Hard Work and College: Quan's Story

 Written by Octavio Parral | @octavio_parral

Quan during a training session with Coach Pope- PHOTO CRED: Dorina Pope

Basketball is a gateway of opportunities and potential. Opportunities are presented to athletes, such as a college scholarship, and it is up to the athlete to take advantage of those opportunities. Dequain Conner (Quan) has presented himself an opportunity, and he plans to take full advantage of it.

The journey to college begins with an escape. Since 7^th grade Quan has used basketball to focus on school and stay out of the streets in Nashville. “I needed something that would keep my mind on the right track,” Quan states as he reflects on his past. Basketball is an everyday thing for him (from 7^th grade until now).

Relentless work ethic on the court is the next piece. For years Quan has paid his dues to basketball and school. Countless days were spent in the gym. Many games were won and some were lost. Going 25-6 during his senior season and winning district are proof of the work ethic.

Through it all, Quan continues to grind his way from the hardwood into the classroom. Quan treats school as a basketball game and the goal is to win. This coming fall Quan will call the University of Tennessee Knoxville home. He plans to help others by pursuing a doctorate degree in physical therapy.

Quan Conner- PHOTO CRED: Doring Pope

With a blessing, Quan has received help from others who believe in his hard work and potential. His coaches, and parents have all been a part of the Quan’s college choice. “They all have wisdom and I like to get different viewpoints before I make this decision that will change my life,” Quan says about his mentors.

Another important piece of Quan’s future is Next Level Skills. Coach Pope has been mentoring and training Quan on how to prepare for college. They meet regularly to discuss college options, work on processes of college acceptance, and of course, basketball training.

“Next level skills is not only improving your basketball skills but your skills that you need to be successful in life.” - Quan

As he inches closer to college, Quan will soak his last moments of high school and enjoy the ride. One thing that will never change is his work ethic and he will carry that into his future. Quan has this to say to other kids in the same position: Never give up.

If you want to hear more from Quan and Next Level Skills, contact Coach Pope here.

-Next Level Skills

The Mental and Physical Aspect of the Game: Erric Adams Story

written by Octavio Parral | @octavio_parral

Erric Adams of KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School, Photo Cred: Jeremy Pope

Just like any sport, Basketball requires two components to function properly in order for success to occur. There is the physical aspect and the mental aspect. Point guard Erric Adams understands the importance of both as he uses everyday training methods to increase his performance.

Physical

Standing at a whopping height 5’9”, Erric must be able to use his body in unique positions in order to make up for the lack of height. Training includes knowing how to contort the body in certain positions to attack the basket, shooting from all spaces and ranges, and building conditioning and strength.

Being on the shorter side of the basketball world definitely makes the life more challenging. However, with a solid work ethic, Erric has proven that his height is what makes him the basketball player he is. Every day is a physical journey and Erric will continue to work out in the gym and weight room to become the best physical player he can be.

If there is anyone who can relate, that’s Coach Pope of Next Level Skills. At a short height himself, Pope had to use his athleticism to get him over the hurdle of playing giants at the college level. Now, he is training Erric in a similar fashion as he did at Goshen College.

“The biggest improvement has come from Erric. It’s night and day,” Coach Pope says. Later he would go on to say that he has a personal connection with Erric’s training.

Erric trains his body everyday to compete at a high level, Photo Cred: Jeremy Pope

Mental

There is a saying that the game is 20% physical and 80% mental. The thought process controls the steps, passes, cuts, trash talk, and whatever you can think of when you play ball. Erric trains his mind to understand how to play. When is the correct pass? Cut? Shot? Attack? Play? All these require a great amount of studying from Erric and Coach Pope.

The greats of the game, Lebron for example, are built like computers knowing how to get the team functioning through precise actions. Coach Pope works with his point guard on these precise actions through workout sessions.

And of course, don’t forget the confidence piece that allows Erric to compete at a high level. High confidence stems from hard work ethic, training, belief, and his faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He wants to be the best and think like the best. Night and day, Erric, with the help from some music, prepares himself to play and succeed on the court. He also heavily relies on his favorite scripture, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13. Look at some of his highlights and pay attention to his decisions on the court. 

Erric's dream is to play at the collegiate level. He will continue to focus on his physical and mental game and improve every day. If you want to hear more from Erric or Coach Pope, contact Next Level Skills.

- Next Level Skills

Directed Steps to College Success

Coach Pope and Nashville athletes after a meeting- Jeremy Pope

The process of getting accepted into college is simple but long. Each student must follow certain steps in order to have an opportunity to further their education. For athletes, the process is a bit more difficult. However, some athletes follow the process and some don’t; many are unaware of what needs to be done in order to attend school.

Fortunately, Next Level Skills Basketball Academy provides a step for student athletes to learn all factors that play into college entrance. Once a month at Donatos Pizza, Coach Pope organizes a meeting with some of Nashville’s basketball prospects. The purpose of the meetings is for athletes to work towards getting into college.

“I know a lot of great high school athletes that didn’t go to college or ended paying a lot of money because they didn’t have the information. [These meetings] provide me time with the kids to put everything in perspective,” says Coach Pope.

Coach Pope focuses on college admissions, financial aid, campus visits, ACT and SAT exams, the athlete recruiting process, and their high school GPA. With a background of college admissions at Goshen College and a successful college basketball career, Coach runs a meeting with direct instruction for the athletes to understand the process as simply as possible.

And the process has become focused and simpler. Several of Coach Pope’s Athletes had this to say about the meetings:

Quan Conner says, “the information has helped me work out NCAA recruitment forms and finding colleges that are suitable for me.”

Erric Adams, says, "I have learned to look for small schools that would not only fit my basketball preferences but my academic preferences as well.”

Bryce Watts, says, "I thought the meeting at Donatos was just as informative as it was fun. It was nice talking with some other ball players off the court about future college decisions. The information helped me realize how much work it takes to play basketball at the next level. Basketball is only part of it .... without good grades and proper paperwork, playing at the next level won't happen."

Coach Pope organizes information on the college process for each athlete

Next Level wants their athletes to succeed and understand the work that needs to be done outside the gym. With the help of Coach Pope’s experiences and Donatos delicious pizza, athletes can achieve college entrance and success.

Next Level Skills wants to give a big THANKS to Donatos Pizza for allowing these meetings to take place. If you want to find out more about these meetings, contact Coach Pope.

-Next Level Skills Basketball Academy.

Reaching for New Heights

by Octavio Parral | @octavio_parral

Joshua Moody receiving an award after a tournament- Photo cred: Jeremy Pope

Basketball is a sport where dreams can become reality. There is that kid in his backyard hitting the game winning shot over and over again. There is that other kid who leads his team to a championship. Then there is Joshua Moody, a high school senior out of Nashville, who is trying to make his dream a reality by receiving a basketball scholarship. 

The chance to play basketball at the college level is a dream for most hoopers. It signifies the skill level and talent a player has. Joshua Moody, however, is finding some difficulties completing his dream due to one short, little problem: height.

Standing at 5’7” can sometimes hinder a player’s chances of receiving a scholarship. The college level has uniquely gifted and athletic tall players. Joshua knows this as he states his toughest challenge on the court: “My toughest thing I face is guarding the most athletic person on the other team.”

Don’t let Joshua’s height fool you. As one of Nashville’s top players, he has made some noise with his skill. His quick feet allow him to blaze past opponents and attack the rim like a giant. 

Joshua attacking the basket.

Coach Pope, of Next Level Skills, has taken notice of Joshua’s talent and is working with him on achieving his dream. They have been training together and actively pursuing to create his exposure to college coaches.

Joshua’s explains his next step, “I will email coaches from schools I’m interested in.” Coach Pope is working on creating a highlight mix to spread around to help with the process. Until he finds something, Joshua will continue to dominate high school and AAU basketball. 

The hard work and determination will overcome Joshua’s “short” problem and take him to new heights. If you want to hear more from Joshua, contact Coach Pope at Next Level Skills.

-Next Level Skills

Academic Success and Basketball

Written by Octavio Parral | @octavio_parral

Daniel Belser, a teammate, and Coach Pope during a workout- Dorina Pope

There are no doubts that inner-city schools have a crisis when it comes to success. Just above 50% of high school students in the nation’s largest cities graduated on time. That means half the students are likely to fail. For Daniel Belser, graduating is very important and basketball is his tool to stay in the books and succeed.

As a senior, Daniel hopes to graduate at the end of the year with a college scholarship. His dream is to play for a college team. He understands that success in an inner-city school is challenging with a low socio-economic status background, few resources, and a sense of lost hope seen among others.

Basketball provides a special resource that helps Daniel with these challenges. Since he was 5, Daniel has used basketball as a tool to keep himself focused on his studies, and more importantly, his character. Through the bad times in a low-income neighborhood, Daniel feels a sense of peace that fills the lost hope.

“Basketball means everything. It’s there when I feel like I have nobody else.”

Daniel Belser working on his jumpshot- Dorina Pope

There are a few important elements that Daniel takes from basketball. There is the responsibility that comes with being a great talent. It requires work ethic and commitment. Every day Daniel enters the gym with a determined mindset to become a successful basketball player. He understands that the same responsibility applies to school as everyday he enters school to become a successful student.

Basketball requires a sense of maturity that successful people have. There is the care and teamwork with others that Daniel understands. There is the professionalism of the sport. Most importantly, there is the love for the game.

Daniel uses school to support his main love and passion. That is why Coach Pope and Next Level Skills are essential to his love for basketball. The basketball and college-readiness training help Daniel focus on what is necessary for the sport, his academics, and life.

“Coach has helped me mature on all levels. He's helped get me looks from colleges and putting me in great positions to get a scholarship.”

Coach Pope giving advice to Daniel- Dorina Pope

You will see Daniel working on his game every day. His training helps his basketball game and structures his attitude for the academics. The goal is to graduate high school with a 3.0 gpa and receive a basketball scholarship.

If you want to hear more from Daniel contact Coach Pope at Next Level Skills.

-Next Level Skills

Shooting Makes Success

Written by Octavio Parral | @octavio_parral

 “I want to be the best shooter to ever play college basketball.” – Bryce Watts

Bryce Watts During a Shooting Drill - Photo Cred: Dorina Pope

Shooting the basketball is an essential component of the game. It requires skill, timing, and work ethic in order for it to be efficient and effective. Today, shooting has become a lethal weapon on the court. With teams like the Rockets and players like Steph Curry, the game has shown that to be successful in basketball, a player must be able to shoot the ball.

Bryce Watts, from Nashville, understands the importance of shooting. The strength of his game is shooting the basketball. “I have a good rotation [on my shot] and footwork,” says Bryce. He explains that he can shoot anywhere on the court with those two skills. As a sophomore in high school, Bryce was named top 10 in the state of Tennessee for 3-pointers made and 3-point field goal percentage.

These accomplishments are the result of Bryce’s work ethic. Coach Jeremy Pope, of Next Level Skills, runs training sessions with Bryce. Here are 3 drills that have improved Bryce’s shot.

                  

      1) Shooting Off the Screen

The focus of this drill is catching the ball off the screen with correct footwork. Bryce comes from the left side of the court with his left foot first and then his right. As he sets up, he rises up with his shot and leaves a follow-through release. He does the same on the opposite side but with his right foot first. 

     2)  Off the Dribble Shooting

      

      

      This drill works with ball handling into a player’s shot. First, Bryce starts the drill with ball handling through 3 cones. Notice how he stays low in his position as he dribbles through his legs around each cone. After the third cone, Bryce sets his feet by using a hop step jump. He rises up with his shot by leaving his follow-through release. 

     3) Advanced Off the Dribble Shooting

This drill is an advanced version of the previous drill and focuses more on ball handling. Bryce dribbles in front of 4 cones. At each cone, the ball is dribbled 2 times in the front, 2 through the legs, and 2 behind the back. He then sets up for his two shots: a set shot after dribbling and a shot coming off the screen. Notice how Bryce continues to stay low in his ball handling.  

“The workouts have helped me put up a bunch of game shots.”-Bryce

These drills are some of the many drills that Bryce works on. Next Level Skills has added necessary training that is improving his shooting. “The workouts have helped me put up a bunch of game shots,” says Bryce on his improvements. His workouts consist of 500 plus game-shots everyday, which leads to him shooting a very high percentage during games--high enough to be honored in the state of Tennessee.

He continues to work with Coach Pope on techniques and small details that improve footwork, release, and speed. His goal is to play for Samford University and win the NCAA tournament. Check some of Bryce's game highlights here.

             If you want to hear more from Bryce contact Next LevelSkills Basketball Academy. 

-Next Level Skills

Basketball: An Escape Turned into Dreams

Written by Octavio Parral | @t_voloco

Taiwan doing some ball handling drills- Photo Cred: Dorina Pope

Basketball is the 2^nd most popular sport in the world. Everywhere kids are playing at the parks down the street or at the local YMCA. For some, basketball is a fun hobby. For others, basketball is a serious business. In the case of Taiwan Hamilton basketball is an escape—an escape from anger, negativity, and hopelessness.

As a kid Taiwan saw his mother endure many struggles with domestic violence and hunger. There were countless nights where Taiwan had to jump out of bed and protect his mother from being hit. In return, Taiwan was physically and emotionally abused as well. Some nights his mother would have to steal food in order to feed Taiwan.

Life wasn’t easy but in the midst of all the abuse and struggle, Taiwan saw himself dribbling his way out. At the age of 11 Taiwan started playing basketball and it was a little orange ball that created hope. “I liked the game and had fun so I played every day, literally,” Taiwan states. His enjoyment for the game turned into passion.

After failing to make the Nashville Burners team in 8^th grade, Taiwan pushed himself to get extra jump shots up, extra dribbles on the blacktop, and extra determination. He made the varsity team at LEAD High School—an accomplishment and reward. “I learned, [from the past], to never give up on anything.”

His basketball escape has turned into athletic opportunities and now, academic opportunities. Taiwan has been working with Next Level Skills Basketball Academy and Coach Pope. The basketball program focuses on training potential college basketball athletes. Training includes skill work and college prep.

Coach Pope and Taiwan after a drill- Photo Cred: Dorina Pope

For Taiwan, Coach Pope has been his support system to pursue dreams of academic success and college basketball. It’s the little things that Taiwan appreciates about his support system: a simple conversation, basketball training, life advice, and college prep. “Not too many people excel at training kids and having a relationship with them like Pope does,” Taiwan admirably says about his coach, he considers his new family member.

Basketball is a blessing for Taiwan. His determination is still running strong as his next goal is to find a college to play for. Until he finds his college, Taiwan will be on the court practicing his game and learning how to be successful in school. His escape has turned into a dream.

Check one of Taiwan’s games here. He is number 21 wearing the red shorts. Get to know him by contacting Next Level Skills Basketball Academy.