It's the most wonderful time of the year! Nothing is better than the Spring Live Period!
Scouts, fans and college coaches pack gyms to catch the next great star. There are countless great events to attend, but none are more powerful and popular than the Under Armour Association, The Adidas Gauntlet and the Nike EYBL.
As media and fans we have our view point on the event, but nothing is more authentic and pure than the view of the athlete. It's only right that we hear things from the players themselves and view things through their eyes. We have selected a player on the girls and boys side each session to do a mini diary discussing their journey that weekend. The next one will be a player from the Under Armour Association on the New Heights team named Lester Quinones.
Upon watching him play, it’s easy to see why scouts are locked in.The sensational shooter is knocked down 3 three pointers made per game this year. The Gray Bee also knocked down 4 or more three pointers in a game five times this year. The sensational guard has taken great strides in his ball handling and has developed into a lethal scorer who can dominate a game at all three levels.
Below is the diary entry of the first Under Armour session in Dallas by Lester Quinones. -as told to Christian Mordi @thedribbledrop
I play for the New Heights AAU program, which is sponsored by Under Armour. I have been playing for them since the 8th grade. It’s a really good program overall. They make sure you get everything you need on and off the court. They help push your game forward and help you excel in the classroom.
The first session was in Dallas. It’s a very big event. The second you walk in the atmosphere and vibe hits you. It’s very fun to play in. The cameras are on every game and there is a lot of coverage on the event.
There were a lot of major coaches at all our games at the first session. Coaches from Oregon, North Carolina, St. John’s, UCLA and more. Seeing those type of big names on the sidelines gives you an edge and chip on your shoulder to compete harder.
Our first game was against Texas Hard Work. We were a bit sluggish for the start of that one as we were fresh off the flight really. Our coach did a great job of getting us ready for that one and had us focused from the door. We had a lot of hustle plays early which got us fired up. We came out with the win.
Next up was DC Premier. We didn’t play our best game in that one. For some reason we struggle putting the ball in the basket. They got a nice lead on us early. We clawed back into it but then we would start missing shots again. The have a couple really good players in the Mitchell twins, which are committed to Maryland.
The next game was against Canada Elite. I got going early in that one. I was the hot hand and our point guard Paul Mulchay started finding me. I ended the game with 27 points.
Right now we have a two week gap to get practices in. I had a lot of fun the first session bonding with my teammates and I thought we took steps forward as a team. Our next big tournament coming up is The Hoop Group Southern Jam Fest.
Til' next time,
Les