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Jake Krafka set for senior season at St. Edwards
In his last year at St. Edwards, Jake Krafka aims to lead the Hilltoppers to the top of the Lone Star Conference. (Photo Credit: Tony Baldwin/St. Edwards Athletics)

Jake Krafka set for senior season at St. Edwards

AUSTIN, Texas (BVM) — When Jake Krafka steps on to the court, he falls in love all over again. From the age of seven, he has been perfecting his skill and attempting to emulate his NBA heroes. Fifteen years later, in unforeseen circumstances, Krafka is making the best of the opportunities that lie ahead of him.

As Krafka grew up, he fell in love with the play of NBA legends Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki, who he has tried to model my game after. However, there is another player that Krafka considers the greatest basketball player of all time.

“LeBron James, 100%, Krafka said.” “The best to ever play the game,” Krafka said.

Now all grown up, the 6-foot-8 forward recently entered his senior year at St. Edwards University. After transferring from the University of Denver, Krafka proved to be a vital part of the Hilltoppers’ basketball program last season.

One individual who quickly recognized Krafka’s contributions was Hilltopper head coach Andre Cook.

“Jake is a terrific basketball player,” Cook said. “For being 6’8, he has tremendous basketball skill. Jake can handle the ball, pass, and shoot like a guard. He is so vital for our success as we can use him in a variety of ways on both sides of the ball.

It’s been such a pleasure to coach Jake and have him back in Austin.  His family has a rich history with St. Edward’s, and Jake is adding to that legacy.”

Since joining the program, Krafka has been part of memorable moments, but none as special as when coach Cook notched his 300th career collegiate win in January. Krafka scored 11 points, making four field goals, one of which was a 3-point basket. 

Krafka is looking forward to his senior year on the Hilltop after averaging 10.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists the season prior. But he also realizes that when you play basketball, there is a two-way relationship between you and the game.

“The biggest thing [basketball has taught me] is to appreciate the little things in life,” Krafka said. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve forced myself to get out and try new things more often.”

When he is not perfecting his craft, Krafka is able to switch off by surfing, fishing, and hanging out with friends.

Krafka also has a reputation as a bubbly character off the court too. He lives by the mantra that you should “treat others the way you’d like to be treated,” and is a well-liked character among not only his teammates but members of other Hilltopper programs too.

Now, as most of us know, our futures remain uncertain. And for Krafka, he is doing his best to stay in the present.

“As of now, I am just going to continue to work with my team and figure out what lies ahead for us. I am definitely going to do what is best for my family and I.”

While Krafka hopes to continue playing basketball in the near future, he is looking forward to forging a career off the court.

“I would like to play professionally overseas for as long as I can, but I have definitely been thinking and talking about some business plays,” Krafka said. “I am interested in getting involved with working on documentaries and helping come up with creative ideas. Ideally, I would love to one day have created my own documentary series.”

Whether it be a professional basketball player or working on documentaries, Krafka has dedicated his life to the game of basketball. No matter what life throws at him, he will be ready to write the next chapter of his life. And what does he look forward to when it’s all said and done?

“That’s a bit too far ahead to think about,” Krafka said. “I just like to roll with the flow, and whatever life throws at me, let’s hope I end up somewhere I want to.”