If any one player epitomizes the unexpected rise to the elite ranks of the Division III world by this year's John Carroll men's basketball team, it would be Chris Zajac (Brecksville, OH, Brecksville-Broadview Heights).

He entered the 2008-09 season much like his team did – unheralded and perhaps underappreciated.

That has all changed now.

The team that no one saw coming has arrived on the doorstep of the NCAA Division III Championship round of 16 with a legitimate shot to advance to Salem, Virginia, and a chance to play for the national title.

As for the player that no one saw coming, Chris is the one who his head coach Mike Moran respectfully refers to as “the glue that holds the first unit together”.

“Obviously he's talented,” said Moran of his starting point guard. “But he performs so well because of his instinctiveness … he makes good decisions constantly and consistently.”

Coach Moran's coaching techniques may be considered unique to some, but his dedication and unconventional leadership has guided the Blue Streaks to yet another successful season, JCU claimed the program's eighth OAC regular season title and third league tournament crown last month
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Reknowned for a platooning style that allows for maximum contribution from the players on his roster, Moran acknowledges that his system may not be for everyone. But it is a style that has won many more games than it has lost, and Chris was quick to embrace it.

“Coach Moran has his own way of doing things, but it works,” explained Zajac. “The two units work really well together, even though we have two different styles. The first unit is more experienced, while the second unit is more fast paced”.

Zajac, who leads both his team and the conference in steals, was a successful athlete in high school as well. His fondest memory comes from his freshman year, when his A.A.U. team, the Lake County Bear Cats in Brecksville, Ohio, won the Youth Basketball of America Championship in Lakeland, Florida.

“It was very memorable because we played so many experienced teams,” recalled Zajac. “Some of those teams had players who now play for Division I schools, and probably even in the NBA now.”

Chris continued to add to his fond memories of the game as a freshman at John Carroll, when in another successful first year, his Blue Streak team made it to the Sweet 16.

Unfortunately, the following year, Chris suffered from a pulled hamstring that stunted his ability to help his team excel again. Although it was tough for him to get into the swing of things, Chris looks back at the lost year using a dark cloud with a silver lining approach.

“It was a really rough year and I took it to heart, so this year I took it upon myself to really perform and prove to people that I belonged here and could help lead a team,” said Zajac.

For Chris, things have come full circle as once again, he finds himself in the Sweet 16. This time, instead of being along for the ride, he essentially has become the driver – especially after hitting a game-winning shot with .03 of a second remaining to lead the Blue Streaks past Carnegie Mellon last Saturday.

“Preseason expectations had us picked to finish fourth in the conference, which I thought was pretty fair because we lost our leading scorer and had a bunch of freshmen coming in,” said Zajac. “But this year, we all melded together really well and we compliment each other on the court. A lot of different guys can do a lot of different things, and there's always someone who steps up and performs.”

Chris identifies some of these key performers as fellow teammates Alex Koltsov (Cortland, OH, Lakeview), Rudy Kirbus (Willoughby Hills, OH, Cleveland St. Ignatius), Tyler Kirsch (Gates Mills, OH, Hawken), and Brian Dandrea (Allison Park, PA, Hampton). Although Coach Moran considers Chris the team's essential glue, Chris humbly disagrees, and passes the torch onto team captain and only remaining Senior, Alex Koltsov (Cortland, OH, Lakeview).

“He's a vocal leader, really the glue that holds us together,” said Zajac. “Alex sets a great example of putting the team first and working hard. Even though it's probably hard for him being the only senior, he does a really good job of leading us.”

Chris also attributes much of his success to his older brother Matt, who also attended John Carroll. Chris looks up to his brother and is grateful for the support and guidance that he has given him.

In addition, Chris acknowledges the dedication of his parents to the game

“My parents are the best fans in the world, they come to every game,” said Zajac of parents Paul and Donna. “They even came to games when I couldn't play, and my brother comes to most of my games, too”. 

Chris not only excels on the court, but is also a dedicated student. As a Finance major at John Carroll, Chris is hoping for an internship with a friend from Brecksville at a nearby financial firm.

“Obviously, it's a good school, especially the renowned Boler business school,” said Zajac of his choice of college. “But it's not just the education, it's also the atmosphere and the people you meet … I've met a lot of really good people. For example, there's Dr. (Andrew) Welki. His classes aren't the easiest, but he's a good guy to talk to and he's involved in our sports programs”.

In addition, Chris has really enjoyed meeting his fellow teammates. Joining the team, Chris only previously knew fellow junior Rudy Kirbus, who he has played basketball with since 4th grade. But now, Chris has found friendship with his other teammates

“I'm really good friends with a lot of the guys,” said Zajac. “One of the best things about this team is that everyone gets along. It is probably one of the most important keys to our success."