I started playing team basketball in 3rd grade, I was ready. I quickly took on the point guard role.
Over time, I started to move through the other positions on the court, and I can say that I have played all 5 positions at one point or another. Because of my size, high school coaches have moved me around from the wing to the post. I’m glad for the experience in all the positions because I have been able to work on improving my skills at both my inside and outside game. My natural position is on the wing. I am most comfortable with the ball in my hands shooting from the perimeter.
I recently made the decision to play for Coach Alex Popp next year at Vermont Academy after building a great relationship with him and the rest of the coaching staff.
Looking toward college, I currently have offers from Auburn, Oklahoma State, USC, Seton Hall, Xavier, Marquette, DePaul, South Florida, Long Beach State, Rutgers, Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Fordham. I have really been enjoying the recruiting process so far and am thankful for all the offers.
As far as what I like to do, aside from basketball, I like watching TV and listening to music. I tend to watch basketball/sports on TV, but I haven’t missed an episode of the Walking Dead either! I also just got my driver’s license, so I’m looking forward to getting out and driving. I’m hoping I didn’t bore you all too much with my autobiography. I’m not really used to writing about myself. Hopefully I will get the opportunity to blog again later.
ZagsBlogJordan Nwora is one of the top small forwards in the Class of 2017. The 6-foot-8 Nwora will be contributing periodically to ZAGSBLOG going forward. Here is his first Player Blog.
