Benchptz

Prentice does not know this, but I was so nervous to contact him about being a guest on my show, because I have been MIA  for like 2 years, and  then I reach out asking for a favor. He was very receptive and open to the idea of the podcast and what he is offering is an immeasurable amount of knowledge. He has offered so much to the game of women's basketball producing write ups to help elevate players stocks that changes the trajectory of their life. I am so grateful for Prentice giving me the opportunity to come into his home and conduct this great interview. Every coach knows his name and respects his opinion. He has served not just his community but every aspiring girls basketball player with a dream to play basketball. He is one of the few people in the game of basketball I know that is genuine and supportive on every level. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN? Where did Prentice Beverly begin his career? (2:00) What is BallNPrep? (11:00) Prentice Beverly Skills Academy (12:00) Bluestar Media (19:24) & (23:00) Criteria of players (25:00) How do you evaluate the players you see? (34:00) Skill development and Fundamentals (40:00) How important are rankings? (46:00) What is the number 1 question college coaches ask you? (51:00) What is the future of grass roots basketball? (58:00)

This podcast episode is giving you the overall experience of what occurs inside the FINAL FOUR. It highlights my first experience going  to the Final Four. LSU went to FIVE Final  Four's back to back. I am one of the few student athletes who received an opportunity to go to FIVE Final Fours an experience not shared with many. I am writing this podcast the day after Mississippi State beat UCONN to advance into the Final for the National Championship. There run is unbelievable and I am overwhelmed with joy, because I understand that run in the NCAA tournament, and it is nothing like the first time. Their experience will be something they share for the rest of their lives. Welcome to the family. This episode will also talk about the NCAA committee, RPI , and the perks you get for going to the final four.    NCAA Committee (2:12) RPI (3:00) NCAA Bracket (5:00) Percentage of Making the Final Four (9:20) Inside the Final Four (10:15) Post Final Four Coaches (18:00) Post Final Four for Players (21:00)   Thank you for tuning in.Shout out to every team that made that tournament!

What's up! Today I wanted to recap all the previous interviews I have had on the show. I want to give people an opportunity to get some nuggets on information to help prepare them for the demand of college just in case they did not have the time to listen to each one or you were not as compelled to listen to a particular interview. I am going to give you a few important facts on what I learned from each one. Jordan Adams Current USC player, point guard, McDonald’s all American, WBCA all American, Orange county athlete of the year, Importance of her dad getting informed about her process She had the mentality that few athletes have… they want to turn a program around Understanding you body and how much basketball girls are playing now Leadership and everything that encompasses… its not fair, but its reality Coaches changes and understanding that why is not important, just do it Competing collegiately is not easy, she compared it to having a baby, but in the end its all worth it Cherise Harris Standout high school athlete, high profile AAU program, highly recruited and decided to take her talents to University of Arizona Importance of Time management Understanding what to do when you are not playing Importance of academics Cliff Baker Developing, coaching, and training for 10 years Importance of strength and conditioning Training and the advancement of women’s basketball Prentice Beverly Been in the gym watching talent, and developing talent for about 8 years. He has a respected recruiting service. Ranking are opinions Social Media kit Number 1 question.. coaches ask him How players are projected to play in college. Rita Grayson Playing basketball since she was a child, handled multiple transfers, Devoss Sports Business Management program, manager over youth development for USA Basketball Know yourself Turing down graduate assistantships Trust your heart Every decision is important

Today's guest is a dear friend of mine. She is from the best city in the country New Orleans, La.  She is a woman whose awareness has made me contemplate how much I know myself. Her ability to know herself and trust every decision she ever made about basketball is phenomenal. She started at Seminole College, in Sanford Florida,  and ended her career at Francis Marian University. She attended the Devoss Sports Business Management program which is one of the top 5 sports business management program in the world.  Her attendance in this program landed her internships with the Knicks,  AAU (Amateur Athletics Union) and now she has the opportunity to serve her country ,and impact youth as a manager for youth development for USA basketball. High School Experience (1:00) JUCO Selection (4:30) West Georgia (10:00) Meaning of Student Athlete (12:00) Coach Motivational Tactics (15:00) Francis Marian (17:00) Graduate School (28:00) Devoss Program (32:00) Changing your perspective (38:00) Devise Program Contd (42:00) AAU (47:40) USA Basketball (50:00) Practical Preparation (56:00)

Cliff Baker gives us great information in the dimensions of what is necessary in regards to player development. He is among the elite trainers in the inland empire and orange county. He trains sports specific and works with a ton of athletes. We discuss criteria necessary for improvement within different aspects of strength and conditioning and understanding where you are in your skill as a player. He gives you a lot of knowledge on how to develop and continue to grow in the game of basketball.

This episode is about a student athlete who attended the University of Arizona, transitioned to Mt. Sac Junior College, and is now refocused to hopefully one day take her talents to another Division 1 University . She shares her story of her transition process with us in this jaw dropping interview. She explains what factors led to her distraction from the sport she loves the most  basketball. She reveals details regarding her challenges with school, time management, and confidence. Please listen to her interview and prepare to take notes.

This Podcast episode is absolutely amazing. This student athlete shares information that is ahead of her time. She shares her unique story about her injury, coaching changes, being a leader, but most importantly practical advice for incoming freshman about what to expect in your college experience. This episode I believe is the first step in preparing student athletes for the demand of collegiate athletics. Student athletes please as you are listening to this, gather a pen and paper and take notes.

This episode is the first part of a three part series of my unique journey as a student athlete and a  division 1 basketball coach. This episode is about my first introduction to basketball, and my high school journey. I do not focus on stats but rather the process, and what's important to identify and know in regards to development and having the right people surrounding your journey. Please listen in at the beginning of a 3 part series of my journey to playing at Louisiana State University,  becoming a coach at University of Central Florida , and now starting my own podcast.

This episode brings clarity to different perspectives players possess in regards to this topic, and offers possible solutions on how to be prepared when your number is called. This episode also gives coaches the opportunity to understand the mind of their player in hopes of bridging the coaches vs.players gap and create a open communicative environment. Thank you for listening!

Welcome to Benchptz.  I want to thank you for taking the time to listen to this podcast. This episode is about having an honest assessment about your game and skill level. I address one of the most if not the most important question that you must as yourself that will  help you develop into the basketball player you are capable of becoming.  Listen in and stay tuned to the next episode.

I remember walking into the gym at Mt. Sac it was  a AAU tryout that day. I saw this long and skinny girl in line, and it was her turn to execute the drill. As I observed  her movements, decision making, and abilities she kept me engaged and I wanted to know more about her. She was a freshman at the time, and I told a friend of mine when she gets older she will be good if she continues to develop. And as she developed and matured she became that really good player I knew she would be. Our first conversation was her sophomore year outside the gym in Arizona. We talked about confidence and the recruiting process. Kiana's process was just beginning, and it was becoming real for her and exciting. As she continued to develop, she also began to impress scouting services, and more coaches. She set her goals high and began achieving them as the year progressed her senior year.  Interviewing her helped me understand the growth and development in the game of women's basketball. This interview helped me grow as a coach and as a person. Kiana Smith has won some of the highest awards a high school student athlete can achieve. She has won the 2017 John Wooden award, 2017 Orange County Player of the year, 2017 Mcdonald's All-American, she played for a high profile AAU team West Coast Premiere, and she decided to take her talents to Cal Berkley. Please listen in as she shares the origin of her, and what has helped her become the player she it today. "The hardest part about being a success is staying a success". Kiana's motto Influence of Parents (3:31) Playing time as a Freshman at WCP(5:00) Work Ethic (6:35) Recruiting Process(8:00) Recent Achievements (12:00) Preparation for College (15:00) McDonald's All American Game (16:00) How to listen to the message of the coach (18:00) It's just a game (23:00) Advice for high school players (25:00) Advice for AAU players (26:00) Final Analysis for High school players(28:00)

I have known Marlon for about a year. Within the short time of knowing him I can honestly say he is a genuine guy. He has really become apart of my basketball family. I asked him why should players be apart of his program, and he said it is a family atmosphere. I can honestly concur with that. We have engaged in meaningful conversations and he has always had an open door with me. These qualities are hard to find not just in coaches, but in people. Our interview was brief , but the message was substantial and critical in the development of your daughter. Selecting the best AAU or club team for your daughter is vital in the grand scope of the experience your daughter wants. Marlon offers over 20 years of experience in this business, and he reads down some key components to help you identify the best place for your daughter.  Marlon Wells is the Director of EBO (Elite Basketball Organization). EBO is a AAU program based in San Diego, Ca. Listed below are some key facts about his program. Only Adidas Grass Roots Club in San Diego. Our Program is one of the Top Programs in the Nation. 80+ College Scholarships. Two (2) Team USA Members. Two (2) McDonald's All-Americans. Two (2) WNBA 1st round draft picks. Top Notch Coaching. Most competitive NCAA tournament schedule by far of any San Diego club. 

This episode is very dear to me, because it is an open book about my experience, my truth. I started this podcast because I wanted to prepare female athletes for the demand of the collegiate athletics. This is my sole purpose for them to have the experience they want. When I interview a guest I am asking and hoping for openness and vulnerability, and it is only right that I do the same regardless of anyone's feelings. I did not want to coat anything for you. The episode explains the ugly truth about my decision to attend LSU, poor choices I made as a player, and the mentality I had as a player. You will also get a ton of advice about how to handle these situations. Please listen to my journey.

What are elite athletes? Of course I can give you a definition, but what are elite athletes really? I recently had so many debates on the definition, components, and qualities of elite athletes. What I know about elite athletes is that they are few and far between. Natural abilities play a huge factor in a player's ability to be elite. There is a huge gap between elite athletes and other players. Understanding and ascertaining the differences of this notion has plagued me for a couple of years. My goal is to help prepare student athletes for the demand of collegiate athletics. This episode is the beginning of the discussion of determining what steps and factors are necessary to become an elite athlete. I have listed some steps that will help you begin the path to being an elite athlete.

Yo.. what's up.. Episode 16 is for beginners, it's for the rookies in this game called Recruiting! I want you to know that YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING!! Because if you do not know anything, it develops the concept of wanting to learn everything, and this is what I want for you. Learn, Learn, Learn! This episode breaks down the recruiting calendar, recruiting materials, and how to begin to take the process in your own hands. You direct your journey, and take charge of this process!

Parents, Parents, Parents....... Parents can make or break a high school and AAU program! You have parents that are well informed, and then you have parents that does not know anything. On the collegiate level, parents are not as involved, and cannot physically control their child. The parents are more involved in the mental aspect of their child. This past year has been the first time I have observed how vital a student's athlete parents can be. The high school level is a beast, and parents are right in the middle of everything. It was unexpected, and informative.  A parent  can help or hurt a kid. My commitment is to give parents all the information you need to make informed decisions in every aspect of your child's development into a collegiate student athlete..

INTEREST VS. OFFER. This podcast is vital to understand because as a player you need to understand you WANTS YOU and who NEEDS YOU. If the head coach is not calling you and talking to you directly then this may be something to consider. Everyone is different and have different styles, but it is always good to know that the head coach makes all the decisions. Please listen to my podcast and get the information you need to help your recruiting process.