Zachary Cleveland signed with Liberty this past November, and the Flames are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the 6’8,” 205-pound three-star recruit from Normal, Illinois. I caught up with him so we could all get to know Zach a little better before we are cheering for him from the stands.
I can’t help but notice you play for a school called “Normal.” Is there any explanation in the history of your town that can clarify the origin of that name?
There was a school created here in 1857, named Illinois State Normal University. Based on the French teaching schools, the term “normal” was the general name for all schools set up to be teachers’ colleges. So then the area around it adopted the name Normal.
Your skill in the post is notable. Is that something you’ve tried to hone as a strength? If so, what made you want to refine your post offense?
Yeah, I try to have a well-rounded game. My mom really helped with the post part. She played professionally and was a post player, so her moves rubbed off on me.
Assuming you kept up with the Flames this season, what was your overall opinion on their season?
I know a lot of fans were bummed about the conference tournament loss. But, to be at the top of the conference and play Stanford that close and be up on LSU late in the game…I think it was a really successful season and there is a lot of good to take away from it. It is a tough task to get everyone’s best shot in the conference, but I believe the guys handled the challenge well.
Are you a serious fan of any of the Illinois-based professional teams?
No, I am originally from southern Illinois, then moved to Wisconsin, from 1st to 7th grade. So my love for sports teams grew there with the Packers and Brewers!
Who do you think will draft Malik?
I believe he will land in Carolina.
Besides being a pro basketball player, what’s your dream career?
I want to go into coaching after, but outside of sports, I would love to go into the psychiatric field.
Who is the one basketball player you never want to miss when they’re on TV?
Luka Doncic.
What’s the greatest highlight play you’ve ever completed in a game?
My junior year we were playing our cross-town rivals, I passed an outlet to my point guard, got out running, it was a 2 on 2 fast break and he threw up a lob. Me and the defender both jumped for it, and I caught it and threw it down over him.
Do you have any scouting on how you plan to guard Kyle Rode in practice?
Definitely not. I am going to have to accept my welcome-to-the-team moment attempting to guard him but [I am] really look forward to learning a lot from him!
What are you most looking forward to about playing at Liberty?
Playing wise, I would say I just can’t wait to compete at the highest level with guys that care for each other on and off the court.
