One result of all of this was becoming connected to a league of public middle schools within Manhattan, which opened my eyes to many things. Many of these kids while talented are not exposed to the resources necessary, which are vital in their advancement as student athletes. Since January, we have been opening our gym downtown to these athletes at no cost where they have begun to receive much of the guidance and instruction that they both need and deserve. Read More »

Hello Bounce Nation.

I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to connect with all of you here on bouncemag.com.

Bounce has always done an awesome job of reminding us about the importance of the playground and the talent that it has produced through the decades, especially here in the NYC area. As a coach that just took over a prep school program in downtown Manhattan in its infancy and the program director of Five-Star Basketball NY, I have noticed one huge void with many city kids today, not enough playground. While there are more AAU/Travel programs than ever which have their plus’ and minus’, the value of the playground for our youth has gotten lost along the way. It seems like many student athletes are no longer making the playground a priority as far as working hard to improve their game or hunting down tough competition. That alone is hurting our game on the youth level. Kids are not as tough physically or mentally and I am a firm believer you develop that playing against players who are bigger, stronger and older which you find on the playground. Hopefully this spring will bring a big time resurgence of youth to our cities courts.

For info on Five-Star Basketball NY please visit www.fivestarbasketballny.com

Or drop me an email at ericnewman@five-starbasketball.com