Ok, so now that I talked to you guys about what it takes to be a basketball player. I'll tell a little about my personal career and awards I've recieved throughout the years. Ive been a player my whole life, but at around the age of 9, things got veerrrryyyy serious. Training 7 days a week, basically eating, sleeping, living basketball. As an eigth grader, I missed our middle schools scoring record by two points, putting up 50 points in the last game of our season. That summer, I got into the world of competition for college scholarships, where the real ballers ball. At first, I had a very hard time playing against these people, who looked like monsters to me. Some as big as 6'10 and weighing 300 pounds. But once I found my confidence, it was all a breeze. I had a strong campaign that summer and went into my freshman year of highschool glowing with confidence knowing that I can compete at the highest level. Sadly, I only played freshman basketball because of quickness problems(which get worked on every day). After the freshman season, I began focusing on the big time, the AAU summer circuit. My travel team, The CTB Allstars are a very prestigious team that is for seniors in high school. My coach rolled the dice with letting me play with that age group, but I welcomed the challenge with open arms. As it turns out, college coaches were knocking on my door mid summer..This came as a shock to me, I never ever believed that a little white boy like me would have college coaches asking my coach about who I was. After that summer ended, I came away with one school following my progress, Long Beach State. Once school started, my training really started heating up. Weights every day and at least 2 or 3 hours of skill work every day. My dad decided to start a team and play in a local leaugue so we could see where my progress had taken me, it turns out I was leaps and bounds above the competition. I ended up averaging 25 points per game and getting MVP of the league...This also amazed me because previously I had played in this league and not even gotten into the allstar game. Right after that season ended, the showcases started. Showcases are a thing where you enter individually, get thrown on a team and just play games, with mannnnyyy scouts in attendance. This particular showcase was the biggest one in our state, with over 600 in attendance to suit up. The prize that everyone was buying for was a spot in the top 25 all star game, I knew I had to get it if I wanted any recognition in the basketball world of AZ. I ended the showcase with an average of 15 points per game, but still wasn't sure if I was going to be selected. As soon as the dunk contest concluded, came the announcments for the all star game. I had my headphones in and wasnt paying attention, just untieing my shoes. Then all of a sudden all of my teammates were yelling my name and telling me to go to center court..I couldnt believe it, I had been named one of the top 25 best underclassmen in the state, out of atleast 600 kids! The game was buzing with anticipation, and when it kicked off, I was amped. I ended the game with 15 points and 6 assists, one player away from MVP caliber. I am now known around the state as someone who can hold their own against anyone, well thats it for now, I'll keep you guys posted, thanks for reading. :)

Sam

basketball

Basketball is a sport that everyone can love and have fun with. The only thing you need to have to be able to compete in basketball, is desire and a passion. Of course, there is the athletes and the amazing physical specimens that are tough to hang with on the court. Having said this, if you have heart and desire to take down the giant, anything is possible. I have personal experience with beating out the bigger, faster, stronger, more athletic player. You can make it in basketball if you want to. It all comes back to two simple things, desire and passion. Good Luck...