Zavier Peart has the highest GPA on the men’s team. GSU ATHLETICS/Courtesy photo
Peart goes for a layup over an LSU defender. RAVEN LEDAY/ The Gramblinite
When you arrive at Grambling State gymnasium to catch a men’s basketball game, Zavier Peart seems to stand out, towering over most opponents, standing 6 feet 10 inches.
Peart graduated from Coral Reef Senior High in Melbourne, Florida, where he was a multisport athlete excelling in football, volleyball and basketball.
Peart is not your typical athlete, he holds the title of highest grade point average for the GSU men basketball team with a 3.8 grade-point average.
“I’ve had good grades majority of my life, excluding my junior year of college,” Peart said. “Seeing my parents struggle has motivated me to strive for success. I want to be able to provide for my children in the future.”
Managing school and being a student athlete may be considered difficult or a hindrance to some, but to Peart it is effortless.
“I’ve mastered the concept of time management,” he said.
“I have no special techniques or routine, it’s just something I to have to do and I’m just disciplined enough to stay focused.”
Some athletes tend to put athletic ability over their educational ability but only 1.2 percent of male basketball players go on to play professionally, according to the NCAA.
“Don’t only focus on your sport,” Peart said.
“Focus on your school work as well because a good degree can equal success. Sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to do to get to where you want to go.”
Peart is a criminal justice major with aspirations to become a congressman after his playing days on the hardwood.