As a basketball player who has achieved what most youth and collegiate basketball athletes aspire to—state and national recognition, a full scholarship to play Division I basketball, and the opportunity to compete nationally against top basketball players in the country—I have a deep understanding of athletes' basketball journey.
I gained exposure to high-level basketball competition when I played on a national travel basketball team at age 11. By my junior year of high school, I was playing in summer Pro-Ams full of professional, semi-professional and collegiate basketball players- an invite only opportunity. I was a leading scorer and earned recognition as the Gatorade State Basketball Player of the Year in Arkansas, Mr. Basketball of Arkansas, and became a McDonald’s All-American nominee. I led my high school basketball team to a 5A State Championship, earning MVP honors. These accomplishments secured multiple full athletic scholarship offers to play Division I basketball.
The purpose of basketball player development isn't solely to improve your skills and basketball IQ. The objective of connecting with a basketball player development coach is to dominate the game. Athletes want to be one of the top basketball players, compete on major circuits, and reap the rewards. They set goals to play at a high level and earn D1 scholarship offers. Their mission is to dominate summer basketball and their school basketball season.
With so much success as an athlete and a player develop coach who has curated a youth basketball program where athletes can thrive at every level, If I wanted to dominate summer basketball, here’s what I’d do:
Step 1. Define my personal and athletic goals as a basketball player.
If I wanted to dominate summer basketball, I’d ask myself: What do I want to accomplish as a basketball player? What areas do I want to excel in? What do I want to gain from a summer basketball program? How do I want to prepare for upcoming opportunities and school basketball seasons?
Step 2. Connect with basketball industry experts who can help me achieve my goals.
I’d seek out basketball trainers, mental and performance coaches, mentors, and experienced basketball coaches—people who will hold me accountable and push me beyond my limits. Each one of my coaches were pivotal. They exposed me to something new and grew my character as a young man. It's because of them I have the mental fortitude for this journey. It's crucial to have the right people in your ear, being a resource and guide throughout your summer basketball season.
Step 3. Join a select summer basketball team that aligns with my standards.
When I say select, I mean true select. I'm not referring to a basketball team that allows anyone to play if they pay a membership fee. A true select basketball team means everyone doesn't make the cut. It means the coach or director will say no if a family's commitment doesn't align with what's required. Summer basketball teams like these have a standard to perform at a high level, to produce, and to dominate. It doesn't benefit an athlete to play with lower level talent. If you want exposure to collegiate recruiters and major circuits, find a team that aligns with that. If you want to dominate summer basketball- find a team that does that.
Anything that doesn’t align with your goals will create obstacles and lower my chances of success. I wouldn’t want to fight unfavorable circumstances—I’d position myself in a basketball environment that gives me the best chance to win.
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