jpm040526

5/26/04 John P Miciotta: 'At a time when so many student athletes, even those qualified for freshman participation, are looking for that extra year at prep school to pursue the dream of playing in a "major conference" Rudy Mitchell's choice is one that deserves special notice because he selected a school where he'll be challenged and successful in the classroom. Those things will ultimately make the greater difference in his life than 4 years of basketball. I mention this because I think many kids are passing up good opportunities at mid and low division one's as well as division two schools in an attempt to play in a major conference. Some will spend a year, and pay for, prep school not only when that dream may be unrealistic,but when they have opportunities at smaller colleges.

I would urge young players and those advising them who are considering prep school because they think they are "ACC Players" or "Big East Players" to remember two things:

First at the pro level, there's no such thing as a "sleeper" if you're good enough, pro scouts will find you. The business is so competitive not just in the NBA but with established pro leagues in Europe and South America and new ones growing in Asia that everyone is looking for an edge. And that edge often comes from thorough scouting. So if a player excels at a small school, someone will find him. How many of the student athletes who may read this site are aware of Virginia Union for example? I'd venture to say not many. After all when are they on TV? I bet those same kids would be doubly surprised to learn that it's where Charles Oakley and Ben Wallace went to school.

Secondly, and infinitely more important, the degree from a school that doesn't compete at the highest level in basketball, has as much, and in many cases greater value,than a degree from one that does. When it comes time to look for work in the "real world" not many of those "recruiters" are going to be interested in what conference a youngster played hoops in. They will be interested in what kind of courses a young man took and how well he did.

I realize I have taken a long and wordy road to get to my point. But if I may say it now more succinctly it's this. Don't let ESPN appearances make your college choice for you or, in the case of "advisors" the kids you work with. Choose a school where you will be challenged to grow, both as a player and as a person. Whether you play on tv or not, your college experience will be one you'll draw from for wisdom, insight and most of all friendship both personally and professionally for as long as you live. And ultimately college is not just about athletics it's about life.'

5/26/04 Booksnball: 'Great report JPM. Hopefully coaches and more importantly student-athletes and parents will absorb the message here.

So true what John says, "if you are good enough, Pro scouts will find you". Remember, Devon George of Lakers came from a Division III (No Athletic Scholarships) and the Laker scouts found him!

Coaches, parents, student-athletes with final exams & required State Test quickly approaching, I hope everyone has their priorities in order over the next four weeks. How well a student-athlete does now (& in the months previous preparing) will determine if a player has to attend summer school ( I hope you Spring/Summer time coaches will make sure your players that need summer school will attend.) Being positive here, assuming you have the players' best interest in mind.

Eligibility to participate on the varsity in the next school years' first term will also be at stake. Best of luck to all!'

5/26/04 Debbie Bortner: 'Very well said and such an important message to send to young people. Use the sport, don't let it and the nefarious characters who abound in the basketball world use you! Because use you they will and drop you as soon as the next "Big Time" player comes along.'

5/26/04 LFBALL: 'Junior Mitchell is a fine young man and very good player. While I am happy that Junior and his mom have found a college they like, I am extremely disapointed that a player with his ability was not able to obtain a solid D1 scholarship. Where were the Patriot League schools? He could not play in the Ivy League? This kid is a very good player and very good student. He is a coach's dream. Plays hard, works hard and has academic and athletic ability. What went wrong? Or did he and his family decide to just take the small school scholarship? What did the Xavarian coaching staff do to assist in the process? We can say what we want about him and his family being happy, but I know what he wanted from talking to him and his mom for many years. I am sure he did not transfer from Midwood HS to Xavarian after his freshmen year, and then sit out a year, to play D2 basketball. He might be the best NYC player to commit to a D2 school since Mario Ely left Power Memorial to attend American International many years ago. So good luck to Rudy, but I still wonder if this is what he wanted. But until I find out different, someone missed out on this kid and others might have failed him, and I am not talking about his parents who I think have done a great job with him and all their children!'

5/26/04 Bob Tardio: 'Congatulations to Rudy. St. A's is a great school. My son, Kris Tardio, played there for four years and graduated in 2000. Coach Dickson is a great coach and he runs a great program. In Kris' senior year the team went to the elite eight for the first time in school history. For those that don't known thats like going to the final four for D2 schools.'