The Athletes Portal

Sosuke “SOS” Watanabe brings experience across media production, event operations, and marketing, building a career centered around helping athletes and organizations grow through competition and storytelling. His work at the intersection of sports, entrepreneurship, and media has given him a strong understanding of how to build platforms that elevate athletes and strengthen basketball communities.A former collegiate athlete, Sosuke understands firsthand the dedication and opportunities that shape a player’s journey. That experience fuels his passion for grassroots basketball and his commitment to helping young athletes pursue their dreams both on and off the court.Now serving as a Regional Director for Phenom Hoops, Sosuke focuses on organizing high-level tournament events that create meaningful exposure and competitive opportunities for players. He is dedicated to building strong relationships with coaches, programs, and families while creating environments where athletes can develop, compete, and believe in the possibilities ahead of them.Quote“I’m incredibly grateful for Phenom Hoops and the Lewis Family for trusting me to join the Phenom family as we expand the brand across the Southeast. I’m excited to get to work creating a safe and competitive space for grassroots basketball while helping young athletes chase their dreams”

Michael "Duke" Williams (born October 15, 1990) is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Nevada Wolf Pack, and was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL draft. Williams has also played for the Indianapolis Colts.Williams attended Hug High School in Reno, Nevada, and played high school football for the Hug Hawks. He was a three-sport standout who earned 12 varsity letters in his career in football, basketball and track and field. He played both ways as a quarterback and defensive back, and was the Northern Nevada Player of the Year as a senior and a three-time all-state selection as a safety.Duke was also an accomplished athlete, he competed for the school's track & field team as a jumper and sprinter. He won the 100 meters at the 2009 Northwest Invite, setting a career-best time of 11.34 seconds.[1] He won the triple jump at the 2009 Fallon Elks Invitational, with a personal-best jump of 15.20 meters, that ranked in the top 10 in the nation that year.[2] He was also a member of the 4 × 100-meter relay team that broke the state record with a time of 41.34 seconds.

Champ Barlow is the founder of 3P Athletics. Champ has always had a passion for a healthy and active lifestyle. He played college basketball at Pepperdine University where he earned his Bachelors Degree in Advertising. After his college career, he spent several years traveling around the world playing professional basketball. Since he began his personal training career, he has earned his NASM-Certified Personal Training Certificate, NASM- Performance Enhancement Specialist Certificate, Insanity Master Instructor, and AAAI/ISM Certified Personal training Certificate. He has worked with numerous clients of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, helping them set and achieve their goals through Practice, Preparation and Performance! He enjoys training, inspiring, and supporting his clients achieve their goals.

In the nine seasons of coaching, Coach Slone has helped 36 players go on to play college basketball on scholarship and five to play professionally. He has seven years coaching at the high school level and two years coaching at the Division I level. In the last three years, Coach Slone has coached 16 players who went on to commit or receive Division I offers, and that list is growing. Another nine have went on to commit to the Division II level.

About TAP Podcast A show about the ever-changing world of youth sports, through the experience of the community that supports our student athletes. That community includes parents, coaches, trainers, Mental Health professionals, Videographers, and in this new world financial advisors and NIL Agents. We talk sports, share stories and discuss how student athletes are navigating this new world. We share how we can support and empower parents to ensure they take care of their student athletes. We share real stories and unpack what it truly takes to thrive as a student athlete in this new era. From managing recruiting pressure and social media exposure to understanding NIL opportunitiesThe MissionThe playbook for the student athlete success in the classroom on the field and beyond requires a community.