Meet the Spartans – Center Szymon Zapala
7/22/2024 4:55:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Name: Syzmon Zapala (SHE-mone Za-PAH-wa)
Year: Graduate
Position: Center
Height: 7-0
Weight: 250
Hometown: Zaborze, Poland
High School: SMS PZkosz Wladyslawowo
Previous School: Longwood / Utah State
Major:
What do you want to do after you graduate and why?
I want to play professionally, that was my goal when I came to the States. I wanted to develop in the States because that's probably the best place to do that. That's been my dream since I first started to play in Poland.
Why did you choose Michigan State?
There were a lot of reasons. A few of the most important ones were because of the culture, because of how … it's hard to explain, but how people CARE about this program, how players interact with one another, how players care for each other. It feels like a big family and that's something special you can't find everywhere. More important than that is that ultimate goal is to play for a national championship.
What would you tell someone who is coming to Michigan State to play basketball?
Be ready to work. Realize what's in front of you and what type of opportunity it is to play for Michigan State.
If you could play another position, what would you play and why?
I'd play point guard, I've always thought that would be fun.
If you could play another sport, what would you play and why?
I'd play ice hockey. I started playing that when I was younger but I'm probably a little bit too big for that now. I liked it because it was very physical. I loved to play defense but I think I was just too big and not as coordinated.
I also like football, American football. We never had it growing up but I started watching when I came to the States. I like watching it and the physicality of it. I think I could be a good quarterback, using my good field vision.
Do you have a favorite form of social media or person to follow?
No, not really. I don't use it all that much. I have it, but I'm more of a person who enjoys sitting and talking with people.
What sport are you excited to see at Michigan State?
For sure football. I want to go see some games. I want to go see ice hockey games too. I haven't seen much the last few years and I know it's a good team too. I wouldn't say hockey is bigger than basketball or football back home, but it's bigger than you might think.
What song is on your headphones in the locker room right before taking the court?
I can't share that, that's my song. I like to keep that to myself. I listen to a lot of different music but got into some country music through my roommate at Utah State.
What is your dream vacation?
Just going back home and spending time with my family.
What's the best thing about getting to play Big Ten basketball?
I think the competitiveness part of it. I'm excited for how competitive this league is and how every second matters.
What's the best way to describe Coach Izzo?
A mentor. In one word I would say mentor because in basketball, he knows everything about everything and you will not go wrong learning from him.
One word to describe a Michigan State basketball player?
Toughness.
Who would play you in a movie?
Michael Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom in Harry Potter. So many people told me we look alike.
Tell us one thing people don't know about you?
I'm an open book. I don't keep anything to myself. I love talking to people and getting to know people.
What's been your favorite part since coming to Michigan State and East Lansing?
The people are great. The people in the program and the people in the community have been great. I've just really enjoyed it.
Year: Graduate
Position: Center
Height: 7-0
Weight: 250
Hometown: Zaborze, Poland
High School: SMS PZkosz Wladyslawowo
Previous School: Longwood / Utah State
Major:
What do you want to do after you graduate and why?
I want to play professionally, that was my goal when I came to the States. I wanted to develop in the States because that's probably the best place to do that. That's been my dream since I first started to play in Poland.
Why did you choose Michigan State?
There were a lot of reasons. A few of the most important ones were because of the culture, because of how … it's hard to explain, but how people CARE about this program, how players interact with one another, how players care for each other. It feels like a big family and that's something special you can't find everywhere. More important than that is that ultimate goal is to play for a national championship.
What would you tell someone who is coming to Michigan State to play basketball?
Be ready to work. Realize what's in front of you and what type of opportunity it is to play for Michigan State.
If you could play another position, what would you play and why?
I'd play point guard, I've always thought that would be fun.
If you could play another sport, what would you play and why?
I'd play ice hockey. I started playing that when I was younger but I'm probably a little bit too big for that now. I liked it because it was very physical. I loved to play defense but I think I was just too big and not as coordinated.
I also like football, American football. We never had it growing up but I started watching when I came to the States. I like watching it and the physicality of it. I think I could be a good quarterback, using my good field vision.
Do you have a favorite form of social media or person to follow?
No, not really. I don't use it all that much. I have it, but I'm more of a person who enjoys sitting and talking with people.
What sport are you excited to see at Michigan State?
For sure football. I want to go see some games. I want to go see ice hockey games too. I haven't seen much the last few years and I know it's a good team too. I wouldn't say hockey is bigger than basketball or football back home, but it's bigger than you might think.
What song is on your headphones in the locker room right before taking the court?
I can't share that, that's my song. I like to keep that to myself. I listen to a lot of different music but got into some country music through my roommate at Utah State.
What is your dream vacation?
Just going back home and spending time with my family.
What's the best thing about getting to play Big Ten basketball?
I think the competitiveness part of it. I'm excited for how competitive this league is and how every second matters.
What's the best way to describe Coach Izzo?
A mentor. In one word I would say mentor because in basketball, he knows everything about everything and you will not go wrong learning from him.
One word to describe a Michigan State basketball player?
Toughness.
Who would play you in a movie?
Michael Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom in Harry Potter. So many people told me we look alike.
Tell us one thing people don't know about you?
I'm an open book. I don't keep anything to myself. I love talking to people and getting to know people.
What's been your favorite part since coming to Michigan State and East Lansing?
The people are great. The people in the program and the people in the community have been great. I've just really enjoyed it.
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