BLOG 4: How Can I Standout In Front Of Coaches And Scouts?

Whether at a tryout, workout, or game, these are simple, yet effective methods that will help you stand out in front of coaches. 

1. Don't try to do too much- what this means is; don't go out and try to score 40 points and make home run plays.  Stay within yourself! Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. 

2. Focus on the intangibles- coaches love that guy who rebounds, assists, defends, always has his hand in passing lanes, and can do a little bit of everything.

3. Be that high motor guy- hustle, hustle, hustle!  Diving on loose balls, going after every rebound, and sprinting up and down the floor will automatically shine a spot light on a player.

4. Be solid- don't be flashy and keep the game simple. Make correct reads, give simple passes, and stay true to the fundamentals.  Nobody wants a street ball player on their roster.

5. Stay confident- losing confidence is THE worst thing that can happen during a tryout. Recognize what your role on the floor is and keep showing off your strengths.  Do not dwell on past plays! Have short term memory and move on to the next play!

-CNK10

BLOG 3: How To Ensure Success In Season.

Going from middle school to high school basketball is a huge transition.  First and foremost, seasons are longer and much more demanding.  At this point in time, coaches are looking for wins to help the school name grow, get their players exposed to the next level, and of course, keep their jobs. This is where players start competing for spots and minutes.  With that said, you need to constantly stay sharp and on top of your game because one practice can drastically impact playing time.  

1. Always Do Extra- arrive early and work on something you're not too sharp on OR stay after practice and get some extra shots up.

2. Ask Questions- Ask your coaches what's expected of you, what your role is on the court, and most importantly, don't be afraid to ask questions when you don't understand something.

3. Sleep well and take care of your body- a 25 game season can be extremely demanding on your body, which means fatigue can really affect your play.  The classic "oh, I'm not tired at all" line always gets to me.  You may not feel it, but your legs do.  Make sure you're constantly icing, stretching, and sleeping well.

4. Nutrition- You are what you eat. Fatty foods will only slow you down during season and with that said you should be feeding your body nutritious items that will provide you with sufficient energy.  For example, pasta a night before a game is definitely my favorite (For a nutrition guide, email me via inquiries page).

XFACTOR- Your mind is everything! Each night, take 10 minutes to reflect on that days' practice or game.  Ask yourself the following;

What did I do well? What can I do to improve?  What's my goal tomorrow?  Do I know all the plays well enough?  Do I need extra preparation?

Make sure you stay confident at all times because it's going to be a really long season filled with ups and downs. There will be times where you struggle, but it's all about how you bounce back.  NEVER GO INTO A PRACTICE OR GAME WITH THE MINDSET "I HOPE i PLAY WELL TODAY." Dont "hope!" YOUR MINDSET SHOULD BE, "IM GOING TO DO MY THING TODAY!"

-CNK10

BLOG 2: Why We Started.

These days, basketball is merely used as a tool that comes with many perks.  Many parents, athletes, and coaches are so hung up on "making it" because of all the extras (scholarships, contracts, meal tickets, etc.) this game provides.  With that said, we as a whole, completely lose sight as to why we initially started playing this game. Let's take a full step back and remember the days we were in diapers with a small basketball in our hands. I can only speak for myself with this example by saying that my parents always tell me they had never seen a smile so big from someone throwing an orange ball around the house. When I think back and watch old home videos, all I think about is; that extremely happy kid did not have the slightest clue as to where this orange ball was capable of taking him in the future.  What he did know was that he absolutely adored this game and that is the only reason as to why he started to play.  

I've learned many times that if you disrespect this game, it in turn disrespects you.  My parents never yelled at me and told me I need to score 30 points in a game because if you're capable, you'll do it on your own.  All they told me before every game was; enjoy the game. Sometimes, I find myself becoming a victim of taking things for granted and forcing the game to give me handouts instead of letting it come to me, and that's what I mean by "disrespecting" it.  The only things youth athletes need are; encouragement, constructive criticism, and reminders never to take their opportunity for granted.  Every time I play and enjoy the game, good things happen.  

Bottomline; NEVER FORGET WHY YOU STARTED. 

-CNK10

BLOG 1: Off-seasons.

When in offseason and "workout mode," my favorite thing to do next to bettering myself, is elevating the youth. I really enjoy when one of my 11 year-old players comes up to me and asks questions about my personal experiences.  That short dialogue is one of the most rewarding aspects of playing the game because if you're not inspiring someone to push themselves, then how affectively are you completing your goals?  I believe everyone has something to offer, all you have to do is ask questions.  Yes, my journey is different than most peoples' and revolves around a 29.5 inch orange ball , but many forget that this game teaches you so much more than just competing.  My goal is to help build a solid foundation for these young guys so they, in turn, give me the pleasure of sitting back and enjoying watching their future success.   I grew up with a solid base of role models and people I looked up to, which now inspires me to do even more than they did, for my young athletes.  The happiness in an 11 year olds face when they successfully complete a new move is probably the most rewarding aspect of my job and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. 

-CNK10