Zach Savage: New Student, New Talent

Fresno City College freshman Zach Savage says he is privileged to be leading the Men’s basketball team in scores this season.

He said that having the opportunity to play in a college basketball team is an honor in and of itself, but that serving as team leader is a remarkable milestone.

“Following the advice of the coaches has taken me and my fellow teammates places,” Savage said. “We go hard every day at practices that push us both physically and mentally.”

Savage, 19, majoring in film, has had much success on the basketball court.  He has played since he was six years old, long before he came to FCC.

Savage played in recreational teams at the YMCA and took his career to Patrick Henry High School in San Diego, where he also served as captain.

Balancing academic priorities with leading the team at FCC is no easy task, but Savage says he finds his experience rewarding both as a student and as an athlete.

He added that he is particularly close with his teammates – two of whom he lives with. “We work with each other everyday.”

The FCC men’s basketball coaches also praised Savage.

“He’s still a freshman, so he still has a lot to learn as far as leading a team,” assistant coach Sultan Toles-Bey, said. “But he’s taking great steps. He’s a great rebounder.”

Savage said that he and his team intend to win the Central Valley Conference, and hopefully the State Championships on March 12.

Savage is a fan of the Blue Devil’s men’s basketball at Duke University, and names  Grayson Allen as his personal favorite college player.

He is also a fan of Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors and has been following him long before he left the Oklahoma City Thunder last summer.

As for whether or not he plans to continue playing basketball after his time with FCC, Savage is hopeful..

“Hopefully,” he said, “I can earn some scholarships afterwards and just continue playing basketball after college is over.”