G-Bake Time!!

I’ve had the pleasure over the past 6 weeks to work with Ganon Baker, the Nike Lead Skill Development Instructor. He is as passionate a person as you going to come across because he believes in the POWER of INFORMATION and  DEVELOPING PLAYERS ON and OFF the COURT!!  I will also have the honor of working with him at the Girls National Training Event at Nike Headquarters and also the Deron Williams Skill Academy for the BEST point guards in the country. I have learned so much from him, and one of  the things that sticks in my mind is the way he challenges all the players that step on the floor on understanding the mental side of the game. He gives them inspirational quotes that can be applied in basketball as well as life. He does ALL the drills like HE’s trying to get a scholarship or pro contract. But this what sits with me. He said there are two types of trainers (Sounds Familiar) Educators and Timestealers. I thought about it for a second and then got a A-Ha moment. When trying to get better in anything what kind of people are you surrounding yourself with. People that are making better and giving you “emotional deposits” or people that are along for the ride stealing your valuable time and draining you when it could be used in a more positive way. Look around and see what you have in your life. You will be surprised what people are taking from you that could deter you from your goals.

Great Person Lost!

I want to personally send my prayers and condolences to the Tisdale family for the passing of a Great Man, Husband, Father, musician and basketball player, Wayman Tisdale. He battled cancer for two years but lost the fight on May 15th. There are certain people that you cross paths with that you never forget and he is one of them. No matter what was going on in his life, he always had a big smile on his face. He lived his life faithfully and to the fullest. Before Blake Griffin, Stacey King, Mookie Blaylock and after Alvan Adams there was Wayman Tisdale. He helped make OU a basketball school where footbal is #1. His love for music and jazz music was just as strong as his post up game. So rest well my brother! I’m glad to have met you and share in some SMILES with you. God Bless!

Chi-Town in the House!

Hey Hey Hey. Sorry so late on this week blog. Was crazy busy training at the EDGE all week before I head out to Philly this weekend Nike Girls Skills Academy. But last weekend in Indy was the BEST so far. I had some early thoughts about what I was going to expect in the Midwest. I was looking for all catch and shoot, robotic style players. BOY I was so wrong. We had players from Kansas, Missouri, Indiana and a very talented crew from Illinois (Chicago). These ladies were the REAL DEAL. On both end of the court. They had a swagger and toughness. They got to the gym early and didn’t leave until we turned the lights off. Now that’s putting work in especially after the tough sessions we did with these players. It was great to see players understanding that at a early age. Remember, you don’t get better during the game, you get better before and after the game. I’m off to Philly and best believe I will get me a authentic PHILLY CHEESE STEAK! See ya.

Went to a Fight and a NBA Playoff Game broke out!

what up peeps! I’m in Indianapolis getting ready to catch a flight back to Orlando after this weekend Nike Girls Skills Academy so I will discuss that early this week. But what is going on with all the flagarant fouls, dirty plays, hard core “thuggery” we seeing. I know in NBA Playoffs the level of intensity gets high and it gets more physical. Trust me I know firsthand when I played against the World Champions Detroit Pistons and the Late and Great Hall of Fame Coach Chuck Daly. Rick Mahorn, Bill Lambieer and Dennis Rodman would take your head off but it was the style of “Bad Boys” basketball. But when did it get so bad where guys are getting hurt and wanting to fight each other every possesion. I love the NBA but this playoffs so far has turned into who can get the most techincals than who can win by just playing hard nose physical basketball. I will get at yall later.

Coming Back from Cali!

I’m back from the left coast and it was BEAUTIFUL out there. This weekend Nike Girls Skills Academy was at Mater Dei High School and their athletic complex is off the chain. The gym had 3 FULL Courts, equipped with mini-jumbotrons on the main court, TV’s in the concourse to watch the game if it’s sold out because it’s always sold out. Sorry, got “California Dreaming” with the facility, BUT the players (from Washington State to Colorado) there were just as nice. Long, athletic but more important, they were HUNGRY for information and knowledge. Trust me, I’m always going to be a right coast person but I was impressed with the talent and discipline by the Elite group of young ladies. Remember no matter where you run ball, don’t be a athlete that plays basketball, be a basketball player who is athletic. Peace!

The “FISH” is back at the EDGE

My main skill development trainer, Shay Robinson, is BACK in the building!! Over the past few months he has been networking in the coaching world trying to show coaches how talented he is (And he’s very talented on the court!) So call the EDGE to get your “work in” with Shay. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!! Dueces!!

EDGE Assistant Director of Basketball

What a TRAINING WEEKEND!

I had the great opprotunity to participate in the 1st leg of the NIKE Girls Regional Skills Academy in Atlanta with NIKE Lead Skills Guru Ganon Baker. And it was FUN!! To be in a gym with 40 of the most talented girls in the region was exciting. It also showed me why I built EDGE Training Facility. EVERY PLAYER at EVERY LEVEL needs to train and their skills need to be developed.  Athletic ability was abundant there but many players need to refine plenty of their skills and also their “Basketball IQ”. I have four more regions to attend and also the National Skill Event at NIKE Headquarters. I will let you know about what the rest of the country looks like from a skill standpoint! I’m off to the West Coast this weekend. Holla!!

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Remember “There are Two Types of Players…Trained & Untrained!”