Manchester Basketball’s latest starlet Zak Irvin has hit the ground running in his opening pair of games having double digit scoring nights in quick succession.
The Michigan alumni has already become a fan favourite. His infectious personality, ability to drive to the rim to finish with both hands and the pride he takes in his defensive efforts.
Despite carving out a new legacy in the United Kingdom, the 2013 winner of the Mr. Indiana award is already a hometown hero in his home state. His 4 years as a Hamilton Southeastern Royal is remembered fondly by the school and others in the community.
His coaches and the school’s athletics director heaped on the praise when mentioning one of their all time favourite Royals.
When asked about Zak during his time as a royal, Hamilton Southeastern athletics director Jim Self said: “I was not his coach but I knew how talented he was.
Zak is one of the most outgoing people you ever want to meet. [he] doesn’t know a stranger and has a smile on his face at all times.”
Irvin formed a formidable partnership and solid friendship with former teammate and current Orlando Magic guard Gary Harris who was one year his senior. Coach Self said: “Those two together [Zak and Gary] one, they’re buddies and two they’re great basketball players and even better people from great families”.
The pair combined for a stellar final season together and the pay off resulted in a high school sectional Championship.
Steering them to this championship was Hamilton Southeastern Royals head coach Brian Satterfield, coach Satterfield commented: “Zak’s up there in the top five players that I’ve ever coached.
“[It’s] not only what he did on the court but what he did off the court and how he conducted himself. He’s truly one of the those great role models that we’ve had.”
Irvin committed to Michigan in the summer of 2011 as the number one player in the state of Indiana and in the top 25 of the ESPN 100. Irvin played all four years and 38 games for the wolverines, one of only three players to start every contest.
In February 2024, Zak Irvin and his name were immortalised in the state of Indiana as he was inducted into the Hamilton County basketball Hall of Fame and joined by his family and friends on this historic night.
Richie Hall from the Hamilton County Reporter said: “I did get to talk to him last year because he was inducted into our local Hamilton County Basketball hall of fame.
“Since then he’s gotten a chance to play overseas and some with the NBA G-league and when we spoke he was just very nice and very pleasant.”
Feature image credited to Richie Hall of the Hamilton County Reporter.