[bulldogg]

MLive.com: Everything Michigan

Drew Neitzel, 22, Michigan State basketball standout. Neitzel credits much of his success to his father, Craig Neitzel, 49, the man who has spent countless hours shooting hoops with him in the driveway. Craig Neitzel coaches basketball at West Michigan Lutheran High School.

Shooting hoops, teaching lessons
No other person has had a bigger impact on my life then my dad. He has been there from day one, pushing me, encouraging me, and teaching me how to become a Christian man. Not only on the court but off the court he has taught me that the only way to get what you want in life is to outwork everyone and to be the best you have to sacrifice a lot of things.

My dad did not want me to only be successful as a basketball player, but also as a student and a man. My dad and I have spent countless hours together in the gym since I was a little kid, working out and traveling around the country driving all day and all night to numerous camps and tournaments for me. Everyone says they can imagine how hard I worked and the sacrfices I made to get to this point, but there are only two people in this world that know: My dad and me. He has taught me the game of basketball and the right way to live my life, never letting me become satisfied with my success and constantly pushing me and motivating me to become better.

I would not be where I am at without the sacrifices my family has made for me not only my dad, but also my my mom, Linda and my sister, Erin. I can't thank my dad enough for the opportunities he has given me to pursue my dreams as a basketball player. Still to this day, my parents have never missed a game of mine, which means the world to me to have their support everytime I play.

I can't express enough how thankful I am to have a dad that will do anything in the world for his son to give him the best opportunity to succeed in life.

Thanks Dad, this is for you because you deserve the glory not me.

- Drew Neitzel