Four short years ago a talented teenager entered The University of Michigan as a member of the basketball team. The first in his family to take the journey to college. He had to leave his home where he was the man of house because the incarceration of his father. He made the short trip from Detroit to Ann Arbor which seems to be two different worlds. A new environment, a new team and within months his brother who may have followed in footsteps was shot and killed. Its a lot to endure for anyone, but especially difficult for an 18 year old.
DeShawn set out to help the team win ball games, and to obtain a degree. He did both. What I am most proud of is that through it all, he did exactly what he set out to accomplish. A young man that has gone through plenty of adversity now is a college graduate. Congratulations DeShawn Sims!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
The Best Time of Year
The NCAA Basketball Tournament is the absolute best sporting event on earth. Each year fans of college basketball look forward to this dynamic tournament, and each year it does not disappoint. Well it may if your team doesn't win it all, but in general the tournament is a hit no matter who wins. 2010 was no different, what a great tournament!
Although my bracket was destroyed early, I watched and enjoyed the games each weekend. Butler was not only a surprise participant in the championship game, but an inspiration as well. As a so called mid-major they gave Duke all they could handle, in the process gave underdogs a reason to keep fighting.
I can't wait for 2011 to see who will be next.
Although my bracket was destroyed early, I watched and enjoyed the games each weekend. Butler was not only a surprise participant in the championship game, but an inspiration as well. As a so called mid-major they gave Duke all they could handle, in the process gave underdogs a reason to keep fighting.
I can't wait for 2011 to see who will be next.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Let me introduce the Little Brother Mentality
For those that don't have an older sibling, the little brother mentality is vital to the development of confidence. Confidence is essential to success in sports or in anything that you wish to achieve.
For many the first competitor you faced was from within your own house. For me it was my brother who happens to be 5 years older. He took me everywhere with him, and I was glad to follow. I was a fixture at his varsity basketball practices. For years I didn't have a first name, I was simply known as Little Banks.
When it came to competing against him years later, he always had the upper hand. The problem is he and his friends would let me know it. For more than a few summers each Sunday after church we would go to Mrs. Smith's house to play ball. It seemed to be years before I was able to compete, but when I finally could I felt that I could compete against anyone.
It is that type of drive and determination that is needed to succeed when a times are bad, when times are better, and even during good times to stay on top. If you ever had an older sibling that you had to compete against, you know what I mean. Just ask Michael Jordan, Isiah Thomas, or Reggie Miller they'll tell you the same thing.
For many the first competitor you faced was from within your own house. For me it was my brother who happens to be 5 years older. He took me everywhere with him, and I was glad to follow. I was a fixture at his varsity basketball practices. For years I didn't have a first name, I was simply known as Little Banks.
When it came to competing against him years later, he always had the upper hand. The problem is he and his friends would let me know it. For more than a few summers each Sunday after church we would go to Mrs. Smith's house to play ball. It seemed to be years before I was able to compete, but when I finally could I felt that I could compete against anyone.
It is that type of drive and determination that is needed to succeed when a times are bad, when times are better, and even during good times to stay on top. If you ever had an older sibling that you had to compete against, you know what I mean. Just ask Michael Jordan, Isiah Thomas, or Reggie Miller they'll tell you the same thing.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Coaching
This past weekend really got me thinking about coaching. What it means to be a coach. The dedication it takes to be a coach. The impact of a coach.
Over the last few months we have witnessed the highs and lows of coaching. Even before the announcement and retraction of the resignation of Urban Meyer, coaches have been in the spotlight. The good, the bad, and the questionable.
What comes to mind now is health and all the pressure put on these men and women by many of us fans. We often second guess the decisions of the head coach and many times we feel we know more about how to win than they do. We develop our own theories and game plans as to how to handle an opponent. Many times we feel a red phone that will give us direct contact with the coach is necessary for our input to win games.
What is surprising is that we don't have more coaches with health issues. Maybe we do but we just haven't been informed about their situations. But my hat is off to coaches.
To me a coach is not only someone that deals with X's and O's. But someone who is a mentor, motivator, scout, father figure, boss, employee. Wearing all those hats and more it is a wonder that people line up for the open positions.
To all the dedicate coaches out there, thank you for all you do. But be sure to to take care of you. Have a healthy 2010.
Over the last few months we have witnessed the highs and lows of coaching. Even before the announcement and retraction of the resignation of Urban Meyer, coaches have been in the spotlight. The good, the bad, and the questionable.
What comes to mind now is health and all the pressure put on these men and women by many of us fans. We often second guess the decisions of the head coach and many times we feel we know more about how to win than they do. We develop our own theories and game plans as to how to handle an opponent. Many times we feel a red phone that will give us direct contact with the coach is necessary for our input to win games.
What is surprising is that we don't have more coaches with health issues. Maybe we do but we just haven't been informed about their situations. But my hat is off to coaches.
To me a coach is not only someone that deals with X's and O's. But someone who is a mentor, motivator, scout, father figure, boss, employee. Wearing all those hats and more it is a wonder that people line up for the open positions.
To all the dedicate coaches out there, thank you for all you do. But be sure to to take care of you. Have a healthy 2010.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
What would you do with $100,000?
What would you do if someone offered your child $100,000?
A scholarship athlete at some universities receive the equivalent of $100,000 in education. With tuition, room and board the cost is estimated at or above $100,000. The problem is many athletes simply don't understand what they have been given in terms of value. Even in today's economy $100,000 is a nice sum of money to possess, and would be great to invest.
An investment pays dividends and adds value to your net worth. Likewise, education pays dividends and can add value to your net worth. It is a must that we teach our young athletes to look at education as an investment for their future. We can no longer sit by and watch them throw away $100,000. If you as a parent would not let your child frivolously spend $100,000, then you shouldn't allow them to waste their $100,000 education. Make sure that the college or university knows your child wants the most bang for the buck. Meaning your child wants an education that will lead to a career after college.
We as parents, teachers, advisors and friends must get them to see the value in a good investment, education.
A scholarship athlete at some universities receive the equivalent of $100,000 in education. With tuition, room and board the cost is estimated at or above $100,000. The problem is many athletes simply don't understand what they have been given in terms of value. Even in today's economy $100,000 is a nice sum of money to possess, and would be great to invest.
An investment pays dividends and adds value to your net worth. Likewise, education pays dividends and can add value to your net worth. It is a must that we teach our young athletes to look at education as an investment for their future. We can no longer sit by and watch them throw away $100,000. If you as a parent would not let your child frivolously spend $100,000, then you shouldn't allow them to waste their $100,000 education. Make sure that the college or university knows your child wants the most bang for the buck. Meaning your child wants an education that will lead to a career after college.
We as parents, teachers, advisors and friends must get them to see the value in a good investment, education.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
White House Basketball
I opened the mailbox and in among the bills was a letter from The White House. My first thought was what had I done? Knowing I hadn't done anything to warrant a reprimand from the president I proceeded to open the letter.
Dear Brian,
Thank you for sending me your book, I really appreciate it. Your message is one that I hope parents, teachers, preachers and everyone in the community will share with our young people.
For your kindness I would to invite you and a couple of your closest friends to the White House to play ball with me.
yada, yada, yada,
Sincerely,
President Barack Obama
My thoughts immediately were who would I take? Could they clear security? My brother was in for sure, but who else.
That is all I remember the rest is only a blur. But somehow me and my guests ended up at the White House. After clearing security we were taken to change and meet the president for a pick up game. Following security, I could hear the sound of the ball pounding the court. As we walked in I saw President Obama shooting a jumper. It went in and he came over to meet our group.
After introductions it was time to hoop. We chose teams and started to play. The game was going well and I was shooting like Ray Allen. Game point and my team had the ball. I ran from one side to the other, through a screen and got the pass and let it go. As it left my hand I yelled "Good" knowing it was headed for the bottom of the net. Sure enough it went it and then I woke up.
Dear Brian,
Thank you for sending me your book, I really appreciate it. Your message is one that I hope parents, teachers, preachers and everyone in the community will share with our young people.
For your kindness I would to invite you and a couple of your closest friends to the White House to play ball with me.
yada, yada, yada,
Sincerely,
President Barack Obama
My thoughts immediately were who would I take? Could they clear security? My brother was in for sure, but who else.
That is all I remember the rest is only a blur. But somehow me and my guests ended up at the White House. After clearing security we were taken to change and meet the president for a pick up game. Following security, I could hear the sound of the ball pounding the court. As we walked in I saw President Obama shooting a jumper. It went in and he came over to meet our group.
After introductions it was time to hoop. We chose teams and started to play. The game was going well and I was shooting like Ray Allen. Game point and my team had the ball. I ran from one side to the other, through a screen and got the pass and let it go. As it left my hand I yelled "Good" knowing it was headed for the bottom of the net. Sure enough it went it and then I woke up.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Eastern Conference Final Preview?
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers a great beginning to what will hopefully be a very good season.
It is going to take some time to get used to Rasheed Wallace and Shaquille O'Neal playing for their new teams. These two teams are loaded with talent and tonight's game could be a preview of what is to come.
Boston looks great with strong play both inside and outside. They are going to be very hard to beat this season if they remain healthy. Rasheed coming off the bench allows Boston to stretch the defense, which makes it impossible to double team the post with the player guarding him. He will be the key component to making another run at the championship.
Meanwhile LeBron is blocking shots like he is swatting mosquitoes. His defensive intensity has to be matched by the rest of his team to make a return to the finals. If the Cavs can pick up its defense, they have an opportunity to be very special this season, but that depends on how quickly they come together.
If I had to choose right now who will be in the 2010 NBA Finals I have to pick Boston. I feel they could possibly get 70 wins this season and still be very fresh enough to take down the Lakers in 6 games. For Boston it is 1 win down 69 more to go.
I love this game.
It is going to take some time to get used to Rasheed Wallace and Shaquille O'Neal playing for their new teams. These two teams are loaded with talent and tonight's game could be a preview of what is to come.
Boston looks great with strong play both inside and outside. They are going to be very hard to beat this season if they remain healthy. Rasheed coming off the bench allows Boston to stretch the defense, which makes it impossible to double team the post with the player guarding him. He will be the key component to making another run at the championship.
Meanwhile LeBron is blocking shots like he is swatting mosquitoes. His defensive intensity has to be matched by the rest of his team to make a return to the finals. If the Cavs can pick up its defense, they have an opportunity to be very special this season, but that depends on how quickly they come together.
If I had to choose right now who will be in the 2010 NBA Finals I have to pick Boston. I feel they could possibly get 70 wins this season and still be very fresh enough to take down the Lakers in 6 games. For Boston it is 1 win down 69 more to go.
I love this game.
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