Basketball standout and recent TFS graduate Zakhar Valasiuk penned his LOI with Governors State University to continue his basketball and academic career.
“Not many people get to do this, and I’m insanely grateful for the opportunity to continue doing what I love at the next level and use it as a platform for learning and growth,” says Valasiuk. “Ever since I came to the U.S., the collegiate level was what I was striving towards.”
The guard will join the Jaguars of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC). Governors University resides in University Park, IL.
Valasiuk averaged 10.1 points per game, scoring a team-high 293 points and logging the most minutes (774) for the Indians. He also led the team with 36 3-pointers (27.7%) made and 69 FT (77.5%). He added 2.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game, adding 16 total steals and seven blocked shots. He sacrificed his body often, taking a team-high 12 charges. He was named All-Region for Region 8-A DI for his efforts, and was a GACA All-State North selection.
“I felt like the change of scenery from the mountainous terrain of Georgia to flat farmlands of Chicago will allow me to immerse myself in a different environment, thus a new experience which I favor,” adds Valasiuk on why he elected to go to GSU.
“We are excited about having the opportunity to work with Zakhar for the next four years,” says GSU coach Anthony Bates. “He brings a high IQ for the game and can shoot the ball well. I would like to thank Coach [Lowell] Hamilton for recommending Zakhar to me. We hope to have more TFS players in the future.”
Since the 2023-24 season ended, he has kept working and continues doing so as he seeks early playing time in college.
“Being a reliable, trustworthy, and overall better person,” adds Valasiuk on the areas of his game he’s been working on the most. “I believe with a decent work ethic, the rest of the surface-level basketball skills will take care of themselves when one works towards something greater than just the game itself.”
Valasiuk becomes the 13th TFS student-athlete to sign an LOI this academic year. He is the 10th boys basketball player from TFS to go on to play at the next level.
