My Basketball Journey
Growing up in Wildwood Crest, NJ, I developed a passion for the game of basketball at a young age. From shooting hoops outside my house to playing professionally across the Atlantic Ocean in Europe and everything in between this game has taken me on a wild ride.
I was very fortunate to have a great journey and experience with the game. Therefore, I now want to pass the array of knowledge, experience, and skills that I have gathered onto the next generation of basketball players with the hope that they too can one day experience the things I have with the game. Here is a brief synopsis of my basketball journey:
During my time as a young player I participated on numerous teams and attended 100s of camps/clinics, I traveled throughout the tri-state area for tournaments, and watched great players that came before me all in order to improve my game. I quickly learned I needed to develop a hard work ethic if I wanted to achieve my basketball dreams. As an undersized point guard I was told countless times that I was too small or too slow, but my passion for the game far exceeded those negative feelings. I simply refused to believe it and I worked on everything I could control. I became dedicated to my extreme work ethic. Furthermore, I was extremely fortunate to have my family, teammates, and coaches push me and put me in the right places to accomplish my dream!
Later along my journey, I attended Wildwood Catholic. There, playing as a freshmen, we won three games, but with hard work, great coaches, and determination we won 20 games my last year. Looking back, I was very fortunate to have such a successful career at WCHS, scoring over 1,100 points and being honored with numerous accolades upon graduating.
With this success and countless hours put in on the court and in the classroom, I was awarded a college scholarship to play at NCAA D2 University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. While there, my teammates and I were able to turn the program into a successful power in the region. Eventually cumulating into the schools first NCAA Tournament appearance and first round victory. From an individual standpoint, I accomplished more than I could have ever imagined. As a four year starter, I led the nation in Assist/Turnover Ratio, was top 25 in the nation for minutes played, finished 4th in school history in assists, and most importantly was apart of over 75 wins, one of the most successful four year periods in school history.
After the buzzer sounded in my last college game I thought my playing career was over. However, another opportunity came knocking. I was awarded an opportunity to play and get my masters degree in Ireland with Sport Changes Life and the Rory McIlroy Foundation. After a successful season with LYIT Donegal, I once again had an opportunity play another season in Europe. This time in Spain with Club Estudiantes.
Most importantly, these varying experiences allowed me to see how the game is taught in different countries.
Lastly, I haven't talked at all about my coaches or trainers but I can say with a high level of certainty that I would never have achieved what I was able to do without their help! I was able to see first hand the difference a good trainer or coach can make on someone's life, in this example my life.
As I stated earlier, I have seen what basketball has done for me and for this I have the passion and drive to pass my knowledge on the next generation, in the hopes that one day they too can have a memorable experience with the sport.
So that’s my story… now what is Your Story going to be?