After a lifetime of playing basketball, Ashley Zuber has established herself as one of Buffalo's top players. Even though Zuber is listed at a generous five-feet-four inches, she plays like she is six feet tall.
Zuber, the starting guard for the women's basketball team is a confident young athlete. She was born March 3, 1988 in Schnecksville, Pa. to parents Chris and Sandra. Her father grew up on the hardwood, playing in college and then later coaching a high school squad in their hometown. She remembers going to her father's practices as a child.
"I've been playing ever since I was about five," Zuber said. "Ever since I can remember I was always in the gym at my dad's practices fooling around."
When questioned about her height, she immediately started to laugh, showing that it is not a negative factor in her game. There is a degree of determination that goes along with being a smaller player at the collegiate level and she has taken the challenge head on.
"I just think my overall attitude in general helps me compete at this level," Zuber said. "I'm a pretty confident person in general so it's never been an issue for me. I think I'm six foot!"
During her high school career at Parkland High School, she started all 120 games and set the school record for career assists. Zuber is a true blue point guard. Her vision and court awareness are what have propelled her into success in the competitive MAC.
Her team mentality bloomed in high school and has only matured since she reached the collegiate level. Not only does her team-oriented game compliment her skills, they also supplement her team's ability to be effective on the court.
"Whoever is going to give me an assist, then I will give them the ball," Zuber said.
Her ability to dish the ball allows for great scoring by teammates and creates multiple threats for opposing defenses. Everyone around her has the potential to score with the flick of her wrist. If she decides not to give the ball up then she will rely on sharply tuned skills to create opportunities to score. Her "bread and butter move" is her crossover.
"I like watching Steve Nash. I would tape him and watch him play. Any good point guards I like to tape them and study their game," Zuber said.
Zuber's unselfish attitude, work ethic, passion, and confidence are just the qualities that make a player like her invaluable to any team. It's not a surprise that she is successful despite her height. Zuber took over as the starting point guard at the beginning of the season, and has averaged over 32 minutes per game. Zuber leads the team in assists and steals with 3.7 and 1.4 per game, respectively.
Height is important in basketball, but what is not as common is being able to overcome a disadvantage and utilizing other strengths possessed by an individual to become a winner.
Stand up for Ashley Zuber and let her know that even though you're taller, she is still a great baller.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
