By Robert Moses
They say New York City is the Mecca of basketball and some say New York
City has produced some of the best basketball players. But recently,
things have drastically changed. Within the past 10yrs
we have seen numerous NYC student athletes go on to play division 1
college basketball and some have went on to play in the NBA. But last
year alone, it has been reported that only 1 New York City Public School
player was academically eligible to play division 1 college basketball.
So I began to ask myself, why the decline? Is it that lack of talented
kids in the city?! Is it that public schools are not better preparing
our student athletes?! Is it the the lack of fundamentals being taught
by our HS & AAU coaches?! Is it that our top players are moving out
of the city to get more exposure?! Or are the parents to blame?! Me as a
coach and a parent, I was really looking for some answers to see what
the problem might be. I've asked other parents, HS & AAU coaches as
well as some NYC basketball junkies, how they felt about "The State of
Basketball in NYC".
I was able to get some insightful feedback; here are a few.......
Billy Turnage (Wings Academy HS): Kids are moving out of state because
they aren't able to pass regents which means they won't graduate. These
kids aren't qualifying for the most part because of low GPA's which
means they need higher SAT scores. People want to point fingers at
schools and coaches but the problem involves many more components than
just those two. Parents, the kids themselves and the handlers have to
all be held accountable. If you really look at kids who are struggling
academically, that's a problem that starts way before they even enter
HS. Most if not all of those have struggled throughout their academic
lives. So to help clear up those struggles you have to get to these kids
in elementary school and provide them with the proper resources to
succeed academically.
Harold Pecks (Pathways Prep HS):
Basketball is international now with more opportunity for all to become
college eligible. With there being more levels of basketball other than
D1, I think that should be the focus. If a student goes where they can
play and get a good financial package, why not go there? Academic
standards are changing nationwide and the parents have to be on top of
this and stay on top of their child. That's the number one way to
prevent bad grades...a tough parent working with a coach and taking no
shorts. Kids are leaving because they are being sold a dream and they
convince the family its worth a shot. It works for some and not for
others. They feel like its an opportunity that they can't pass up and
they go for it. Add to the fact that the perception that the grass is
greener doesn't help NYC.
Roberto Diaz (John Bowne HS/ N.Y.C.
Finest): First of all, I think it all starts with the parents. They have
to be more aware as to where their kids are, who they are with and what
are they doing. I do also think that it applies to coaches because
parents need to be aware that they shouldn't just be happy for their
kids being involved in something but rather know what that something is
doing for their kids. These elements might not seem as important to some
people, but they are the main foundation of the type of individuals
that we are getting at the next level in high school and even before
that at the junior high school level. A lot of kids are coming out with a
lack of discipline and structure and understanding of things that are
going to be asked of them when they are part of a given program, then it
gets worse when they join a program or team that doesn't provide any of
that structure nor discipline that they lacked going in And as a result
of that they turn out to be what I like to call freelance players,
meaning just run up and down with no sense of direction nor
understanding of the game, and a lack of constructive criticism, focus
as well as understanding of what long-term results they are likely to
produce therein.
I believe that there are many coaches as
there are many parents who do not emphasize nor stress the importance
of academics over the sport and when you do that you are inducting a
sense of approach that puts basketball as if it can do it without
academics and every kid is going pro.
There is a lack of
fundamentals from many of the coaches taking on the role of coaches as
to what they need to prioritize and teach. At the HS level, we have a
variety of coaches. Some are passionate and care for what they do and
knowledgeable, some are passionate, some don't have a clue and were just
just put in that position and then others have no clue nor care for it.
Lastly, too many coaches out there lying to kids to come and
just play and making them believe in everything but reality. How can our
youth become honest if they are constantly being lied to? How can they
learn basics or fundamentals if those teaching don't know it nor care?
How can they learn to prioritize whats important if, for many teaching,
winning is everything? How can they learn to become leaders if they
can't lead themselves? How can kids learn to be respectful if they are
part of a system that doesn't preach nor teach respect? And last but not
least, how do we expect our youth to have a level of integrity if they
are being told and taught that it is ok to ring in order to play and win
or break a trophy or curse if not satisfied with results after a call
or after the game. Folks, it is a responsibility that falls within the
lines of all of us- Parents, coaches, administrators and players. As
Phil Jackson once said, "There is more to basketball than just
basketball!"
Michelle Reed (Pro Response Sports/Former WNBA
Player): The state of NYC Basketball is selling our athletes short.
Coaches today seem to be more focused on marketing the great athletes,
neglecting athletes that need developing and looking for a meal ticket.
Due to coaches not teaching and implementing more of the basics of the
game into their strategy, less DI coaches are seeking out NYC players
because of that fact. When you're playing DI basketball the
fundamentals of the game must be solid, players must be coachable and
able to adjust.
Until NYC coaches implement fundamentals,
team strategies, discipline basketball, and positive attitudes, our
athletes will continue to be overlook. Coaches at the DI are looking
for the full package, at least packages that don't require the basics of
the game to be taught at that level.
Kids aren't excelling in
school because there priorities are on following trends. They are
believing in the fashionable lifestyle of the game and not being taught
the business aspect and the importance of advancing intellectually. It
starts at home with values and continued within our schools. Too many
distractions today keep our student athletes focused on the material
things in life, rather than what will help them in life.
Many
kids are moving out of the state for better education, proper discipline
and better opportunities. Needless to say, getting away from the
violence that surrounds our youth.
Shawn 'Wiz' Simms (Team
B.A.S.I.C. Elite): Personally I feel it's awful, NYC has too much "raw"
talent and not enough quality teams. It's disgusting, everyone has a
hidden agenda, gimmick, or the next LeBron James on their roster. Most
coaches are ex basketball bums aka Practice Dummies or local homies with
money but know history in the sport.
Why aren't we producing
more D1 players? Well that question is a oxy moron, who are the "we" in
the question? Most of the "we" types speak/teach what they've never
learned or was taught. Our kids listen to anyone who can provide them
with material objects and tales of future riches if they stay/play with
them. It's truly sad and hurting kids futures. But at the same time I
have to blame a lot of the agents, I mean parents, I mean crazy parents
who think their agents. If you don't have a MA. in business then have a
seat and be a supporter and PARENT!!! Some parents are the start of
their own kid's ending!
Our kids aren't becoming eligible to
play D1 ball because all they have to do in NYC PSAL is pass 4 main
courses and 1 gym class. Not sure about CHSAA but I do know kids go to
those schools because they "think" that they are equals, peers, to
classmates/teammates. Let me be the first to tell you, your tuition
money helps that so called teammate get to college for free while you
sit and clap and cheer being a "peer". Also a lot of coaches don't share
the same passion, they don't worry about wins. They worry about the
extra money from their coaching paycheck. And I hate to go there but
many coaches feel like they're saviors to these kids, they have no faith
in our kids, they think their job is to keep them "alive" in these mean
streets. Treat kids more like kids, less like products and the D1
scholarship rate for NYC will skyrocket.
Many kids moving out
of state because of small class rooms, hands on tutoring, hands on
training, less Facebook & Instagram pics of kids throwing up gang
signs, not even trying to be funny, it's a fact! Don't get me wrong, you
can succeed anywhere but our kids learn from BET, Movies, Rappers and
their FRIENDS. They don't get a chance to hear a different voice, same
scenery, same negativity, same violence. Can't change who you are by
staying around the same people and doing the same things. Misery loves
company, results love rewards. Simple mathematics. Out of state isn't
for everyone but its definitely for a lot! Once again this is just my
opinion. I would go into more but I'll save it for the next Q&A
session.
Aletha Brisco (Parent): In my opinion, student
athletes need to understand that academics is a huge factor when it
comes to being recruited as a D1 player. Who do I blame? The parents
first, then the players and their HS coaches and/or programs they play
for along with social media networks!
As a parent you must keep
up with your child's academics and do what it takes to make sure they
are performing in the classroom to the best of their ability...when you
know your child is lacking in a certain subject get your child a
tutor...spend more time being in touch with their teachers from early in
the semester instead of waiting for the first report card to find out
their failing classes...early detection and constant communication is
key!
How is it that these powerhouse Bball programs can make
sure these kids stay eligible during the basketball season but by the
end of the year they are failing classes and cannot do well on their
SAT's and most of the seniors can't qualify....that's a major problem!
Stop just passing these kids along, or letting these kids play just to
make your program look good but they can't pass a class but yet the kid
is traveling all over with you instead of staying home over the summer
and doing summer school...then the kid can't qualify..truly a sad
situation that's becoming way too ordinary or the norm for NYC ball
players!
Social Networks are destroying our youth...they spend
more time tweeting than reading, or on Instagram or Facebook rather
than reviewing or studying! Again Parental control!
Why are
they moving out of state? That dangerous Prep School Myth, along with
out of state schools not requiring students to take the state
regents.....Often our students are being misled by the "know nothings"
that think they know everything, advising these athletes to make all the
wrong decisions or selling them the pipe dream of this coach and that
coach is interested or the you can go higher than D2 or D3 so they turn
the schools down and at the end of the day they wind up stuck at home
with no college at all!
At the end of the day I will always be
an old school parent...it takes a village! The teachers can't do it by
themselves every adult, coach, program and student should be held
accountable...it takes 100% from all angles!
They say New York City is the Mecca of basketball and some say New York
City has produced some of the best basketball players. But recently,
things have drastically changed. Within the past 10yrs
we have seen numerous NYC student athletes go on to play division 1
college basketball and some have went on to play in the NBA. But last
year alone, it has been reported that only 1 New York City Public School
player was academically eligible to play division 1 college basketball.
So I began to ask myself, why the decline? Is it that lack of talented
kids in the city?! Is it that public schools are not better preparing
our student athletes?! Is it the the lack of fundamentals being taught
by our HS & AAU coaches?! Is it that our top players are moving out
of the city to get more exposure?! Or are the parents to blame?! Me as a
coach and a parent, I was really looking for some answers to see what
the problem might be. I've asked other parents, HS & AAU coaches as
well as some NYC basketball junkies, how they felt about "The State of
Basketball in NYC".
I was able to get some insightful feedback; here are a few.......
Billy Turnage (Wings Academy HS): Kids are moving out of state because
they aren't able to pass regents which means they won't graduate. These
kids aren't qualifying for the most part because of low GPA's which
means they need higher SAT scores. People want to point fingers at
schools and coaches but the problem involves many more components than
just those two. Parents, the kids themselves and the handlers have to
all be held accountable. If you really look at kids who are struggling
academically, that's a problem that starts way before they even enter
HS. Most if not all of those have struggled throughout their academic
lives. So to help clear up those struggles you have to get to these kids
in elementary school and provide them with the proper resources to
succeed academically.
Harold Pecks (Pathways Prep HS):
Basketball is international now with more opportunity for all to become
college eligible. With there being more levels of basketball other than
D1, I think that should be the focus. If a student goes where they can
play and get a good financial package, why not go there? Academic
standards are changing nationwide and the parents have to be on top of
this and stay on top of their child. That's the number one way to
prevent bad grades...a tough parent working with a coach and taking no
shorts. Kids are leaving because they are being sold a dream and they
convince the family its worth a shot. It works for some and not for
others. They feel like its an opportunity that they can't pass up and
they go for it. Add to the fact that the perception that the grass is
greener doesn't help NYC.
Roberto Diaz (John Bowne HS/ N.Y.C.
Finest): First of all, I think it all starts with the parents. They have
to be more aware as to where their kids are, who they are with and what
are they doing. I do also think that it applies to coaches because
parents need to be aware that they shouldn't just be happy for their
kids being involved in something but rather know what that something is
doing for their kids. These elements might not seem as important to some
people, but they are the main foundation of the type of individuals
that we are getting at the next level in high school and even before
that at the junior high school level. A lot of kids are coming out with a
lack of discipline and structure and understanding of things that are
going to be asked of them when they are part of a given program, then it
gets worse when they join a program or team that doesn't provide any of
that structure nor discipline that they lacked going in And as a result
of that they turn out to be what I like to call freelance players,
meaning just run up and down with no sense of direction nor
understanding of the game, and a lack of constructive criticism, focus
as well as understanding of what long-term results they are likely to
produce therein.
I believe that there are many coaches as
there are many parents who do not emphasize nor stress the importance
of academics over the sport and when you do that you are inducting a
sense of approach that puts basketball as if it can do it without
academics and every kid is going pro.
There is a lack of
fundamentals from many of the coaches taking on the role of coaches as
to what they need to prioritize and teach. At the HS level, we have a
variety of coaches. Some are passionate and care for what they do and
knowledgeable, some are passionate, some don't have a clue and were just
just put in that position and then others have no clue nor care for it.
Lastly, too many coaches out there lying to kids to come and
just play and making them believe in everything but reality. How can our
youth become honest if they are constantly being lied to? How can they
learn basics or fundamentals if those teaching don't know it nor care?
How can they learn to prioritize whats important if, for many teaching,
winning is everything? How can they learn to become leaders if they
can't lead themselves? How can kids learn to be respectful if they are
part of a system that doesn't preach nor teach respect? And last but not
least, how do we expect our youth to have a level of integrity if they
are being told and taught that it is ok to ring in order to play and win
or break a trophy or curse if not satisfied with results after a call
or after the game. Folks, it is a responsibility that falls within the
lines of all of us- Parents, coaches, administrators and players. As
Phil Jackson once said, "There is more to basketball than just
basketball!"
Michelle Reed (Pro Response Sports/Former WNBA
Player): The state of NYC Basketball is selling our athletes short.
Coaches today seem to be more focused on marketing the great athletes,
neglecting athletes that need developing and looking for a meal ticket.
Due to coaches not teaching and implementing more of the basics of the
game into their strategy, less DI coaches are seeking out NYC players
because of that fact. When you're playing DI basketball the
fundamentals of the game must be solid, players must be coachable and
able to adjust.
Until NYC coaches implement fundamentals,
team strategies, discipline basketball, and positive attitudes, our
athletes will continue to be overlook. Coaches at the DI are looking
for the full package, at least packages that don't require the basics of
the game to be taught at that level.
Kids aren't excelling in
school because there priorities are on following trends. They are
believing in the fashionable lifestyle of the game and not being taught
the business aspect and the importance of advancing intellectually. It
starts at home with values and continued within our schools. Too many
distractions today keep our student athletes focused on the material
things in life, rather than what will help them in life.
Many
kids are moving out of the state for better education, proper discipline
and better opportunities. Needless to say, getting away from the
violence that surrounds our youth.
Shawn 'Wiz' Simms (Team
B.A.S.I.C. Elite): Personally I feel it's awful, NYC has too much "raw"
talent and not enough quality teams. It's disgusting, everyone has a
hidden agenda, gimmick, or the next LeBron James on their roster. Most
coaches are ex basketball bums aka Practice Dummies or local homies with
money but know history in the sport.
Why aren't we producing
more D1 players? Well that question is a oxy moron, who are the "we" in
the question? Most of the "we" types speak/teach what they've never
learned or was taught. Our kids listen to anyone who can provide them
with material objects and tales of future riches if they stay/play with
them. It's truly sad and hurting kids futures. But at the same time I
have to blame a lot of the agents, I mean parents, I mean crazy parents
who think their agents. If you don't have a MA. in business then have a
seat and be a supporter and PARENT!!! Some parents are the start of
their own kid's ending!
Our kids aren't becoming eligible to
play D1 ball because all they have to do in NYC PSAL is pass 4 main
courses and 1 gym class. Not sure about CHSAA but I do know kids go to
those schools because they "think" that they are equals, peers, to
classmates/teammates. Let me be the first to tell you, your tuition
money helps that so called teammate get to college for free while you
sit and clap and cheer being a "peer". Also a lot of coaches don't share
the same passion, they don't worry about wins. They worry about the
extra money from their coaching paycheck. And I hate to go there but
many coaches feel like they're saviors to these kids, they have no faith
in our kids, they think their job is to keep them "alive" in these mean
streets. Treat kids more like kids, less like products and the D1
scholarship rate for NYC will skyrocket.
Many kids moving out
of state because of small class rooms, hands on tutoring, hands on
training, less Facebook & Instagram pics of kids throwing up gang
signs, not even trying to be funny, it's a fact! Don't get me wrong, you
can succeed anywhere but our kids learn from BET, Movies, Rappers and
their FRIENDS. They don't get a chance to hear a different voice, same
scenery, same negativity, same violence. Can't change who you are by
staying around the same people and doing the same things. Misery loves
company, results love rewards. Simple mathematics. Out of state isn't
for everyone but its definitely for a lot! Once again this is just my
opinion. I would go into more but I'll save it for the next Q&A
session.
Aletha Brisco (Parent): In my opinion, student
athletes need to understand that academics is a huge factor when it
comes to being recruited as a D1 player. Who do I blame? The parents
first, then the players and their HS coaches and/or programs they play
for along with social media networks!
As a parent you must keep
up with your child's academics and do what it takes to make sure they
are performing in the classroom to the best of their ability...when you
know your child is lacking in a certain subject get your child a
tutor...spend more time being in touch with their teachers from early in
the semester instead of waiting for the first report card to find out
their failing classes...early detection and constant communication is
key!
How is it that these powerhouse Bball programs can make
sure these kids stay eligible during the basketball season but by the
end of the year they are failing classes and cannot do well on their
SAT's and most of the seniors can't qualify....that's a major problem!
Stop just passing these kids along, or letting these kids play just to
make your program look good but they can't pass a class but yet the kid
is traveling all over with you instead of staying home over the summer
and doing summer school...then the kid can't qualify..truly a sad
situation that's becoming way too ordinary or the norm for NYC ball
players!
Social Networks are destroying our youth...they spend
more time tweeting than reading, or on Instagram or Facebook rather
than reviewing or studying! Again Parental control!
Why are
they moving out of state? That dangerous Prep School Myth, along with
out of state schools not requiring students to take the state
regents.....Often our students are being misled by the "know nothings"
that think they know everything, advising these athletes to make all the
wrong decisions or selling them the pipe dream of this coach and that
coach is interested or the you can go higher than D2 or D3 so they turn
the schools down and at the end of the day they wind up stuck at home
with no college at all!
At the end of the day I will always be
an old school parent...it takes a village! The teachers can't do it by
themselves every adult, coach, program and student should be held
accountable...it takes 100% from all angles!
