Q:How to get a college scholarship as a student or student-athlete?
A: You earn it by doing all the preperation work early while your peers and potential competitors are out there having fun. The fun that you're going to have once you've accomplished your goal is considered delayed gratificaton.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Hoop Hunter Helpful Basketball Tips
"I believe in co-ed training, practice and play" and here's why:
I grew up playing basketball in the South Oak Cliff area of Dallas. And because of that, I fully know, believe and understand first hand that girls have the ability to play, practice and train with the boys. The majority of the girls in our neighborhood who started out as kid's playing with the ...boys eventually became equally as good as the boys and they learned to play the same way if not better than the boys. For the most part, the majorty of the girls who grew up playing with the boys also evenutally played for top 25 ranked colleges. The boys as well.
So, for those of you who has a fear of your child playing with the boys, be careful because you just might be hindering the obvious growth that they can have in the game for life.
And for you boys, it's not going to hurt you either. Your perception is that girls can't play with you but if they're given a chance, I'm sure you'll see that they too are equal to you in skills, talent, athleticsm and in limited cases, strength.
Top 5 ncaa women's teams with players who I feel could play with the boys.
1. Baylor
2. Notre Dame
3. Connecticut
4. Stanford
5. Duke
Top 5 ncaa men's teams that I believe has players who grew up playing with girls who are now playing top 5 college basketball.
1. Indiana
2. Miami
3. Gonzaga
4. Michigan State
5. Florida
I grew up playing basketball in the South Oak Cliff area of Dallas. And because of that, I fully know, believe and understand first hand that girls have the ability to play, practice and train with the boys. The majority of the girls in our neighborhood who started out as kid's playing with the ...boys eventually became equally as good as the boys and they learned to play the same way if not better than the boys. For the most part, the majorty of the girls who grew up playing with the boys also evenutally played for top 25 ranked colleges. The boys as well.
So, for those of you who has a fear of your child playing with the boys, be careful because you just might be hindering the obvious growth that they can have in the game for life.
And for you boys, it's not going to hurt you either. Your perception is that girls can't play with you but if they're given a chance, I'm sure you'll see that they too are equal to you in skills, talent, athleticsm and in limited cases, strength.
Top 5 ncaa women's teams with players who I feel could play with the boys.
1. Baylor
2. Notre Dame
3. Connecticut
4. Stanford
5. Duke
Top 5 ncaa men's teams that I believe has players who grew up playing with girls who are now playing top 5 college basketball.
1. Indiana
2. Miami
3. Gonzaga
4. Michigan State
5. Florida
Sinful Thoughts Can Be Dangerous
A sinful thought can lead to a sinful act, which can lead to a sinful nature which in many cases can lead to a sinful relationship which normally leads to a broken marriage which in many cases can lead to a broken home and then a broken family.
A sinful thought can become a sinful act that eventually knock you and your family off the cliff!
A sinful thought can become a sinful act that eventually knock you and your family off the cliff!
Parents Should Discipline Their Children
A friendly reminder to parents with children.
Proverbs 22:15 Say's, " Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him."
Therefore, regardless how much you love your kid's don't allow them to do wrong while you look the other way because you don't want to discipline them.
"If you want to see them do right, hold them accountable for their actions. And affirm them in love."
Proverbs 22:15 Say's, " Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him."
Therefore, regardless how much you love your kid's don't allow them to do wrong while you look the other way because you don't want to discipline them.
"If you want to see them do right, hold them accountable for their actions. And affirm them in love."
Play-Off Teams Who Lost Out Early
For those of you who's team have lost and are now out of the play-off's, go ahead pat yourself on the back, celebrate and embrace the memories of a good season. Although you didn't get to be crowned champions, you competed for it and that's enough to make you a champ.
Remember, Champs are built through adversity. But in the end there's only one victor. Good luck to those teams still competing to be crowned champions
Remember, Champs are built through adversity. But in the end there's only one victor. Good luck to those teams still competing to be crowned champions
UNT Honoring 1987-1998 Men's Basketball Team
UNT will be honoring the 1987-1988 Southland Conference Champs Thursday, February 28th @ 7:00 as the UNT Men's Basketball team host Arkansas St. I would like to request your presence as my former college teammates and I will be acknowledged during half-time of UNT's final game of the season. Head Coach Tony Bedford and I spoke this morning and he's excited about Thursday's game and the future of UNT Men's Basketball.
1987-1988 Team Accomplishments
-Southland Conference Champs
-Southland Conference Tournament Champs
-1st NCAA Appearance in the history of the school (played first round against North Carolina)
*If you can attend, will you please message me and let me know, I would like to see as many people that I know at the game. Thanks.
1987-1988 Team Accomplishments
-Southland Conference Champs
-Southland Conference Tournament Champs
-1st NCAA Appearance in the history of the school (played first round against North Carolina)
*If you can attend, will you please message me and let me know, I would like to see as many people that I know at the game. Thanks.
Too Much Baggage Can Slow You Down
Life is like a race that we're all in together. The more baggage we have the slower we run.
Baggage that slows us down:
1. Self doubt
2. Unforgiveness and self unforgiveness
3. Poor self esteem
4. Hatred
5. Poor self image
6. Past mistakes
7. Past sins
8. Parental absence
9. Physical abuse
10. Divorce Baggage
Baggage that slows us down:
1. Self doubt
2. Unforgiveness and self unforgiveness
3. Poor self esteem
4. Hatred
5. Poor self image
6. Past mistakes
7. Past sins
8. Parental absence
9. Physical abuse
10. Divorce Baggage
Seeking Low Post Players To Train
If you know of low post players who are in need of low post training, please send them our way. This season, I have watched several players play below their potential. And I believe that with the proper training and focus, they can enhance their game 10 fold and help their team for next season. We offer individual or small group post training.
Have them contact our office at 871.491.9602.
Have them contact our office at 871.491.9602.
Hoop Hunter Helpful Basketball Family Tips
"A good, safe, family friendly place for a family with children to be on a Friday night is in the gym."
*Friday, March 1st, 4th-6th (co-ed) Advance Ball Handling with Deon; 4:30pm-6:00pm
*Friday, March 1st, 9th-12th (co-ed) Advance Ball Handling with Deon; 6:00pm-7:30pm
Maximum 12 player allowed for each of these events.
Spots are limited, call Margaret now to secure a spot (no exceptions) at 817.491.9602.
How to Recognize a Poor Ball Handler
1. They usually run away from ball handling responsibilities in the backcourt & frontcourt. They often defer to others.
2. They take 1 or 2 dribbles and then pass.
3. When defended in the backcourt, they often panic or they look real shaky.
4. They dribble with speed with their head down with hopes that they will dribble away from the pressure that's being app...lied only to find themselves running into a trap.
5. They only want the ball against mediocre teams but not against solid aggressive teams.
6. They are reluctant to ask for the ball when a team is applying full court pressure. They run away from the ball rather than go get the ball.
7. They often make passes to the wrong person because they don't have good court vision.
8. They often look down as they dribble rather than advance their sight up the court.
9. Once in the front court, they prefer to stay out on the perimeter rather than penetrate and dish or kick.
10. They often have a timid look and mannerism that say's to other aggressive (assertive players); she's scared!
*(If 2 or more of these apply to you, you need to work on your ball handling, court vision and play making skills now!)
2. They take 1 or 2 dribbles and then pass.
3. When defended in the backcourt, they often panic or they look real shaky.
4. They dribble with speed with their head down with hopes that they will dribble away from the pressure that's being app...lied only to find themselves running into a trap.
5. They only want the ball against mediocre teams but not against solid aggressive teams.
6. They are reluctant to ask for the ball when a team is applying full court pressure. They run away from the ball rather than go get the ball.
7. They often make passes to the wrong person because they don't have good court vision.
8. They often look down as they dribble rather than advance their sight up the court.
9. Once in the front court, they prefer to stay out on the perimeter rather than penetrate and dish or kick.
10. They often have a timid look and mannerism that say's to other aggressive (assertive players); she's scared!
*(If 2 or more of these apply to you, you need to work on your ball handling, court vision and play making skills now!)
Friday, February 22, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Who Cares About What Others Think
1. Stop thinking of yourself as a failure.
2. Quit looking at others to validate you.
3. Embrace your beauty and your uniqness.
4. Stop embracing a perception and enjoy the reality.
5. Enjoy your friends from many walks of life.
Remember, it's your life, so live it in the most meaningful, responsible, enjoyable and pleasant fashion that embraces who you are from the inside out.
Nothing will change until you do
Quit selling yourself short, you are capable of doing anything that you put your mind too. Your current situation can change if you're willing to change. The decision is yours. If not, continue down the same path you're on, and yes, it will only get worse.
Hoop Hunter
Hoop Hunter
World Changers
Christians who sow seeds into the hearts of others from countries all over the world, so that the forgiveness and love of Christ can be known and received by all who are without Christ are considered world changers.
Top 10 things championship teams do that others don't
1. They Execute the coaches game plan
2. They know and understand each others role
3. They bring the heat on defense (4qt) until they wear their opponent down
4. They rebound as a team to feed each others thirst for victory
5. They hold each other accountable for their play
6. They don't turn the ball over
7. They know how to win ugly if necessary
8. They remain focused until the mission is accomplished
9. They feed off each others energy, passion and enthusiasm all game long
10.Their sixth man is their bench and fans, and they make noise (all game)
2. They know and understand each others role
3. They bring the heat on defense (4qt) until they wear their opponent down
4. They rebound as a team to feed each others thirst for victory
5. They hold each other accountable for their play
6. They don't turn the ball over
7. They know how to win ugly if necessary
8. They remain focused until the mission is accomplished
9. They feed off each others energy, passion and enthusiasm all game long
10.Their sixth man is their bench and fans, and they make noise (all game)
Top 5 pre-game things that keeps a championship caliber team from winning
1. Players stay up too late and don't get adequate sleep prior to game day.
2. Unhealthy eating the night before, morning of and pre-game meal.
3. Lack of mental focus (too much texting & talking not enough mental game thoughts and focus).
4. Too many distractions (anything that takes your mind off team goals).
5. Too much worrying about things you can't control, just get ready to play.
2. Unhealthy eating the night before, morning of and pre-game meal.
3. Lack of mental focus (too much texting & talking not enough mental game thoughts and focus).
4. Too many distractions (anything that takes your mind off team goals).
5. Too much worrying about things you can't control, just get ready to play.
No More Stinking Thinking
It's time for all believers to stop concentrating on what we feel and begin to read and listen to what the word of God say's about who we are. We are all wonderfully made and we are heirs to the most high. We have a rich father who has predestined us for greatness. When we seek Him daily (through reading and prayer), we will discover a new way of thinking. No More Stinking Thinking!
Personal Life Tips
1. Loyal friends make good friends for life.
2. If you're good at something be willing to share it with others.
3. If everyone is doing the same thing, you should be doing something different.
4. No matter how much you desire to be liked by everyone, the reality is that you'll always have allies and adversaries.
5. Be willing to embrace change; new opportunities,new careers and new friends.
2. If you're good at something be willing to share it with others.
3. If everyone is doing the same thing, you should be doing something different.
4. No matter how much you desire to be liked by everyone, the reality is that you'll always have allies and adversaries.
5. Be willing to embrace change; new opportunities,new careers and new friends.
Coaching Tips for Top & Bottom Tier Coaches
1. It's okay to be demanding and critical of players as long as you blanket it with encouragement.
2. Remember that not all players will respond to negative criticism, they never have and they never will. But you bare the responsibility of figuring out what needs to be done to get the best out of them. So, choose your words carefully.
3. Being more pos...itive with your players and affirming them during good and poor moments will reap you and your team a harverst going down the stretch.
4. Don't tell them they suck because they just might believe it! And If they suck you probably do too because you're their leader.
5. If you're going to criticize your players, make sure that you tell them in detail how to fix the problem. Don't leave them hanging out there to dry!
*Coaches, this is not meant to be personal, it's just a simple fact and reminder that nobody's perfect. And that we're all in this together!
2. Remember that not all players will respond to negative criticism, they never have and they never will. But you bare the responsibility of figuring out what needs to be done to get the best out of them. So, choose your words carefully.
3. Being more pos...itive with your players and affirming them during good and poor moments will reap you and your team a harverst going down the stretch.
4. Don't tell them they suck because they just might believe it! And If they suck you probably do too because you're their leader.
5. If you're going to criticize your players, make sure that you tell them in detail how to fix the problem. Don't leave them hanging out there to dry!
*Coaches, this is not meant to be personal, it's just a simple fact and reminder that nobody's perfect. And that we're all in this together!
Jennifer Sherwood Kid's Helping Kid's Program
Several years ago while in high school at Trinity Christian, Jennifer (Sherwood) Walker called and asked if she could volunteer her time and give back to kids by teaching them lifeskills through basketball training at HHB/BBI. And because she had what I call special gifts, a passion for God and purpose to share her gifts with the kids, we named a new... program after her, "The Jennifer Sherwood Kid's Helping Kid's Program." Jennifer later finished her college career at Princeton University.
Today, I would like to recognize and honor another person who fits the same mold as Jennifer and her name is Amberlyn Moore. She is another outstanding high school student who has a rich spirit, personality and drive to share her many gifts with the kids at HHB/BBI. Amberlyn's currently heading up our 1st & 2nd grade after school program. And she's good. Maybe she'll attend Princeton, Harvard, Baylor, Yale, TCU who know, her future looks bright.
What they have in common:
1. Neither knows how to frown they smile 24-7 (that's a good thing)
2. Both have a funny laugh
3. Both love to volunteer
4. Both are loyal and trustworthy
5. Both have a desire to be Godly young ladies
6. Both play music (piano) go figure
Thank you both from the bottom of my heart for making a difference in the life of kids.
Today, I would like to recognize and honor another person who fits the same mold as Jennifer and her name is Amberlyn Moore. She is another outstanding high school student who has a rich spirit, personality and drive to share her many gifts with the kids at HHB/BBI. Amberlyn's currently heading up our 1st & 2nd grade after school program. And she's good. Maybe she'll attend Princeton, Harvard, Baylor, Yale, TCU who know, her future looks bright.
What they have in common:
1. Neither knows how to frown they smile 24-7 (that's a good thing)
2. Both have a funny laugh
3. Both love to volunteer
4. Both are loyal and trustworthy
5. Both have a desire to be Godly young ladies
6. Both play music (piano) go figure
Thank you both from the bottom of my heart for making a difference in the life of kids.
Where's Your Aim?
"If you aim at nothing, you'll hit it every time"
Dave Ramsey
"When shooting the basketball aim at the middle of the rim, and you'll hit the shot every time"
Hoop Hunter
Dave Ramsey
"When shooting the basketball aim at the middle of the rim, and you'll hit the shot every time"
Hoop Hunter
Don't Worry About Your Past
Don't let the people from your past hold you back, stop worrying about what others think about you. God has liberated you and you are free to enjoy the new you. Choose to do what others never imagined you could do. Use your enemies and critics to fuel your success. God will never fail His obedient children.
Why Go to Church?
Go to church to learn more about the word of God. And to fellowship with other believers (sinners) who are in need of the same encouragement that it takes to live a Christ centered life!
Jesus Over Man
No matter what my days and nights are like; there's only one promise that I can hold on too and it's that Jesus loves me and He promises never to leave me nor forsake me. That's why I trust Him over man.
So You Think You Want to Play College Ball. Really!
For every teenager who has aspirations to play college basketball, listen to me, it's not easy, and it will be the first real job that you've ever had in your whole entire life. And to top it off, you will have duties, roles, rules and responsibilities that you may or may not like. Oh, and for the most part, how much you play will be determined by your performances and how you respond to the struc...ture of the team (team needs) and the leadership of the coaches. And don't forget that all coaches are squirrley at times. That's why it's important to keep your grades up and make your academics a top priority, that way, you will always have something to fall back on because college basketball isn't for everyone and it isn't as easy as it looks on television.
Top 10 Things Parents Do That Irritate Coaches
1. Parents who sit in the stands and talk negatively about the coach, players and his/her program every game.
2. Parents who yell obscene remarks towards the coach and players in public view.
3. Parents who yell at the kid's during the game and tell them to do things that the coach doesn't want them to do.
4. Parents who are angry and ...who want to meet after games to discuss their kids playing time.
5. Parents who start a petition to get the coach fired behind their back.
6. Parents who spread lies about the program just to win the coaches allies over to their side (adversaries).
7. Parents who bring AAU/Club Team coaches to their kid's game just to criticise the coaches (misery loves company).
8. Parents who smile in the coaches face but all the time they're trying to get someone else to take their place (back stabbers).
9. Parents who team up with already disgruntled haters during half time (concession stand area) to start a already heated fight.
10. Parents who take notes and records every minute a kid plays or sits on the bench so that they can introduce it to the school board during the next session.
*Parents this isn't designed to hurt anyone but to make everyone aware that together we stand and divided we fall. We need each other and we need to learn to respect the authority of all coaches like we respect the managers and supervisors on our jobs.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Phil Forte Jr. Openly Shares His Faith (OSU)
The unknown side of Phil Forte
Phil Forte has ice in his veins.
At least that’s how people describe his knack for hitting big shots in crucial moments.
But he attributes it to something greater — something beyond a cold-blooded play style.
It was the biggest game of his young college career. In Allen Fieldhouse. Against Kansas, his dad’s alma mater, the team he grew up rooting for.
And he couldn’t hit a shot. Forte was 2-for-12 heading into the final 30 seconds.
But when the big moment came, Forte responded. He was faced with one of the most mentally stressful situations in sports — hitting free throws with thousands of hostile fans screaming, insulting and begging him to miss.
Forte hit four free throws in the home stretch and sealed the deal for Oklahoma State’s 85-80 upset of then-No. 2 KU.
Ice in his veins, right?
That’s not what Forte said.
Walking by faith
Forte believes he did it with the help of God — with the Holy Spirit in his veins.
“People talk about Allen Fieldhouse,” Forte said. “I struggled there for a long time and then I get down to the end and I have those four free throws to make. I practice it all the time, but with thousands of fans screaming at you in the loudest venue, there’s no doubt that’s where my strength came from is God.”
Forte makes no secret about his Christian faith. He said it has become a huge part of his life — and success on the court — since coming to OSU.
“It’s just something as a kid you don’t really think about it a whole lot,” Forte said. “You just get your priorities mixed up sometimes. Something just kind of clicked with me when I got here. Everything happens for a reason. (God is) showing me the way, and I’m just kind of listening to his calling. I’m trying to glorify him through basketball; that’s the way I’m trying to spread his word. That’s the least I can do.”
Forte said the biggest reasons for his spiritual growth have been friends and teammates like Christien Sager, but he credited student manager Joe Pierre — son of assistant coach Butch Pierre — as his No. 1 mentor in faith.
“Especially Joe has taken me under his wing a little bit,” Forte said. “I’ve learned a lot from him, so it’s just great to have friends sharing the same beliefs as you and helping you grow, that’s really big.”
Along with Pierre and other teammates, they are involved at LifeChurch in Stillwater and attend campus worship events like Overflow. Still, Pierre said their bond really comes from simply having conversations.
“We just sit down and talk,” Pierre said. “We talk about our struggles, our beliefs.”
“I’m really vocal about my faith and what I believe and it just kind of inspired him and he clang to it. That’s all him though, I was just there to help him out.”
Shining the light
Now, faith drives Forte’s life.
Pierre said Forte slips away before games and reads his Bible for as long as 30 minutes.
He and Pierre read scripture on Pierre’s iPad just before the Cowboys take the court.
And when Forte hits a big shot, he’s known to simply look up — his way of paying tribute to God.
“He’s a student of the Bible now,” Pierre said. “I can’t catch him not reading. I’ll be like, ‘Hey, man you want to get something to eat?’ He’ll be like, ‘Man, let me finish this chapter first.’ It doesn’t matter what he’s doing.”
The faith in the Cowboys’ locker room goes beyond Forte. Pierre said many players are Christians, and that it’s part of the team’s culture — starting with coach Travis Ford.
“(Ford is) a Christian as well,” Pierre said. “He loves Jesus and he’s not afraid for anyone to know it. It starts with all the coaching staff, and then it escalates to the players.”
Pierre also credits God for allowing him to become a mentor to Forte and others.
He played at Stillwater High School and had dreams of playing college ball, but he tore his ACL and missed his senior season in 2011.
That led to Pierre becoming a student manager for the Cowboys, and thus being an inspiration to Forte.
“When I got hurt, and then I started doing some of things I’ve done, and then I had that personal encounter with the Lord, and now I’m here, and now Phil’s here and now I can help him — it’s just crazy,” Pierre said.
“It’s crazy how the Lord works things out to where you’re around people you need to be around. I feel like Phil has done that for me more so than I’ve done that for him.”
Hope overflows
As a result of his faith, Forte has experienced a major change in his attitude toward life.
“Phil is a guy who got here with a lot of pride, self-pride,” Pierre said. “With a lot of, ‘Me, Phil Forte.’ But now it’s like, ‘Man, this is me. I’m only a catalyst to the Lord. The only reason I’m doing this is to bring glory to the Lord.”
The change even influences Forte during games.
“Just this year I feel so much stronger anytime I take the court,” Forte said. “No matter how I play, whether I have 50 points or two points (God’s) going to be there for me after the game.”
For Forte, faith provides something beyond basketball — something Pierre said he thinks will define Forte before he leaves OSU.
“I know some people just try to know me as a basketball player,” Forte said. “I want to be known as more than that.”
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Hoop Hunter Helpful Basketball Tips:
The biggest impact point guards can make on their team is to be aware of the tools (players) that they have around them and learn to use them wisely as they compete against their opponents to product a victory.
Hoop Hunter Helpful Basketball Tips: "Play-Off & Championship Version"
What does it mean for a player/team to be "Focused" during practice and games?
1. To Be On Point
2. To Be Centered
3. To Be Locked In On a Target
4. To Have Clarity Of A Goal In Sight
5. To Converge & Concentrate As a Unit on One Meaningful Target or Goal
Positive H.S. Basketball Play-Off Notes
As We Approach Play-Off's Coaches & Players Must Stay Positive:
Its play-off time. And coaches & players must realize that together they can win. They must also understand that the adversity that they went through during the first and second part of the season has made them both stronger. Since champions are birth through adversity, both player and coach must come to the realization that (during the 3rd season) together they must have each others back. Staying positive motivates and can ensure a healthy and meaningful response from players, if it's genuine!
Its play-off time. And coaches & players must realize that together they can win. They must also understand that the adversity that they went through during the first and second part of the season has made them both stronger. Since champions are birth through adversity, both player and coach must come to the realization that (during the 3rd season) together they must have each others back. Staying positive motivates and can ensure a healthy and meaningful response from players, if it's genuine!
Hoop Hunter Helpful Basketball Tips:
"Most things, situations, people and problems will stay the same and nothing will change until you do."
Hoop Hunter Helpful Basketball Tips:
One of the main problems in the game of basketball today is the fact that players aren't holding each other accountable enough for their actions on and off the court. Too often players look the other way when they know that a player they are depending on isn't following team rules.
Important High School Play-Off Notes
Things some teammates do that will get you beat during the play-off's:
1. Stay up too late, not enough rest
2. Smoke cigarettes
3. Drink alcohol
4. Party too much
5. Disregard team rules
6. Allow personal relationships to interfere with their focus and performance
1. Stay up too late, not enough rest
2. Smoke cigarettes
3. Drink alcohol
4. Party too much
5. Disregard team rules
6. Allow personal relationships to interfere with their focus and performance
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