For the first week of my senior project I interviewed two coaches. Although I did not look at the youth’s perspective on basketball, I investigated what shapes it. Interviewing coaches instead of kids helped me see youth basketball from a perspective I had not considered. I learned about what a coach expects and asks for from his team and students. A key component of coaching happens off the court; a good coach not only teaches their team to thrive in the sport but helps them to grow as a member of society. 

I interviewed the two coaches, James Samuels and Arjay Perovic. They have impressive resumes as players and as coaches. They also both work for progressive schools. Arjay and James try to be mentors as well as coaches by putting their kids’ priorities first. They assist their students with problems in school and in life. The two are determined not only to build better basketball players but also more active members of their communities. 

In the interview with James, we spoke about all the lessons from basketball that are applicable to life. James discussed how a coach needs to be tough yet nurturing in order to instill crucial values in his players, such as the importance of being punctual or building confidence. A coach needs to show up everyday with the same focus and dedication as his players. James takes a tough love approach to his coaching; he will challenge his students to impress upon them the importance of bringing their best selves to the court. In essence, he breaks them down in order to build them back up as stronger players and human beings. Even when he is the hardest on his students, he will guide them and teach them how to improve while building their confidence.

  Arjay covered similar topics while focusing on the importance of balancing school with basketball. He discussed his struggles balancing academics with basketball when he was a student. He fell in love with the game and it took over his life. He had multiple Division 1 offers from colleges that were taken away because of his slipping grades. Now as a coach, Arjay makes sure his athletes are doing well in school. He never punishes a player for missing a practice due to a school commitment. He even mentioned a story that demonstrated his investment is his students’ academic success. When Arjay was on the road to a basketball tournament with his assistant coach driving, a player needed help with a school assignment and both he and the assistant coach became so invested in helping  that they got into a minor vehicle accident. 

I am lucky to be surrounded by great coaches who have improved my game but also shaped me off the court. They have taught me lessons I will remember long after my basketball career is over.