The Butterfly Effect

The hallway phone rings.  I yell for someone to pick it up because I’m too lazy to move from my bed.  I’m listening to the new Eminem CD, The Eminem Show.  Yep, the year is 2002 and I’m a senior in high school.  My mom yells “Zach, phone.” … I’m not expecting any calls but I pop out of bed and head to the hallway.  A deep, raspy voice echoes the old school wall mounted handheld, 

“Zach?”  

“Hey coach, how’s it going?”

“How’d you know it was me?”

“Uhhh… I guess I remembered your voice.”

“Cool man.”

The voice was Iowa Wesleyan Head Coach, Alan Magnani.  We had been talking for weeks and he was recruiting me pretty heavily.  I was getting mostly D3 and NAIA attention.  My dream was to play D1 and I was holding out as long as I could to make my college decision.  Things weren’t looking good, but I was hopeful.  I was beyond frustrated by the lack of respect schools showed me and was even told by coaches that I had “no chance” of playing D1 because of a lack of athleticism.

Coach Magnani was calling to offer me his “blue chip” scholarship.  At the NAIA level, there is only one full-tuition scholarship.  I was honored to be thought of so highly, but I was secretly pissed I was getting “low level” attention.  I knew I wasn’t ready to sign so I abruptly cut him off.  I told him I was flattered but I was not going to attend IWC.  Little did I know how that single decision, moment, and the conversation would affect the next 10+ years of my life. 

The conversation could have gone in many different ways.  Looking back, it went exactly as it was supposed to.  Big Al, as I have come to know him, graciously accepted my response and wished me luck in the future.  I could tell he was a bit offended but he respected my goals. 

I decided to pursue my D1 goal by heading to Indian Hills that fall.  With the one blue chip still available, Magnani headed to Australia to work a coaching clinic.  During his trip, he stumbled upon an Australian native by the name of Dale Iwanicki.  Iwanicki was a smooth, crafty guard/forward with unlimited potential.  Dale was 21 at the time and had attended 3 years of University in his home state of Queensland.  Upon signing, Dale was granted a full year of college credit for his university studies.  This will come into play later.

Meanwhile, my best friend, Ben Stone had just transferred from Babson College, in Boston, to MUM in Iowa.  Basketball didn’t work out for him out east so he headed home to finish his degree.  After a quick year at MUM, he headed to the University of Iowa to finish his degree.  Stone was getting the itch to play again and I suggested that he call Magnani to see if they were looking for players.  Because of my previous relationship with Big Al, he allowed me to play with Stone and the team on his recruiting visit.  Magnani knew I was graduating from Hills and figured it was worth another shot recruiting me.  I had no intention of signing at IWC but was impressed he allowed me to play with his squad.  I specifically remember playing against Dale and wanting to impress.   Stone ended up playing well and was offered a spot on the team.  I was also offered a gig but again declined his invitation.  I’m sure it ate Magnani alive and was pissed I didn’t respect the level of play.  Honestly, it wasn’t that I didn’t respect the team; I just wanted to challenge myself to play at the highest level possible.

My career at IHCC was exactly what I needed.  The two years toughened me up big time.  I was now ready to move onto a bigger stage. Again, I was being overlooked by D1’s but I was finally okay with the thought of playing D2.   I had narrowed my decision to Central Arkansas, Lewis University, South Dakota, and Nebraska Kearney.   On my recruiting visit to Lewis U, I received a call from D1 Youngstown State.  Once I heard they were D1 I was back hooked on my dream.  To be honest, I didn’t care how good or bad the situation was going to be.  I headed to YSU for a visit and knew I was going to sign with them if offered.

During my disastrous junior year at YSU I was often in contact with Stone at Wesleyan.  He sounded happy with his decision and loved the guys on the team. At YSU, I dealt with an intense contract year for my coach and endured a potentially career-ending injury to my back. 

After the season, the coach was fired and I could barely walk.  I found out I had 3 herniated discs and was looking at the surgery with major rehab.  I couldn’t play at the D1 level if I wasn’t 100% healthy.  The new coaching staff came in and forced me to do workouts.  I was literally in intense pain 24hrs a day.  I was nervous my career was over.  I didn’t want to have surgery.  I spoke with the new coaching staff and we decided it was best if I transferred schools.   I had no idea where I wanted to go and didn’t know if I could even play anymore.  I contacted schools all over the country and got a lot of interest.  I was afraid I would transfer into a new program and not be able to play because of the injury. 

Stone and I started chatting about the possibility to play at Wesleyan.  I was keen on going somewhere I could get a full ride and not have to pay tuition.  Stone mentioned my situation to Magnani and I got a call within the hour. 

“Zach?”

“Hey Coach, what’s up?”

“How’d you know it was me?”

“Uhhhh… to be honest, you have a very distinct voice.”

“Cool Man.”

I had a hilarious flashback.

We spoke for about 10 minutes and I explained my situation.  He told me he couldn’t offer me a full ride but he would love to have me on the team.  I told him I needed a scholarship and quickly realized things weren’t going to work out.  Then, about a week later, I got a call from him again.  Nature somehow worked out the situation.  Dale, the Australian import, graduated in 3 years and decided to bypass his senior basketball season.  What are the odds?  Magnani offered me the blue-chip and I was signed the next day.   

My senior year at Wesleyan was probably the most rewarding season of my college career.  I lived with my best friend and was part of a 25-6 national tournament team.  Coach Magnani turned out to be perfect for my situation.  He understood my injury and was careful to protect my back.  The events that occurred to put the situation in place were incredible.  From me turning down the scholarship in high school to Big Al finding an Australian that happened to graduate in 3 years, to Stone transferring and convincing me to play, to me ending up needing a place to play my senior season.  

So, why the long story Zach?  Why all this mumble-jumble history lesson, eh? Well, it all brings me to this moment.  What am I doing now after my recent abrupt breakup with Israeli basketball?  As always, nature has supported my decisions and led me to another amazing opportunity. When I left Israel I was almost certain my basketball career was over.  I had accepted my decision and was ready to move on with life.  Yet, in the back of my mind, I was hoping something would pop up… hence the “I’ve got something up my sleeve.” The funny thing was that I really had nothing definite up my sleeve.  I just wanted everyone’s positive and curious attention to providing me with an opportunity… somehow it did.

My random cosmic connection with Dale has led me across the globe...  Literally.  I am currently in Gladstone, Queensland, Australia about to start the season for the Gladstone Power of the Queensland Basketball League.  After a solid professional career, Dale has taken over the reins of the team as head coach.   Funny how things work huh?  The situation here so far is incredible.  I’m living with Dale and his wife Dana who I knew from Wesleyan...  I have been given a Toyota Camry Hybrid to drive…  People actually speak English...  The team dynamic will allow me to showcase more of my skill set … and most importantly, Nicolette will be moving here in 3 weeks!

So, with everything back home settled a bit, I can pursue my passion again.  Isn’t it mind-blowing how one little conversation and decision 10 years ago affected the rest of my life?  It’s amazing that every act of “chance” creates a new future.  It’s exciting to see how my decisions today will affect me tomorrow. The Butterfly Effect.  

ARTICLE HERE!