Zach Kraft emerges as UND basketball's hometown hero

The Grand Forks native has become a key player for the Fighting Hawks after walking on to the team.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Zach Kraft, a Grand Forks native who played at Red River High School, has emerged as a key player for the University of North Dakota men's basketball team. Kraft initially walked on to the team as a preferred walk-on, but has carved out a starting role thanks to his 3-point shooting and improved defense. At 373 career points, Kraft is already one of the best local players to suit up for UND in recent memory, following in the footsteps of past Grand Forks greats like Craig Skarperud.

Why it matters

Kraft's rise as a hometown hero for the UND basketball program is significant, as the school has struggled to retain top local talent in recent decades. His success could inspire more Grand Forks players to stay home and play for the Fighting Hawks.

The details

Kraft initially set a goal to commit to UND while still in high school, turning down an offer from Minot State. After redshirting his freshman year, he's carved out a starting role in his redshirt sophomore season, averaging 11.4 minutes per game last year and shooting 40.6% from 3-point range this season. Kraft has also improved his strength and defense, going from 170 to 185 pounds.

  • Kraft set up a chalkboard in his dad's office with five goals while still in high school, including committing to UND.
  • Kraft redshirted his freshman season at UND.
  • Kraft played in 30 games last year, averaging 11.4 minutes per game.
  • Kraft is currently in his redshirt sophomore season, starting for the Fighting Hawks.

The players

Zach Kraft

A Grand Forks native who played at Red River High School and is now a key player for the University of North Dakota men's basketball team.

Paul Sather

The head coach of the University of North Dakota men's basketball team, who offered Kraft a spot as a preferred walk-on.

Craig Skarperud

A Grand Forks native who played for the University of North Dakota from 1969-72 and is considered one of the best local players to ever suit up for the Fighting Hawks.

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What they’re saying

“I think just the game as a whole is really slowing down. I remember playing in games last year, and I was really sped up. I think just me redshirting my freshman year and then slowly making appearances in the games last year really helped with how my game has translated into this season.”

— Zach Kraft (yahoo.com)

“It's awesome, because he was not a kid recruited heavily at all. He plays with such a pace. He competes. And when you play that hard and you move the way he moves and still can shoot at that level, and he was doing it (in high school) — it's fun to see it translate for him. And the fact that he's a Grand Forks guy is awesome, too. But I'm just happy for him because he's got a deep belief in himself, he's really worked at it. It's fun to see him have to fight through and grind for this opportunity and he's taken full advantage of it.”

— Paul Sather, UND Head Coach (yahoo.com)

The takeaway

Zach Kraft's emergence as a key player for the UND basketball team is a feel-good story for the Grand Forks community, as the school has struggled to retain top local talent in recent decades. His success could inspire more Grand Forks players to stay home and play for the Fighting Hawks, helping to rebuild the program's local pipeline.