Outside of being excited to watch the new talent in the state, my honest favorite is the Sophomore ID Camp. I'm a player development guy at heart, so being able to see development in a prospect's game is fun to evaluate and watch, and it's also great to be able to give tips to some of those players who haven't developed as much but are still showing effort. Whether it's your first time at this event or you're returning, the goal is simple.. compete, get evaluated, and continue building your game.
HOW WILL I EVALUATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOPHOMORES?
- SKILL DEVELOPMENT - Heading into your second season of high school ball is not always easy, whether you're a star or not. The biggest thing your coach is looking for is development. If you're still the same player as a year ago, the coach didn't do their job. That's what my main focus will be, especially for the prospects who were at our freshman showcase a year prior. What have you worked on? Have you gained more athleticism? Have you added comfort and confidence with your off hand? Have you gained confidence in general? Have you added another layer? If you were a scoring machine before, have you developed the ability to make plays for others besides yourself? If you're pass first, have you added the ability to show that you can score if the possession calls for it? Development in year two is major.. its a guideline for coaches at every level to see if you're putting in the work in the "off-season".
- CONSISTENCY - If you're a returning prospect, you have a strong idea of how these events are run, and though it is a showcase, this isn't an event where we emphasize players who take every shot. Consistency is key, and it's not just on the offensive side. Are you consistent from start to finish in how you're approaching each game? Are you stretching after games? Are you warming up before games? Are you showing your ability to be coached? Can you show effort on both ends of the court, regardless of who's on your team? Outside of needing to be consistent with your skill, are your energy and attitude consistent? Heading into year two. You should be aware that every possession matters, and you should apply that to each game, whether it's 5v5 or 3v3. This also shows maturity.
- ADAPTABILITY - This camp, you may not be the best on your team... or you might be the top player... regardless, are you adapting to who you're playing with and against? Each matchup will be different; each game will be different. How quickly are you making that adjustment for the betterment of the team... and/or yourself? Though you have a year under your belt, are you showing the openness to learn from your coaches and teammates? More experience requires open adaptability, and if you're still playing the same way... whether it's selfish or passive... those are things that don't point to development.
- COMMUNICATION - This is the most important one. No matter what age you are as a prospect, if you're fortunate enough to have a voice, use it. Whether it's talking on offense, talking on defense, or even talking in the huddle. Communication breeds leadership, confidence, and comfort on the court. We're keeping our ears open to hear players talk to each other and help each other out. And honestly, we want to hear FUN. This event will be competitive, but we want players to walk away with a new friend or two. This game of basketball can be brutal... but your friends, family, and teammates will get you through it!
Excited to see those who show up! This will be a great event with great prospects and great people working it. The registration link is below! Remember to use the code Byron26PGH25OFF to save on your registration!
