Although I have yet to hear him sing, this guy has the most sparkling personality that I have ever met in the TBL. During our first interview, I got to know just how great Z is. Zakarius is a personal trainer for M14 in Noblesville at the Mojo Up Complex. He is in his third year as a direct support professional. He works in a group home, in an assisted living environment for adults. He also is devoted to his basketball career. He has his hands full but he makes it look effortless.

Zakarius played high school basketball at Anderson High School, class of 2017.

“Anderson is a small town where very few make it out to see what the future could’ve been. A city I will represent proudly with my entire chest.“

 (Photo supplied by Zakarius Milhouse)

Fellow Anderson hometown Leprechaun, Dionte Raines, has known Z for quite some time:

“The growth that Z has shown these past 2 years has been remarkable! I’ve been working out with Z since high school and his determination to never give up, no matter the situation, is honestly inspiring. The road hasn’t been easy, there were lots of doubts and obstacles he had to overcome, but it’s all apart of his testimony that will impact many hoopers along this journey. Super proud of my guy and excited to play with him again this season!”

(Photo supplied by Zakarius Milhouse)

After graduating from Anderson High School, he went on to Wright State Lake Campus, to pursue his degree in business management. He played some basketball there but Z had bigger fish to fry. Zakarius moved into the TBL and started going to practices for the All-Americans where our Coach Benson was coaching at the time.

“I’ve been watching Z for 3-4 years now. He was coming to practices when I was coaching the All-Americans and I noticed his athleticism right away, but his skill wasn’t there yet. He came to tryouts last year for the leprechauns and he improved significantly to earn a spot on the roster. Throughout the season Z kept the best attitude and team mentality out of anyone on the team. He played very little minutes until towards the end of the season Z started showing what he could do in the games. This tryouts came around and he shown even more improvement a crossed all skill levels. He’s not only got the skill but he’s got the personality that we want as a leprechaun. Everyone loves Z and Z loves everyone. He may have a comment or two in his bank just to lighten the mood a little during our long travels. I’m really excited to see what Z brings this year and his continued growth.”

-John Benson

This is Z’s second season with the Leprechauns. Although he was injured in the very first practice of the 2023 season. He has been strengthening and training to move past his injury and is doing much better. He was able to play 22 minutes in West Virginia at the end of the season.

This year, Zakarius is ready to get the ball rolling.”I can win an NBA dunk contest right now, I have a crazy dunk package for my height.”

-Zakarius Milhouse

Z explained to me that the TBL is very much a family oriented program. “They want to know who we are, we don’t need to change ourselves. I can be myself and everyone loves me.” His coach is very important to him. Coach Benson plays such a major role in these guys’ lives. “Coach Benson, that’s my guy. Helped with things for me off the court, very caring. You can call him at 4 am for anything and he will do what he can to help.” Preston Myers, Team President, is someone Z looks up to as well. “Preston, gives it to you as real as possible. He is a good leader, business man, educates and is helpful. I like to be comical and fun, but I also know when to be serious and focused. These guys support me.”

(Photo supplied by Zakarius Milhouse)

Z, in his spare time, likes to work out, crack jokes, watch scary movies, sing, and find ways everyday to be better in life. “I have a younger sister, older brother, and a whole bunch of brothers from another mother.” Growing up he idolized NBA basketball player Kobe Bryant, his current faves are Ja Morant and Anthony Edwards. Zakarius enjoys pasta, chicken, gummy candies, and chocolate. He would love to vacation in Cali or Atlanta. Canada is a country he would love to visit. His top five favorite colors are: red, green, blue, olive green, and gold. All interesting facts I had yet to learn, thanks Z!

“I’m so excited to play this season! Last season I started out hurt and had to work and prove myself into the rotation but I’m honestly grateful it went that way. I was able to learn how to play at this level. Being on the bench with high level players helped me out tremendously. Everyday I had guys giving me confidence to be me so I took everything they taught me & worked on it in the offseason! Watched a ton of TBL film & worked hard with Dionte Raines all off season. This year I believe in myself more than ever & I’m ready to impact a lot of wins in this Lebanon jersey. My main goal is to be able to take care of my loved ones & I with the game of basketball.

-Zakarius Milhouse

I know I am very excited to see Z out there doing his thing on the hardwood. He is so at home on the court and his team is his family. He boosts morale by always making everyone laugh. This is his season, after last season’s injury, he is determined to get back out there as our #2 jersey Leprechaun.

“Thank God for the opportunity to play pro basketball!”

-Zakarius Milhouse