Q: What is the vision and mission behind Black Heart Basketball and how did you get started?
A: Primarily my vision is just to produce quality players, quality athletes. I saw down here in Southern Indiana the talent level is high but then there’s a few things coming up and being able to get to the pro level, that some of these players need at an early age. And I just wanted to be able to pass that knowledge on early, to the guys around here.
Q: Tell us a little about what you’re working on at the moment?
A: Right now, with myself going out on my own, we’re really focusing on speed and agility. We’re doing more with teams… We’re just trying to grow as a program and grow as an organization.
Q: Tell us a story about one of your proudest moments in your coaching career?
A: If I had to say some of my proudest moments training I would say just watching kids struggle at something and then it clicks and a bulb goes off and they get it and you can just see in their eyes and their expression, just achievement. And watching a player, just like you said… watching them grow, and win awards, and win championships, all of that is proud moments.
Q: Tell us a story about some of the challenges you faced in your coaching/athletic career and how you overcame them, or maybe you still are?
A: Honestly the biggest challenge right now is kind of what I’m going through, just starting this business on our own. Learning the ins and outs of business and how it works. Just trying to grow, that’s the biggest challenge. Keeping myself relevant, keeping myself fresh. I always have to learn. I can’t stay stagnant, cause if I stop the game’s going to pass me on and I can’t let that happen.
Q: What has been the key to your success that other trainers could learn from?
A: I’d say the key to my success is just my drive and my passion. I’m always pushing my players outside their envelope which I think helps improve them. So they go out and they perform, and when they perform other people see that and other people want to know what’s helping them perform this way. So obviously just being able to push your players outside their comfort zone… You can’t baby, or shelter, or coddle them in my opinion. There are times to be soft… but you have to hold them accountable for what they’re doing out there.
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