Wisdom, Practice Tips & Knowledge from Hoop Hunter

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Hoop Hunter NCAA Championship Game Note About "Big Time Shooters & Players"

 ~About that shot~

The coach (Jay Wright), after seeing the shot go in the basket didn't need to show an over and above expression of "Wow" because he expected his  "Big Time Player" to make that "Big Time Shot."

Reality:
At a certain point in a player's career, he/she should be able to make wide open shots, shots with hands in their face and buzzer beater shots.

The Fans:
But we, the fans have gotten so use to mediocre shooters who learn how to shoot early in their career but never put enough work in to fully develop and sustain a shot suited for big time performances; that it amazes us when a player hits a buzzer beater.

Perhaps, if we the fans in the states start to see more players making "Big Time Shots", it won't be as much of a surprise when we see shots made especially when the shooter is wide open or when they get a good look!

-My personal view-

Last night's game was the pinnacle of why I love competitive basketball, it's the best game in the world when it's played the right way. Last night's game was played well by both teams and coaches.

About Programs:
When 1st class programs with 1st class coaches teach players how to play the game the right way (as a team-no entitlements), regardless of who win's or loses, the heated competition unifies and unites the whole country!

I love basketball!

You Got To Want It Bad Enough or You Can't Have It, Says the Woodpecker

~Hard work, consistency & delayed gratification is key ~

"If student-athletes could work like a Woodpeckers, their game, confidence, play and level of success would be unparalleled to that of their peers."

Hard work is never easy, but it's worth it.

Happy Resurrection Sunday

Jesus Christ; our blessed hope!

As we await the return of our lord and savior Jesus Christ, let us continue to clothes ourselves in doing good.

Let us help those who are lost (by setting good examples as christ ambassadors) and show humility towards all with hope that someday they too will have a desire to accept Christ and become followers of Jesus Christ.

A Friendly Reminder:
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whomsoever believe in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

10 Things $ Can't Buy

1. Passion
2. Integrity
3. Self-Drive
4. Work Ethic
5. Toughness
6. Loyalty
7. Hope
8. Commitment
9. Character
10. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ!

Unity In Sports: Solutions for Change

1. Team Work- All parties and/or members must work together (admins, A.D.'s, principals, coaches, players, parents, students and fans) for the common good of our society. And for the overall health and welfare of the children.

2. Respect for Authority- everyone must respect and support the people in authority whether you agree or disagree with their decisions.

3. Mutual Respect for all persons- Regardless of your title as admin., principal, coach, CEO parent, A.D. and/or referee, mutual respect is always key.

4. Admins & Principals- Must become more engaged with all parties involved and seek new and improved ways to show they care about all parties involved. You must come up with more creative ways to bring people together and stop the great divide. And last, stand with your coaches without showing favoritism.

5. A.D.'s and Coaches- Become 21st century leaders. Do a better job of understanding today's youth without simply saying, "It's my way or the highway." Start showing genuine concern for every person involved in your program. A.D.'s allow the coaches to be innovative thinkers and listen to their ideas. Coaches you must do a better job of teaching and it would be helpful if you learn new ways to motivate players with different personalities. Coaches should find ways to engage their players in additional community based initiatives & projects (no fund raisers) that will give them a better since of community pride. Develop a business leadership mentoring program that will help prepare them for life after sports (on your watch).

Start developing healthy relationships and allies with others in sports who are outside of the school setting to help grow and develop kids along with your support. "Stop the divisiveness." Let parents have a respectful voice, while you listen. Without their kids you wouldn't have a team and without their tax dollars you wouldn't get paid. And quit locking the gym doors to those who live in your community. The residents in the community tax dollars paid for that gym. I believe that there should be a plan that would allow residents to have assess ability to the gyms as well as the outside running track at schools (when they aren't being use by the school).

Players- Regardless of your personal views and your parent's opinions, you must respect your coaches at all times, their rules and the role(s) that they ask you to play, even if you disagree. You must commit to higher academic excellence in the classroom. You must learn to take full responsibility for your actions on and off the court. You must learn the importance of working hard, being a person of good character, integrity, honesty and judgement. Being a good citizen  also helps. And last please remember that you as an athlete are a role model therefore you will always be held to a higher standard than the norm.

Parents-By all means love your children. But you must also  allow them room to grow up. Adversity has never hurt or killed anyone, in fact "Adversity Always Strengthens." Stop taking everything that happens to your child personal and then to the public. Stop listening to all people outside of the program who wants to bash the coaches just to keep you at bay. Learn to discern those who want to see your child get in the "Dog House" while they sit back and film the drama movie.

It's time for admins, A.D.'s, principals, coaches and players to be forgiving "For Everything" and wipe the slate clean.

"Everyone needs a fresh start even if they don't deserve it."

Parents, be a trail blazer and break away from the "war on coaches" and start uniting with being a game changer.

Remember, all of us who have been, who are involved or who have kids in sports are all in the same boat.  We must choose to respectfully work together as we re-learn how to row our boats for the common good of all mankind and a healthy future in sports for our children and grandchildren.

And God Bless Us All

The "War On Unity In Sports" & The Need for "Unity In Sports"

Starting today, I'm making a commitment to become an advocate and spokesman for "Unity In Sports."

I'm tired of seeing coaches beat up on players, players disrespect coaches, parents overstep their bounds (in some cases rightfully so but that doesn't make it right) and fans being "wooed" for outsiders vote.

Several principals, admins and A.D.'s appear to be sitting back and ignoring the problems (and in some cases looking the other way) as if there's no problem and everyone's happy. Not the case. School districts, take a poll.

["There seems to be a war against "Unity In Sports']

In many cases the admins are either out of touch, oblivious to the existence of problems or they're apart of the status quo. Either way too many wonderful people are being hurt through sports and it's time for it to stop. The need for change is imminent.

"Unity In Sports" is long overdue. Every participant matters as do the lives of everyone involved." Community pride has even been lost in this war on "Unity In Sports" unless the school in your community has won or wins a championship. Truth!

Speaking Opportunities:
I'm willing to speak about the "War on Unity In Sports" and the need for "Unity In Sports" at any school anytime and to any group as long as all parties are present, *No banquets please!

In addition, all admins, coaches, CEO parents and players must take their titles and ego's off prior to the event and upon leaving they must make a declaration to "Unite" and start taking personal responsibility for their actions and roles in sports.

Pray 4 me and others who will join me as we advocate for "Unity In Sports."

P.S. Please note that this doesn't apply to every school, principal, A.D., admin., coach, parent and player who have it all together. For now, you are exempt unless things in your overall program or situation changes.

Ask questions, get answers!!!!!!!!!

“Sometimes, only God can pick you up from where you are and place you where you're suppose to be. #hoophunter”

TWITTER.COM|BY DEON HUNTER

A prayer for the children

Dear God,

I pray that your will and purpose for the lives of All children would be revealed to them deeply. And that you would grant them spiritual wisdom so that they can discern and know the difference between right and wrong.

Amen

Deon Hunter aka Hoop Hunter Practicing Sit Ups & Shooting Form At The Sa...

You can have it All, but once you get it, don't let others?

Don't let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies, their wrong and shallow answers built on men's thoughts and ideas, instead of on what Christ has said.

For in Christ there is all of God in a human body; and you are filled with God through your union with Christ. He is the Highest Ruler, with authority over every other power.

Colossians 2:8-10

Not Until What?

Not until the love of Christ fully enters the heart of man will there by peace, joy, love, acceptance, forgiveness and community among us.

A Call 4 Unity-Not Division:

For those who are often bitter, disgruntled, hateful, jealous and discouraged, I recommend that you fight hard and long in prayer asking God to strengthen you in areas of weakness with the power needed to resist the schemes and traps of the devil.

I See The Good In You:

I see the good in you. But, I also see the strong hold that Satan desires to have on (you) and all of us when we let him.

Prayer:
Together, let's pray that God will help each of us become wise in physical and spiritual matters. Meanwhile teaching us to recommit ourselves to the love, joy and peace that we once shared.

And that can start with a friendly smile and sincere forgiveness!

I'm in, are you?

Hit The Refresh Button, No One's Above Reproach

Ever so often, we unknowingly go through life thinking that we're fully grounded because we've crossed a certain threshold in our daily lives that sometimes lead us to believe that we have made it and are now above reproach.

But let the truth be told, yes we have overcome lots of things and in many cases we've become nicer and better people.

But over time, the glass that was once full unknowingly becomes half empty.

And that's when we need to hit the refresh button.

No one's above reproach, no one!

Can I get a witness?

Things You Must Work 4; Except?

1. If you want to be a better player, you got to work for it.

2. If you want to be a better shooter, you got to work for it.

3. If you want to be a better play maker, you got to work for it.

4. If you want to lead the team in steals, you got to work for it.

5. If you want to be a better defender, you got to work for it.

6. If you want to be a more productive player coming off the bench, you got to work for it.

7. If you want to win a championship, you got to work for it.

8. If you want to be a better student-athlete, you got to work for it.

9. If you want to be a quicker, faster and stronger player, you got to work for it.

10. If you decide that you want to receive salvation, you don't have to work for it, it's a gift from God and it's free. Once you decide to receive Christ into your heart, in exchange for your decision, the gift of salvation is given to you by God.

God Is Able

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:20-21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Deon Hunter aka Hoop Hunter 2 Ball Finger Tip Dribbling w/ Sit Ups

"For the love of the game am I willing to make ongoing sacrifices"

Hoop Hunter

Basketball Players Need to Practice More "Get Your Butts In The Gym"

Did you know that the majority of young athletes don't shoot very well, handle the ball very well, set solid screens very well, pass very well and/or make free throws very well?

But if they would spend more time in the gym working on their game, they too could do what lots of great student-athletes are going if they would simply practice 20-30 minutes a day.

The reason so many good coaches look so bad is because they often inherit too many capable but non-productive players who don't wish to work on their game outside of team practices which in turn ends up being a poor reflection of the coach.

Our God Is Faithful

  Faith is our most valued possession while living in a world that's full of darkness.  Those who learn to put their full trust in the lord make it possible to see supernatural things happen in their lives.


God truly is faithful!

Advocate For Unity In Sports- Not Divisiveness

In today's (off-season) youth sports, there seems to be an rising of division among middle & high school coaches, community youth coaches, parents who coach and anyone who feels led to help make a noticeable difference in the lives of youth through sports.

Let's face it, off-season sports can and should be conducted by anyone with the means and heart to do good for the overall health and welfare of all student-athletes. And to say the least, it's a free market right?  Isn't that what we want in all other areas of life ? There should never be only one exclusive group, person or organization out there trying to form a monopoly. There's enough student-athletes out there for everyone to have his/her fair share of players and/or teams.

As it relates to the cost of each aau team, club team, parent-coached team and/or school coached team, no one has the right to tell anyone what their "Fair Market Value" should be nor should they use that to raise attention to their entrance into the "Free Market" of off-season sports to gain support for their participation. "If you're only thinking about wins and losses and not those multitudes of intangibles that aren't on paper that help grow and develop student-athletes, then I guess there's support for an argument."

Too often I'm finding super ultra ego's out there who feel they're the only ones who can teach and coach youth basketball. But in reality, there's several people out there who can do the same thing, if not better. However, it's only fair to ask each person who chooses to enter the off-season "Free Market"to stay in their lane and stop trying to poor the "Fire Hose" on all of the wonderful youth coaches out there who really does a great job mentoring and coaching players. And it's also unfair to use "Player Fees" or the lack of having coaches "Just Like You" as a means to discredit other aau teams and organizations.

Foot Note: Does Walmart call out Macy's because people choose to shop there?  Does Home Depot call our Lowe's for those who want to shop there? And last, does the establishment of a middle class neighborhood call out a well-deserved upper class neighborhoods just because they have lots of nice homes and amenities?

In my opinion, there isn't or shouldn't be one exclusive individual, club team, aau team, select team and/or parent coached team that should have all the players. We live in a "Free Society" where good hard working people have "Free Will" and the right to teach & coach sports in their spare time or even full time however they see fit without the ongoing divisiveness of those few who seem to think that their resume makes them credible. Resumes lie and they don't always tell the truth!

I'm not an advocate for organizations, persons and coaches who feel led to use others and the cost involved with players fees as a tool to discredit others just to build themselves up. Yes, I agree there are some sharks out there in the wide world of youth sports (who just don't get it) but the majority of those that I know are really good people who give their best to youth daily. And often at the end of each season, several of them come up short financially. And for others to suggest what the market value should be for players fees, you're out of your lane, it vary's from team to team. Get in where you fit in, "Its a Free Market."

*Would you like someone to tell your employer what they should pay you when you go to work particularly when they don't know your full value?

Closing:
 There are lots of great coaches, aau teams, club teams, organizations, school coached teams and parent-coached teams out there in the "Free Market Place." Parents, players and their coaches bare the responsibility of doing their homework first before joining any off-season program. I support good coaches who run good organization and I prefer to be their ally rather than their adversary.

What they choose to charge for player fees is there business, not mine and not yours!

Too Much Negativity Weakens

Too much negativity can weaken a person's self drive, will, hopes, desires and initiatives to the extent that they no longer care to hear from the person who once was their role model, mentor, parent, coach and friend.

Too much negativity can cause a thriving person to totally lose focus, stop caring and ultimately cause the person to feel like a victim rather than a victor, which then can then lead them shutting everything down and then shuttingyou out!

About The Fruit of The Spirit

The flesh opposes the spirit and the spirit opposes the flesh. But God desires us (his children) to live by the fruit of the spirit and not by the desires of our flesh. There are 9 fruits of our spirit. Take a look at them below.

Read It and Believe It

Read the word for yourself daily and believe what it says and let's see what happens. I'm confident that you won't be disappointed but rather strengthened, encouraged and blessed.

Christ Centered Athletes Greatest Call

What I like most about being an Christ-centered athlete is that it gives players a platform to be a witness for Christ meanwhile expressing their love and gratitude towards God and people in public.

Did you know?
More people attend high school, college and professional events than those who go to church.

Q:Where can an athlete be more of a witness for Christ?

A: In public gyms, arenas and stadiums.

3 Important Things I'm Going To Do More Throughout My life

1. Continue to be an unashamed faithful witness outside the church to those who know and also don't know Jesus Christ.

2. Live my life as an encouraging example of Chris's love. Meanwhile baring with others as we both go through life's ups and downs.

3. I'm never going to be ashamed of associating with poor people, rich people, people who don't believe in God and people with varying cultural differences.


Bonus:
Im going to trust and believe with confidence that my prayers are being heard and that God is always with me as well as with my brothers and sisters in Christ.

God's got us all. Together in Christ we've already won!

Partner with Me As We Begin Gym Repairs

Dear Families:

Beginning next week we will start the process of having the gym ceiling insulated with white foam! After the construction, our gym will be much cooler in the summer and we will no longer have to deal with debris and insects from the ceiling.
Then we plan to have a concrete drainage system installed outside to help eliminate the water leakage inside of our facility after heavy rains.

For those who would like to partner with me on these two projects, you may make your tax deductible donation check out to BBI, P.O. Box 2045, Roanoke, Texas 76262 and/or you may make your financial donation online at www.buildingbelievers.org through pay pal.

There’s no donation too small. All funds will be used to complete the ceiling and outside water drainage system. We want the best for your children for years to come. Your child’s success is our success. And our success is the community’s success.

When I was first called by God to lead a Christ-centered youth sports organization and given stewardship over the gym facility here in Roanoke, I felt a bit overwhelmed by the shape it was in as well as I didn’t fully know how it could be turned into such a facility that the lives of youth from all over the North Central Texas Area (nearly 25 years) could and would be impacted.

Because of you and the faithfulness of God throughout the years, we (HHB/BBI) together with your partnerships have turned our facility into a special, safe and friendly place kids and teenagers can learn how to play basketball, grow as family, learn about Jesus and learn about life through the game.
“Thank you in advance for helping me help the kids.”


Sincerely,

T. Deon Hunter
HHB/BBI Director
www.buildingbelievers.org
817.491.9602 (o)

Advocate For Role Players on Teams Getting Equal Praise

I believe that role players deserve more acknowledgement and should be given more credit for the role they're asked to play and the sacrifices they make for the team that too often go unnoticed.

Think about it:
1. Role players often come off the bench and some don't play very much although they practice just as much as the starters.
2. Role players are often told what they can and can't do, and they accept it.
3. Role players are often the biggest cheerleaders on the team and bench.
4. Role players are often asked to do the dirty work that no one else is willing to do.
5. Role players and their positive contribution to the team often fly under the radar.
6. Role players are less likely to be given praise by their coaches and teammates.

I'm am advocate for players who are asked to play a role on teams who's contributions often go unnoticed!

Got Teenager Problems?

Did you know?

Kids who turn against their parents (once they become teenagers) are often misled and/or misguided by their peer group(s), immature adult(s), music lyrics and by idiotic ideas that they've learned while in school or while spending extended time away from their family.

[Family Values Matter]

In many cases some teenagers will learn rotten lessons while they're away from their family.

And some of the lessons that they learn will often oppose the values and principles they've been raised and taught (at home/church) to believe; which can ultimately lead to friction and discourse in the home between parents and siblings.

[Parents Don't Quit or Give Up]

Q:What's the answer to this problem?
A: Parental persistence (keep affirming your love for them but use tough love if needed), elevated prayer and patience.

Basketball and the Big Picture

"The game is a healthy place for youth to learn the values needed to live a happy, healthy, responsible and wholesome life."

Basketball is a game and place in which hard work, discipline, determination, assertiveness, self confidence, learning of roles, respect for authority, communication, leadership skills, time management, goal setting, friendships, humility, focus, concentration, character, integrity, mental and physical growth, accountability, personal responsibility and team building can be developed and established.