The bballers are starting to understand the importance of it, seeing the gelling effect it does has, the chances for getting better at the same time the player has the chance to prove is metal against some of his better friends.... What kind of long term effect does a setting like open gym have on a player, team, club....? The answers to this question is of course easy, but of course like all things it needs to nurtured and taken care of, not let to grow uncontrolled, making sure it is a safe place of youngsters and older players alike... It's super cool to see the players I've helped through the years come to a such setting and just play for the love of the game, the music they listen to, the social affect cannot be measured through just one or two seasons... this must be something that becomes a part of the club's system for keeping and recruiting players of all ages... Having a place to come each week to meet their friends, to play the game they love and just be... I know for myself open gym was an important part of my growing up...
The transition in going from being full time golf pro to bball coach, social worker has been interesting and very rewarding actually.. I know I have written about this subject before and will not 'punish' the reader with a full summation of the real feeling deep behind the opinions I have about the subject.... Short and sweet the point is the bballers really want to work hard, be the best they can and are willing to put in the hours of practice needed to be to reach ones potential both on and off the court... The youngsters I have worked with the past 20+ years in both golf and bball have been super for the most part, they have all been good kids for the most but the difference in the two is the actual love they have for their sport and what they are willing to do to reach their goals... Basketball wins, hands down... I guess it really does have something to do with the team side of balling and not in the golf?
Gotta go, my daughter just got here!!! Peace, love and all that's good....
