Goals
We all have goals in life, some big some small. Somebody once told me a goal is a dream with a deadline. In my travels and everyday conversations I hear people talk about goals all the time. It's great to have goals and dreams that are lofty and demonstrate achievement. The problem for me comes when there is a perceived goal with no insight or game plan on how to actually accomplish that goal. I was on a panel a couple of weeks ago speaking to some young people and I asked the question what do you want to do when you grow up. Of course the first response was " I want to go to the NBA", okay I said "How do you enter your name in the NBA Draft?" A deafening silence came over the room. Not one person in the room knew the process of how to enter their name in the NBA Draft. Did you know it was as simple as writing a letter? Most people don't yet most people young and old run around claiming that their goal is to play in the NBA....Really?
Here's some practical advice:
- Pass your 19th Birthday
- Send a letter expressing your interest in entering the NBA Draft to the league's New York City headquarters. The NBA's general counsel will send a response with an attached application for entry in the NBA Draft.
- Fill out the NBA Draft Application Form completely to ensure a fair hearing from the league's general counsel. This application form requires players to submit academic information, criminal histories and other information that are used by NBA scouts. Complete the application and accompanying forms at least 60 days before the NBA Draft to get on the list of players available to drafting teams.
- Entrants in the NBA Draft cannot return to play in college after they have hired agents due to the loss of amateur status.
- This vision of a successful and lucrative career as a professional basketball player can be dashed without proper preparation.
I'm not even going to address the training and preparation part because many of you don't even think that's necessary to compete in High School. I'm just going to continue to listen every time you tell me what you're going to do. Good Luck, but there is nothing so terrible as activity without insight.
Vegas Baby
Look closely, you might see someone you recognize....if you do let me know. Also, if any of the drills look familiar...hmmmmn? I wonder how those drills got all the way to Vegas? Find the mystery person behind the scenes and you will have your answer.....What happened in Vegas was a great experience and I couldn't ask to be around a better group of guys. BTW, I wasn't at all surprised when Joe Johnson pulled up from half-court or when Ray Allen dropped 51, Chris Paul dunking on Dwight Howard, I knew he could do it.
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