For balla’s who have considered they’ve got game and their talent is enough

What makes a good player better and how do they become great?
They balance books and basketball with their head on straight.

Do you want to move to the next level? How many know what it takes?
For your dream to come true, you must know the stakes!

You have to be special and separate yourself as the cream of the crop,
To be among the very small number of players who make it to the top.

Shoot to be a student athlete instead of an athlete student.
To shoot to graduate is a wise move and would be more prudent.

A student athlete attends all their classes,
And studies hard to ensure he/she passes.

An athlete student chooses to only participate
In only sports and rarely do they graduate.

Attack academics the same way you attack the basketball goal.
Attack with full concentration of your mind, body and soul.

Show good character both on and off the court.
Take charge and lead as an ambassador of the sport.

It doesn’t matter if you can dribble, slam dunk and shoot.
What really counts is if you can read, write, calculate and compute.

You have to do more than defend, rebound and throw no look passes.
Make sure you comprehend what’s being taught in all of your classes.

Keep this drive burning to never give up, or stop the flow,
Good character is the design and making of a true pro.

Try to be well rounded. Join the school drama, chess or debate teams.
It shows you have school spirit, no matter how nerdish it sometimes seems.

Learn to be patient and always humble.
Learn not to complain, hold a grudge or grumble.

Always take your time and think before you talk,
Always be aware of your surroundings before you walk.

Keep away from anything that looks, feels or sounds like trouble.
Move out with the quickness and break out on the double.

Strive not to lie, cheat, steal and use or sell drugs.
Watch the company you keep and stay away from thugs.

Don’t wear your pants or shorts sagging below your waist.
It’s just not cool or stylish and it doesn’t show good taste.

Give everyone you meet a firm handshake.
Don’t sweat it whenever you make a mistake.

Just shake it off and let it go,
Don’t give a bad seed the time to grow.

Keep your head up in spite of the score.
You are still a winner to the bone and the core.

Don’t use profanity and explode in a rage,
Just flip the script and turn the page.

Keep your head stay in the game
chill and keep your anger tame.

Never let your emotions show
Just relax, exhale and let it flow.

It doesn’t matter about your size or height.
What counts is if you are mentally ready and physically fit to fight.

Not with your fists but with your game.
That’s how your let them know your name.

This is what makes a superstar,
This frame of mind can take you very far.

Don’t get mad when the ref does or doesn’t call a foul,
never loose your cool and throw in the towel.

Stay calm and keep your cool.
Use your anger as your fuel.

Never let anyone see you pout, when you lose a game or when you foul out.
You never know when you’re being watched by a coach, a sportswriter or scout.

They are watching how you play the game; they watch how you react,
They also check your grades and character as a matter of fact.

It might not seem to make a lot of sense or you may think it doesn’t matter.
But some players find out the hard way as you climb up the basketball ladder.


Let's keep it real, the chances are slim, and the odds are very low.
It takes hard work, discipline and determination for a player to go pro.

The NBA is only looking for the best of the best from the fortunate few.
So you must always do absolute your best in everything that you do.

The draft is a numbers game, like basketball musical chairs.
With only a few players still standing after climbing up the stairs.

Over 10 million of players in AAU, and high schools share this same dream.
But from the 10 million about 5,000 of these players make it to a college team.

Now the NBA has 30 teams that draft 2 players every year.
That is a total of 60 job openings, now the picture is very clear.

Only seven of the 60 players started for their teams leaving a remainder of 53.
Those 53 are on the bench drawing a guaranteed two year salary.


Now what happens to the rest who don't make this final cut?
Are they ready to move on with life or do they fall into a rut?

What choice is left for the rest who were left behind?
Do they have another option or career in mind?

Overseas basketball is one choice but it's not always guaranteed.
That’s why a good college education is what you truly need.

When the ball stops bouncing and you leave the court,
Ensure you get your education while you’re playing the sport.

You have unlimited choices available when you graduate with a college degree.
There’s sports medicine or management, be a broadcaster, coach or referee.

You can use basketball as a enabling vehicle and an empowering tool.
When you strive to excel on the court and have the drive to do well in school.