The 5 Worst Things You Can Do During the Month of June

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Patosha Jeffery

June is a very important month of the year for basketball players. It can be the first break of the year from basketball for some. Some are getting breaks from their AAU/travel team schedule. While some high schools are using the opportunity for team bonding and activities. June is also a very important month for development. Since we are almost midway through the month, I felt it is a great opportunity to emphasize it’s importance.

These are the 5 worst things you can do during this month:

Not Attend a Basketball Camp

A couple of weeks ago in my last Ask Po Po video I talked about June being basketball development month. Basketball camps are being hosted all of the US on college campuses, at private schools, at local gyms, etc. As a matter of fact, I just wrapped up my E.L.I.T.E. Academy on Saturday. Camps are the perfect place to learn something new about basketball. It is the perfect place to add something to your game. It is a great opportunity to get around a different group of basketball players.

By not attending a basketball camp, you are setting yourself up to be the exact same player you were with the exact same skills come July, when you get back in front of college coaches and scouts, or next school season. Don’t be that player. If you can’t get to a basketball camp, set up a consistent amount of training sessions with a local basketball trainer.

Put on Weight

There’s nothing worst than having a break from basketball and coming back to the team bigger and slower. It’s OK to take some time away from the game. I actually recommend that you take some time to rest your body, muscles and brain. But while you are on your break, be aware of what you are putting in your body. Stay away from fast foods and sodas every day. Drink plenty of water and eat your fruits and vegetables. If you are the type that trains consistently and work extra, use this month to change up your routine with less pounding on your body. Go swimming or simply walk.

Not Pick Up a Book

Just because you are out of school doesn’t mean you should stop learning and growing. I recommend that you read a book on basketball or something that can help you with basketball. This is another way for you to increase your IQ of the game or you can learn about teamwork, leadership or success.

Not Reach Out to College Coaches

If your team is playing in NCAA-certified events or you are participating in the events as an individual in July, you should be contacting college coaches this month. In my Ask Po Po series, I’ve shared with you How to Get D1 College Schools to look at you (Part I, Part II, Part III). Review the information in the videos. This is the perfect time to reach out to coaches to let them know what events you will be attending next month.

Not Know Where You Stand Academically

School is out so you should have received your report card by now. Or if you can access your grades electronically, you know what you made this past school year. It is getting harder and harder to become academically eligible to play college basketball. Check your grades and core courses to make sure you are on track. Here is a website to help you.

End of Season Checkup

Posted on February 17, 2015 by Patosha Jeffery

Basketball Season is winding down. Before you get started with AAU/Travel team activities, here are some things for you to consider.

Document Basketball Season Statistics

If you don’t already have them, write down your statistics from this season. Knowing your statistics provides motivation for you to work on your individuals skills during the off season and helps you prepare goals for next season. Also, college coaches first point of contact with a player they are interested in is a prospective student-athlete questionnaire. The questionnaire may ask for your season’s stats. You will already have it handy.

Memphis-Area AAU/Travel Team Tryout Information

Use a computer or tablet/IPad to get tryout information at www.MemphisGirlsBasketball.com. It will be listed near the top of the page.

ACT

Registration deadline is March 13th for the April 18th date. The last test date for the 2014-15 period is June 13, 2015.

Basketball Development

I will kick off Individual Training Sessions March 14 for girls 7 years old and up that’s interested in learning the game. I also offer sessions to players that’s already on the school team but wants to work extra on fundamental development including agility, left and right hand ball handling, shooting techniques and game situations.

Spring Evaluation Period

The Spring Evaluation Period is quickly approaching. The dates are April 24-26. This is the first time period of 2015 that you can play in front of Division I college coaches at NCAA-certified events. Most players attend these events (tournaments) with a team, however, their are events (camps/showcases) available for individuals not on a team.

With the Spring Evaluation Period a few weeks away, there’s still time to start preparing. My How to Prepare for the Basketball Evaluation Period video is a great resource for teams and individuals. It provides tools and tips to help you make the most out of attending these events.

E.L.I.T.E. Academy

The E.L.I.T.E Academy has been a dream of mine for years. I grew up during a time when players got more out of camps than just playing in basketball games. There was an academic piece, a life skills piece, a skill development piece and some basketball games to play.

The E.L.I.T.E. Academy is designed to have the players talking about more than how many points they scored in a game. They will leave talking about how they were inspired by someone’s story. They will leave talking about their dreams and aspirations. The will leave with a bigger picture of what they can accomplish in basketball, through basketball and after basketball.

To learn more about the E.L.I.T.E. Academy, click here

NCAA Initial-Eligibility Requirements

Use the NCAA Eligibility Center Quick Reference Guide to do a quick review of the Core Courses, Test Scores, and Grade Point Average requirements for initial eligibility for DI and II.

2014-15 Guides for the College-Bound Student-Athlete

Get some of your questions answered about recruitment and academic requirements to play at the different levels:

Division I and II
NAIA
NJCAA

Winter Break Checkup

Posted on December 29, 2014 by Patosha Jeffery

The Winter/Holiday Break means (for most players) the end of first semester. This makes the perfect time to do an academic and basketball performance checkup.

Things to Think About

How are your grades? Are you maintaining a decent average?
Have you taken the ACT? How did you do?
How are your basketball stats? Are you close to the goals you set for the season?
How many college coaches have you contacted since the beginning of the school year? Did they respond?

ACT

Registration deadline is January 9th for the February 7th date. The remaining test dates for the 2014-15 period are April 18 and June 13, 2015.

Continuous Development

Skill development during the season does not require a lot of time, just consistency. Over the past 12 weeks, I’ve posted workouts that can be done either for 15 minutes before your team practice or 15 minutes after the practice. If you’ve been following the P-15 workouts and tips, you should have noticed improvements in your game and an increase in your confidence. If you haven’t been following, starting now gives you enough time to improve for tournament time and Spring AAU/Travel Team Tryouts.

Spring Evaluation Period

April 24-26 are the dates for the Spring Evaluation Period. This is the first time period of 2015 that you can play in front of Division I college coaches at NCAA-certified events. Most players attend these events (tournaments) with a team, however, their are events (camps/showcases) available for individuals not on a team.

With the Spring Evaluation Period only a few months away, its the perfect time to start preparing. My How to Prepare for the Basketball Evaluation Period video is a great resource for teams and individuals. It provides tools and tips to help you make the most out of attending these events.