For the vivid and inventive minds of youngsters shooting hoops on local courts, the mind cannot help but wander to visions of landing Steph Curry-esque three pointers to secure the NBA title and the MVP prize at the same time. There have been many films and books portraying the unlikely rise to prominence of young basket players who must endure the sweat and tears on the court as well as personal issues off it. You will not have Bugs Bunny and the whole Looney Tunes cast bringing you out of retirement like they did Michael Jordan in Space Jam, but a film such as Coach Carter starring Samuel L. Jackson portrays a more realistic take on the path to becoming a star basketball player.
The basketball pathway in the U.S is a fiercely competitive one. Taking the riches of the sport out of the equation, the popularity of the sport makes it one of the most played sports at schools and colleges in the country. From Maine all the way to California, basketball courts all over the country will be filled with aspiring girls and boys looking to be in that 1% of players that make it to the NBA. NBA betting at Cloudbet and particularly, the whole popularity and growth and betting on the sport in general, highlights the players that have made that 1% cut. They are an example of what it takes to make it to the top and are represented in a variety of markets involving favorites for MVP, most improved player of the year, and number of points scored by a specific player, amongst many others. That is what the 1% looks like.
While having ability certainly helps you stand out from the crowd, there are many other attributes required if you want to make it in the big time. The beauty of Coach Carter is that the film focuses on life off the court as much as it does on the action on the court. It highlights a lesson in life that cannot be understated, nor ignored, especially when it comes to aspirations to make the NBA.
Think about life without basketball!
It might sound strange but trying to work out what other academic interests you hold away from basketball will reap major rewards on your way to the top. To qualify for the draft, players must tick many boxes. Players must be 19 years old, must have completed four years of college, but above all, anyone who wants to make the big time will require a high school diploma. The relevance of having a high school diploma is not only recognized in the skills gained from studying such as commitment, concentration and discipline, but having an education will also provide you with an avenue for life after basketball, or in the unfortunate case of not being drafted, a pathway of interest at college.
Labelling it the worst-case scenario is far too negative, but in an industry where 1% are drafted, of which 90% are from Division I schools, planning an alternative future is important. Back on the court, the increased emphasis on sports science and psychology means the gap between the physical and mental is being quickly bridged. Therefore, having the soft skills gained from the classroom can help you on the court amongst the fast-paced action where quick clarity of thought can be decisive.
It goes without saying that practice and match play are crucial aspects to becoming a professional basketball player in the NBA. But in an industry where injury could strike at any play, the importance of having an eye on the bigger picture is an aspect encouraged along the whole basketball journey.
