Washington Post covers NBA Players working out at CSC
Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post – From left, former Wizards Roger Mason and Brendan Haywood and current Wizard Andray Blatche joke around during a workout on Tuesday at the Capital Sports Complex in District Heights, Md.
NBA players push to get physically ready for a season
By Michael Lee, Published: November 29; Washington Post
Brendan Haywood had to wonder at times if it was all in vain. Waking up early, heading to the gym to lift weights, run sprints and put up jumpers to prepare for a season that was going to begin . . . when, exactly?
Over the past five months, the NBA lockout left many players in limbo about how hard they needed to attack individual workouts and pickup games, because labor negotiations would begin with hope and abruptly come crashing down, making the possibility of a lost season more likely with each passing day.
“It was tough to mentally stay prepared,” Haywood, the former Wizard and Dallas Mavericks center, said on Tuesday. “You’re working and you say to yourself: ‘What am I doing this for? Why am I running this sprint if there is no season?’ Then you get home from a hard day’s work and get a bad report on the news and it’ll totally crush your spirits. But you’ve got to be a pro and train like the lockout was going to end at any time.”
The lockout isn’t over yet, but when players and owners reached a tentative settlement last Saturday that would lead to training camps opening on Dec. 9 and a 66-game regular season starting on Christmas, players were immediately put on alert that they had less than two weeks to get in shape and get ready for a serious grind.
Free agent guard and former Wizard Roger Mason Jr. and Andray Blatche had been working out with trainer Joe Connelly for several weeks, but decided to expand it for other local players needing to participate in organized conditioning drills and five-on-five games while they remain barred from team facilities. A league source said the NBA will soften the lockout on Thursday and allow players and free agents to work out at practice facilities. Players cannot have contact with coaches or team officials. Team trainers and strength coaches can assist players in the weight room or with injuries but cannot be on the floor, conduct drills or participate in workouts.
Since Haywood shares an agent with Mason and Blatche, he got wind of the sessions at Capital Sports Complex in District Heights and flew up from his home in Charlotte to take part.
“This sort of took on a life of its own,” Connelly said. “It’s not something we necessarily set out to do. But all these guys could benefit from being in better shape and my goal is to have them over-prepared for training camp.”
The workouts have also included San Antonio Spurs guard Gary Neal, Memphis Grizzlies draft pick Josh Selby, and Wizards restricted free agent center Hamady N’diaye. Other players hoping for another NBA shot, such as former George Washington stars Pops Mensah-Bonsu and Mike Hall and former Georgetown big man Mike Sweetney, have also used it as an opportunity to get better.
John Wall has committed to participating when he returns from his home in Raleigh, N.C., and second-round pick Shelvin Mack will also join after he arrives this weekend. Connelly said more Wizards would come and possibly replace the other players as they return to their respective teams.
“You can run six miles a day, lift weights or whatever, but there is no way to get in basketball shape except by playing basketball,” Blatche said. “It’s going to help, so that when training camp comes, everybody here should be a step ahead of everybody. I just wish that more teammates was here. I prefer us to all be together and getting our chemistry working right now.”
JaVale McGee and Jordan Crawford are making last-minute preparations in Los Angeles. Chris Singleton is working out in Tallahassee. Rashard Lewis has been training in Houston, Trevor Booker in Dallas. Kevin Seraphin is expected to play his final game for Spanish team Caja Laboral on Wednesday. Jan Vesely likely won’t arrive in Washington from the Czech Republic until Dec. 8, as he waits for the lockout to get lifted in order to get a work visa.
In a letter to players obtained by The Washington Post, National Basketball Players Association executive director Billy Hunter explained that the antitrust lawsuit settlement could happen soon, and that the players’ union could be re-established by Friday, which would allow for a new collective bargaining agreement to be ratified by early next week.
Blatche was uncertain whether or not restricted free agent Nick Young, his teammate for the past four years, would return. “I mean, it’s 50-50,” Blatche said. “The last time I talked to him, he said, ‘Yeah.’ Then he said, ‘I don’t know.’ Then he said he’s going to see what’s going on. After that, I left it alone. That’s one of my best friends. He’s a great player. He’ll definitely help us out. At the same time, it’s a business. He’s got to do what’s best for him, in his life.”
If Young decides to go elsewhere, Mason is interested in returning to his hometown team.
“It’s been real good, getting some chemistry back with Dray . . . because there is the potential for me to be back here,” said Mason, who worked out in an old Wizards T-shirt on Tuesday. “It’s definitely at the top of my list, along with going back to New York. I’ve heard from a few guys. Carmelo Anthony. Ray Allen reached out to me and told me he’s pushing for me in Boston. Hopefully, I’ll have some good options.”
USA Today reports from Capital Sports Complex NBA workouts
NBA talk is finally about action on the court
By Jeff Zillgitt and J. Michael Falgoust, USA TODAY
Smart phones lit up throughout the NBA on Wednesday as teams and player agents were allowed to contact each other for the first time since the tenative labor agreement was reached early Saturday.
By John Raoux, AP Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard already is the subject of much discussion in the NBA as a free agent-to-be after the season. Backchannel conversations already had begun as teams lined up potential free-agents signing.
”It’s going to be very hectic,” free agent guard Roger Mason Jr. said after working out with other players at Capital Sports Complex, just outside of Washington, D.C. “A lot of teams have had plenty of time to figure out who they want. I’m sure they have all kinds of contingency plans. But to fit so much into a small amount of time, it’s going to be pandemonium.”
Read entire article: click http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/story/2011-11-30/NBA-gets-set-to-open-Nets-refute-deal-for-Dwight-Howard/51504778/1
Washington Examiner covers the NBA workouts at Capital Sports Complex
With talking mostly done in the NBA, it’s time for action
Tony Dejak/AP file photo Wizards forward Andray Blatche, was one of a handful of players who gathered Monday in a gym in District Heights to work out in preparation for the season.
Blatche, Mason, others work out in area gymThe urgency on the faces of those taking part in the workout at the Capital Sports Complex in District Heights on Monday afternoon was clear.
For the NBA players — Andray Blatche, Roger Mason Jr., Gary Neal, Josh Selby and Hamady Ndiaye — the tentative labor deal reached over the weekend was a wake-up call after months without any certain reason to get into game shape.
For others — including journeymen and former George Washington stars Pops Mensah-Bonsu and Mike Hall — it could mean an opportunity in the league again because of the timing of the season’s start and the absence of players who went overseas.
“I don’t think there was anybody you would give an ‘F’ to,” said trainer Joe Connelly, who ran the proceedings. “There were some guys that were solid ‘C’s', maybe a ‘B-plus’ or two, but I don’t think there was anybody at the ‘A’ level. They’re coming around a little bit. You could tell the guys who have been consistently working.”
Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://washingtonexaminer.com/sports/nba/2011/11/talking-mostly-done-nba-its-time-action/1956056#ixzz1fKXt1She
SB Nation covers NBA Players workout at Capital Sports Complex
No Lights, No Camera, Action: Inside An NBA Offseason Group Workout
DC To Host Inaugural “Xtreme Basketball Xhibition”
www.slamonline.com
On November 11, 2011, the nation’s capital will host the first ever “Xtreme Basketball Xhibition” (XBX) event at “DMV’s” basketball mecca, the Capital Sports Complex. XBX, featuring 100 amateur basketball players, including Hugh Jones a.k.a. “Baby Shaq” (Washington, D.C.), Grayson Boucher a.k.a. “The Professor” (Keizer, Ore.), Corey Williams a.k.a. “Homicide” (N.Y., N.Y.) and Taurion Fontenette a.k.a. “Mr. 720” (Hitchcock, Texas), will showcase never before seen extreme individual and team basketball competitions.
The newly created XBX will give amateur basketball players the opportunity to display their talents, while being ranked and awarded prizes by a select committee of talent judges from the worlds of sports and entertainment. Players competing in XBX will have their skills tested in dunking, shooting, ball handling, one-on-one and three-on-three competitions – each having a unique style and elevated level of difficulty, unlike standard skills challenges. The event will also include “ringer” events and exhibition games. The event will run from Fri., Nov. 11 through Sun., Nov. 13.
Verge Culture media pioneer KarmaloopTV.com and it’s KTV, which also launches on Nov. 11, have signed on as XBX’s media partner. KarmaloopTV.com will promote the event and produce XBX content to be aired on KTV at a later date.
Players interested in participating in XBX’s kickoff event on Nov. 11 can enter a qualifier on October 15 at the Capital Sports Complex. Players interested in registering for the qualifier can go to www.theXBX.com. The competition is open to basketball players, male and female, of all ages, except for college age/athletic scholarship eligible athletes.
The event expects to draw basketball players from across the country and thousands of basketball enthusiasts 10 to 40 years of age. In addition to the competition and exhibition on the hardwood, XBX will feature an “Expo” where related global brands and local businesses will showcase and sell merchandise.
XBX was created by Georgetown Hoya alum Lonnie “Prime Objective” Harrell, a former professional basketball player (New Jersey Nets, Orlando Magic and the And1 Mix Tour).
Stay on top of information/news about the inaugural XBX event via www.thexbx.com and on twitter via @thexbx.
NY Post coverage of the USJN/Nike National Championships
DISTRICT HEIGHTS, Md. – I’m finally here.
There was a time, sitting in hours of traffic Friday afternoon on the Harlem River Drive, that I didn’t think I would actually make it. But after a stop at the Wayne (N.J.) PAL to see my guy John McGraw at his Insider Exposure Battle of New York event, I commenced my drive down to the Washington, D.C., area for the USJN/Nike National Championships.
When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. I’ve ribbed my co-worker Joe Staszewski for weeks about how little our room rate was at the Metro Points hotel in New Carrollton, Md., but much to my surprise it isn’t a roach motel at all – in fact, it used to be a Sheraton.
The bad news? The HBO we were promised – hey, the Entourage season premiere is Sunday night – isn’t currently working. Thanks, Staszewski.
That disappointment carried over into breakfast. When we walked into the IHOP around the corner, Joe and I heard “Mariah Carey” called for a table. Much to my chagrin, those were just index cards with celebrity names given to waiting patrons. We got Hillary Clinton. Another group had Bill Cosby. Cheesy.
The food was solid, though, and lunch was Chik-Fil-A – can’t go wrong – at the Capital Sports Complex. Joe and I shared some nuggets with freeloading Nazareth guard Shanice Woodson, who is down here playing with the Westchester Hoopers. At one point, Woodson grabbed my college book and started rifling through it.
“I’m looking for me,” she explained, pages turning a mile a minute.
She was unsuccessful. Apparently she never made the Hoopers roster.
I suppose there were also some basketball games going on down here. Exodus Lady Lions rising senior forward Tyese Purvis of Francis Lewis got caught with an elbow and was busted open in between her eyes. The cut was bad – UFC like, even – and she needed to be rushed to the hospital for stitches. She was back cheering on her team later Saturday night, though.
NYC Lady Bulldogs guard Amani Tatum of Archbishop Molloy is absolutely blowing up. Look for her name to be spoken on the national level soon, if it hasn’t been already.
I was pumped to see South Shore’s Fannisha Price on Rock Rosa’s New Heights Blue roster. Price is one of my favorite kids – when she isn’t putting me in a headlock – and she has been fantastic this weekend for Rosa. The offers are going to start rolling in. Dionne Coe was also tremendous when we saw New Heights against the DC Heat 16s. She’s going to be a star this year at Murry Bergtraum.
I also really liked what I saw from Philly Belles Blue guard Jackie Mullen of The Hun School. The Queens native, formerly of Christ the King, has improved exponentially since her time with the Royals. The one constant: she can still shoot the lights out.
Staszewski and I capped the night with a romantic dinner at Sardi’s Pollo A La Brasa in Beltsville, Md., near College Park. Some of the best South American food – Peruvian to be exact – that I’ve ever had.
It starts all over again tomorrow with more games, more players and more hot gyms.
All I know is that HBO better be working.
mraimondi@nypost.com
Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/marc_raimondi/raimondi_post_duo_hijinx_in_the_0onoNCgI528yRFCLtty6SJ#ixzz1T91Ujp2V
Apr. 9-10 Big Shots DC Assault Wrap Up, Honors, Stats!
District Heights, MD – Big Shots DC Assault was as phenomenal an event from top to bottom with talent,games, and venue that we’ve ever put on in the spring!
The 123 team event had numerous Big Shots National Top 25 teams and Top 100 players making statements with several sleepers rising up the charts quickly.
The 10 court-Capital Sports Complex was revved up to levels some consider that they’ve never seen in the DC area. It was a battle for rights to I-95 with elite talent and teams top teams from 10 different states up and down the east coast taking the courts (NJ, NY, DE, PA, MA, DC, MD, VA, NC, TX).
The 17U Orange division was a scrap to the bitter end as Team Philly 17U stood stronger and taller than the field as MVP Brandon ‘Mr. Big Shot’ Taylor and Co. withstood the feisty Fairfax Stars and Mohamed Alie-Cox in the final. It took a complete team effort from Team Philly, led by the defense of Maurice Watson, Malik Garner, Chazz Patterson, and Ky Howard, to stop Aquille Carr of Under Armour Baltimore Elite in the semis. Taylor rose to occasion every time his number was dialed but none bigger than the GW 3pt. FG at the buzzer in the 53-52 semifinal win. Marking what may have been the most intensified game in quite sometime. Mohamed Alie-Cox and hot shooting Jack Early carried a rock solid Fairfax Stars to the championship game with convincing comeback wins over DC Assault Gold and SELF Carolina Elite but came up short in the final. Team Philly and Fairfax Stars both will be in the Big Shots National Top 25 Rankings when they are released in May. Look for big things to come from these two teams throughout the circuit year.
DC Assault White 17U, led by the solid play from wing trio of Akeeb Ayodeji, Jalen Robinson, and Lamont Adair, captured the 17U Blue division over 6th Man Warriors(MD).
Metroball DC won the 17U White title at the horn over Basic 1st West Basketball with a ‘Tyus Edney’-esk shot by Metroball DC’s Melvin Mitchell. Dontray Smith (Metroball DC) was named 17U White MVP
In the 16U Orange division, Under Armour Baltimore Panthers 16U, led by sophomore sensation Aquille Carr (5’7 G 2013/Patterson HS/Baltimore,MD) and slashing 6’5 SF Myreek Lee Fowkles, claimed the title with a win over Team National 16U and tournament standout 6’8 F Mike Kobani.
Skys the Limit 16U defeated Richmond Phenoms 15U for the 16U Blue bracket championship. 6’1 2013 G Ronnie Ingram Jr. (Forest Heights (Dr. Henry Wise) MD)was named 16U Blue MVP.
Team Philly was led by MVP Marcus Floyd and Troy Smith to the 15U Orange title over DC Assault Gold 14U.
The guard trio of MVP Clay Conner, Kyle Reilly, and Chris Barnard carried Howard Co. Heat to the 15U Blue ship over VA Assault 15U.
DC Assault 13U made a strong statement for the future with a 33 pt. championship win in the 14U division over well showed Basics 1st Basketball. This 13U team is one of the nation’s top teams and boast numerous studs in the 2016 class but MVP Alani Moore and Sam Green shined brightest of all throughout the week. Look for DC Assault 13U to be high on the charts when the May Big Shots National Rankings come out.
Under Armour Baltimore Elite 13U captured 1st in the 13U with a strong performance behind scoring guard MVP DaJuan Honeyblue and all around Daquan Bracey.
The little guys in big shorts title games were nail-biters filled with big shots and prime performers. An intensified 12U championship had Germantown Hardknocks 12U outlasting DC Assault 12U for the ship. Treyvon Lucas was named 12U MVP. Hot shooting Kamdyn Curfman (MVP) of Fairfax Stars 11U withstood Bryce Laskey and Pittsburgh Storm in OT for the the 11U trophy. In the 10U title game, one of the nation’s best DC Assault 10U claimed the glassware over Beyond the Hoop Bulldawgs. MVP Tyler Breisford and Mike Sumner lit up the nets O while Jabari Davis set the tone on D for DCA 10U.
Big Shots Performers:
Brandon Taylor (6’7 PF 2012 / Team Philly 17U/Trenton Catholic/Hamilton, NJ)
Mr. Big Shot. The Big Shots Top 100 prospect had ice in his veins all weekend and answer the bell whenever the game was on the line and his number was called. He showed high level promise last year at the Desert Duel 2010 and continued his strong play in Big Shots DC Assault. His versatility at 4-spot to stretch the defense with the pick and pop game and score on a quick first step and bounce around the rim make him a high major prospect on the rise. In a 2012 class dominated by big men Brandon adds the dimension of shooting the perimeter shot that not many of those bigs can do. He’s the typical giant killer in the NCAA tournament that you go deep into March with. Rating: 92 4-star
Aquille Carr (5’7 G 2013 / Under Armour Baltimore Panthers / Patterson /Baltimore,MD)
The Crimestopper. The next big thing out of Baltimore put on a show for all! The Big Shots Top-20 2013 prospect Aquille Carr claimed MVP honors putting on a show unlike anything that we’ve had on display at Big Shots over the last six years. The 5’7 (on a good day) combo guard averaged 33 ppg. for the tournament and had the crowd and atmosphere electric every time he laced up. His 33 pt. outing in the win vs. DC Assault Gold 16U was the best single game performance I’ve seen this spring. The courts were completely surrounded 5 rows deep watching the scoring machine exhibit his first class speed, ankle breaking handle, and scoring outburst that he showed during his high school season at 33 ppg. as a sophomore. Find a negative on Carr and he’ll continue to prove you wrong and take names doing it. If you haven’t seen him yet, Aquille Carr is a must see and a joy to watch! Rating: 95 4-star
Mike Kobani (6’8 PF 2013 / Team National 16U / National Christian Academy)
Sleeper Rising. Mike has the body of a high major prospect, the numbers of a high major prospect so simply put the Nigerian transfer student is a high major prospect. Although playing in the 16U division, Kobani posted such big numbered double-doubles throughout the tournament you couldn’t help but recognize him as one of the top players in the event averaging 24.3 ppg. His recruitment is limited at this point but as I told his Team National coach Trevor Brown, Mike’s stock is about to go off the charts. Kobani is extremely fundamental, active, and hungry on the defensive end showing his wingspan, contesting shots and rebounding out of his area. He can dominate a game with his presence on D. Offensively, he uses his athleticism and quick instincts to score with drop steps, glass cleaning put-backs, and noticeable post work in the making with jump hooks. He must be doing something right to average 33 ppg., 16 rpg for the event. Kobani is a Top 75 player in the 2013 class. His teammate 6’7 SG/SF Zacarry Douglas is also a Top 150 prospect worth taking note of. Rating: 93 4-star
Mohamed Alie-Cox (6’6 PF 2012 / Fairfax Stars 17U/ Middleburg/ Fairfax, VA)
The Giant Killer. Big Mo brings it game in, game out and no matter who he’s playing against he gets it done! Built like a linebacker, Mohamed has the body and style of play that has been proven to be exteremely effective and successful in the NCAA ranks. Alie-Cox is as consistent as it gets playing in 5 Big Shots events and has been named MVP or All Tournament in all 5. A big that knows to take up space and finish strong with two hands. Alie-Cox is a Top 125 player and will continue to rise the ranks because he simply puts up numbers and wins! Rating: 90 3-star
Montrezl Harrell (6’8 SF 2012 / SELF Carolina Elite 17U/N. Edgecomb/Tarboro, NC) , Codi Miller-Mcintrye (6’3 PG 2012 / SELF Carolina Elite 17U/Hargrave/Chatnam, NC)
Carolina’s Elite. The hype behind NC’s top prospect VA Tech commit Montrezl Harrell did not disappoint. Harrell has as NBA body and is as intriguing of a 4-3 prospect for the next level as any prospect in the 2012. His game is molding into one similar to former UNC standout and Atlanta Hawks wing Marvin Williams. When Harrell sticks to his bread and butter and doesn’t drift too much to the perimeter he is extremely difficult to contain with his skill set and size. He has the skill and intangibles to be very special.
Codi Miller-Mcintyre is simply consistent and in a scarce 2012 class, the Wake Forest commit will continue to rise the ranks with his strong play. He takes over when the game is on the line and can create and hit big shots off the dribble at a high rate. Without Aaron Rountree this weekend, Codi had to put up big numbers in the points and assist column and did everything and more in earning All Tournament honors. Top 60 2012 SG 6’5 Torian Graham (Raleigh (Word of God)NC) was streaky shooting the ball this weekend, however you can’t go without recognizing his athleticism and knack to score in transition with ease. The 6’5 wing has great length and efficient shot making ability from the trifecta and at the rim.
Notes:
6’3 Lionel Greene (Cecil Kirk) and 6’2 Daquan Cook (Under Armour Baltimore Panthers) are two Baltimore slashing, scoring guards that continue to make noise. Look for their stock to be on the up in the 2012 class as the circuit season moves forward.
Scoring Leaders: 17U – Chrystian Brown 20.7 ppg (Annandale Bulldawgs 17U) 16U- Mike Kobani 24.3 ppg. (Team National 16U), 15U-Luke Neeley 15.3 ppg (SQBA Blue 15U), 14U- Alani Moore 10.3 ppg (DC Assault Gold 13U), 13U- DaJuan Honeyblue 14.3 ppg (Under Armour Baltimore Panthers 13U), 12U- Jared Byrum 11.0 ppg (DC Assault 12U), 11U- Luke Garza 18.7 ppg. (Willie Diggs Bball Academy 11U), 10U- Jalen Best 15.0 ppg. (Metro Celtics 10U)
Although Big Shots #7 Ranked DC Assault Gold 17U didn’t go deep into the tournament without horse Kris Jenkins, the DC Assault 2013 cupboard is loaded with a ton of shiny utensils: Nate Britt (Washington (Gonzaga)DC), Kris Jenkins -DNP (Washington(Gonzaga)DC), Tre Boykins (Jacksonville (ACD)FL), Junior Eton (Jacksonville (ACD)FL), Gabriel Williams (Huntington (Prep) WV), Romelo Trimble (Arlington (Bishop O’Connell)VA).
LBA Seawolves (TX) has a strong nucleus of 2013 prospects that will continue to gain confidence and climb the ranks with Kyle Wilson (DNP), Tim Singleton, Ja’taveon Green, Anthony Sharp, Matt Fraschillia, Vaquan Jones(DNP), and 2014 HM sleeper 6’9 250 14 year old Elbert Johnson.
A number of unsigned bigs were impressive enough for a note: Isaac Freeman 7’0 (VA Assault Gold), Matt Gorski 7’0 (Under Armour Baltimore Panthers – said he may commit to JMU this week), Kanu Aja 6’11 (Under Armour Baltimore Panthers/Princeton Day), James Moody 6’6 (LBA Seawolves/Duncanville HS)
Team Philly has promising young talent coming up with ranks with lengthy 6’7 wings Dominique Reid and Brandon Austin along with Olney’s Fr. 6’3 G Malik “Magic” Starks (Team Philly 15U). These Philly attacking scorers but guys on their heels all weekend.
Muhammad-Ali Abdur Rahkman (6’4 G 2014 Ivey 23 Terps 17U/Allentown Central Catholic) is receiving strong Big East interest.
Honorable Mention: Jarod Williams (Squires Richmond 16U), Nik Brown (BWSL Woods 17U), Deshaun Mormon (VA Assault Gold 17U), Khalen Cumberland (VA Assault Gold 17U) Troy Spurrier (MD Sure Shots 17U), Michael Anderson (Loudoun Triple Threat 16U), Quincy Judd (Cecil Kirk 17U), Rodney Bullock (DC Assault Gold 17U), Jordan Goodman (DC Assault Gold 17U), Robert Johnson (Richmond Phenoms 16U), Brian Akinkugbe (6th Man Warriors 17U), Milan Durant (Team Assault 17U), 2015 Karl Towns (Team NJ ABC 16U), TJ Williams (Team Redemption), Jamal Lewis (DC Assault Gold 17U), Quenton Peterson (BCWB Rim Rockers Elite 16U), Montana Mayfield (Team NJ ABC 16U), Aaron Brown (MD 3D 16U), Evan Orzolek (Richmond Metro Gold 17U), Anthony Montgomery (South Baltimore Ballers 17U), Amir Atkins (Alexandria Kings Curtis 16U)
John Thompson Jr. shares his wisdom at the Capital Sports Complex
Toni L. Sandys/ The Washington Post – “When I learned to read it was far better than me being in the Hall of Fame,” said John Thompson Jr., far right.
Some of the younger kids at the Capital Sports Complex in District Heights last Wednesday had no idea who John Thompson Jr. was. “Who did you coach?” asked one elementary-school-aged boy. From the other side of the bleachers, a high school student, obviously aware of some of the accomplishments of the former Georgetown basketball coach, asked, “Is that the championship ring from the NCAA championship?”
“No, it’s not. It’s the Hall of Fame,” Thompson replied. “That don’t mean nothing son. Trust me.”
The press release heralded the clinic as Thompson’s first time back on the court coaching since his retirement 12 years ago. But it was less a clinic about basketball and more a lesson about life, as Thompson sat down in a chair, grabbed a microphone and started off with a story about himself.
“They tell you that [stuff] about me being a legend,” said Thompson, whose son John Thompson III currently coaches the Hoyas. “This legend couldn’t read in the sixth grade. Do you know how embarrassing it is not to be able to read and write in the sixth grade? To me, when I learned to read it was far better than me being in the Hall of Fame.”
For 40 minutes, “Big John” kept the players’ attention as he doled out life lessons: “The worst thing in the world is not to try. . . . The pathway to winning is losing sometimes. . . . You have to exercise your mind. . . . Don’t be afraid to lose. . . . Don’t be afraid to make a mistake.”
“A lot of people thought he was talking their heads off,” said Brandon Boykin, 16, second from right, a sophomore point guard at Ballou. “When he was talking I really was listening. It inspires me to go learn and be more equipped. You have to be equipped for life.”
Wednesday was also about practicing for an upcoming three-on-three tournament. So as the players split into groups and worked through some drills, Thompson made his way across the gym. He chatted up a few players at one end, and then headed toward the other.
Boykin stood out on the corner, and Thompson walked closer. “He told me, ‘I seen your game young man, and one thing you can do to better your game is think,’ ” Boykin said. “ ‘You always can work hard at your drills, but [you have] to just think.’ ”
Thompson would appreciate Boykin’s efforts off the court too.
“If you live your whole life based on nine or 10 pounds of air in the ball and your life has no other importance or significance than that, excuse me, you’re a damn fool,” Thompson said.
Boykin couldn’t agree more. “I always had it in my head, I’m not going to college just for basketball. I wanted to go get an education because I wanted a backup plan. You can’t depend on just basketball.”
Former Georgetown Coach John Thompson Pays Visit to Youth Basketball Clinic
by Stephen D. Riley
AFRO Staff Writer
Hall of Fame inductee and legendary former Georgetown University basketball coach John Thompson took some time to speak to a few youth basketball teams on March 23 at the Capital Sports Complex in District Heights, Md. Sponsored by the popular sports drink Powerade, Thompson hosted the clinic primarily for high schoolers preparing for a national three-on-three basketball tournament on March 27 at Ballou High School in Washington, D.C.
Speaking for nearly an hour, the former Georgetown legend touched on topics ranging from avoiding dehydration to teamwork and positive attitudes. “Never be afraid to try,” Thompson kept reiterating to local youths. “You will never know unless you try.”
Thompson then opened the floor for questions and the players peppered him with several inquiries from his birthday to his recruiting style, to one of his most famous pupils, Allen Iverson. Thompson has coached a number of former NBA stars, including Alonzo Mourning, Patrick Ewing and Dikembe Mutombo, but questions about the former Georgetown phenom Iverson always seem to follow the coach wherever he goes.
Upon the clinic’s completion, Thompson posed for a few pictures and shook hands with staff members and area coaches, deeming the day a success in the eyes of the always-persistent Thompson. “You try to tell them [players] what you need to tell them but in the meantime you still hope that one person will listen to you,” Thompson said about the impact of his presence at the clinic. “I’ve always felt that way about dealing with kids but a lot of these kids probably never saw me coach but that’s not important to me. What’s important to me is to try to impart something to them that they can understand and respond to and hopefully somebody will listen.”
Thompson also addressed the number of talented high school players that have chosen to play college basketball out of state rather than remain in the area in recent years. Players such as Duke University’s Nolan Smith, Kansas’ Josh Selby, former Texas star Kevin Durant and former Kansas State star Michael Beasley are atop the list of Maryland players who have traveled outside of their home state to become stars at other college programs, an issue for local colleges that Thompson says he has no problem with.
“I think that’s your prerogative, Thompson said. “A person can make a choice and do whatever they want to do. Certainly I wanted guys to stay here when I was coaching, I tried to convince them to stay here but there’s enough for them to go everywhere. That happens, kids can go everywhere and do it [but] you have to get your percentage of local kids if you’re going to be successful here. That’s very important.”
AAU Tournament Invades District for Weekend
Originally published April 10, 2011
by Stephen D. Riley
AFRO Staff Writer
The Big Shots D.C. Assault AAU Basketball Tournament took over the DMV (Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia) for the weekend, churning out 123 teams and a massive collection of parents, college scouts and local supporters on April 9 at the Capital Sports Complex.
With a host of teams ranging from 10- to 17-year-olds, several students and players were given the chance to showcase their talents while facing off against top-level competition among the area’s best prep players.
Patterson High School (Baltimore, Md.) sophomore Aquille Carr and Gonzaga High School (Washington, D.C.) sophomores Kris Jenkins and Nate Britt are just a few of the prep stars who showed up. “I definitely think it makes you better because you get used to playing at a high level,” Jenkins said about the impact of playing AAU basketball.
Jenkins, who plays for the D.C. Assault 17-and-under group, sat out the day’s action with a badly sprained left ankle but is anxious to return to the court to help prepare for what he hopes will be a successful junior season. “You go around and you play against all the great players. It’s a great experience; I wouldn’t trade it.”
The Big Shots program has grown into national prominence under the direction of CEO and President Jeff Schneider, who has guided the program across country, hosting tournaments in Chicago, Atlanta and New York among other cities. A former coach at California Polytechnic State University, Schneider has used his 17 years of coaching experience to turn his program into the top event for national exposure for prep players.
Although the tournament has traveled to several cities, Schneider believes the D.C. area has one of the strongest basketball backgrounds in the country.
“Personally I think the Washington, D.C. area is the mecca and grass roots for high school basketball,” Schneider said. “We started out last year and it’s just gone extremely well.”
The large turnout is also a sign of supportive parents, many of whom travel all over the country with their basketball-playing offspring. “They’re doing something positive in the community and being able to be involved with [the tournament] is something that’s going to prepare them to grow into fine young men,” said Torsheba Givens, mother of 14-year-old Aaron McFarland who plays for a local AAU team.
Tournament action resumed April 10 when winners will be decided for the 16- and 17-and-under teams.
Hoop Dreams Still Alive and Well for Nearly 850 Special Olympics Maryland Athletes
Monday, March 21st, 2:38 pm
This story comes to us from Kelley Wallace Schniedwind:
Regardless of how the Sweet 16 shakes out, there is still plenty of basketball action to cheer about in Maryland this weekend as Special Olympics Maryland hosts its own version of March Madness, with nearly 850 athletes from across the state competing in a two-day basketball tournament outside of Washington, D.C.
The tournament will be held Saturday, March 26-Sunday, March, 27, 2011 at the Capital Sports Complex in District Heights, Md. (6417 Marlboro Pike, District Heights, MD 20747, www.capitalsportscomplex.com). The action gets underway each day at 11 AM, immediately following the Opening Ceremony (10-10:45 AM). Play will continue until approximately 6 p.m. on Saturday and 7 p.m. on Sunday. Medal presentations will take place throughout each day.
Some 750 traditional SOMD athletes representing 16 delegations, as well as nearly 100 Unified Partners will be going for gold all weekend long during this annual state-level competition. The Unified Sports format, which pairs students with intellectual disabilities with Unified partners without disabilities (known as “Partners”) together in both individual and team sports, will be highlighted over the course of both days.
“While the nation turns its attention to the 68 teams in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, we’re excited to put on our own version of the March Madness at the Capital Sports Complex,” said Patricia Fegan, SOMD President and CEO. “These athletes’ courage, spirit, and talents on the courts are worthy of the same attention, respect and admiration. Win or lose, they represent what is best in all of us.”
The competing delegations are: Allegany County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Calvert County, Carroll County, Cecil County, Frederick County, Harford County, Howard County, Lower Shore, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Saint Mary’s County, Upper Shore and Washington County. Over a thousand delegates, which include athletes, Unified partners, coaches and heads of delegations, are expected to be a part of this event.
Due in large part to the generosity of Founding Partner Aerotek, the tournament is free of charge and open to the public. The schedule is as follows (all times are approximate and subject to change):
· Saturday, March 26 – Opening Ceremonies 10-10:45 a.m.; Individual Skills and 3-on-3 Team Competition 11a.m.-5 p.m.; Closing Ceremonies 6 p.m.
· Sunday, March 27 – Opening Ceremonies 10-10:45 a.m.; 5-on-5 Traditional and Unified Team Competition 11a.m.-6 p.m.; Closing Ceremonies 7 p.m.
On Saturday, athletes will compete in three individual skills competitions designed for players who are still developing the skills necessary to participate on a team, as well as a Player Development Unified 3-on-3 format.
On Sunday, the athletes will truly spark some March Madness excitement when they participate in full-court 5-on 5. Sunday’s line-up promises some incredibly high-energy match-ups as long-standing rivals take the court against one another in both traditional and Unified competition.
Unified Sports, which is a significant portion of this competition, is a long-standing Special Olympics program that pairs disabled athletes with their non-disabled peers, called “Partners”, for the purpose of competing together in sports. Through this shared sports experience, the Partners develop a greater appreciation of and respect for the talents and skills of their teammates with intellectual disabilities, and the SOMD athletes benefit from the social interaction with non-disabled peers.
Participation in this inclusive experience is on the rise, primarily as a result of the landmark legislation requiring all Maryland high schools to offer equivalent sports opportunities to all students – including those with disabilities. As a result of the new law, all schools were required to adopt at least one corollary sports experience during the 2010-2011 school year, and at least 18 school districts adopted Special Olympics Maryland’s Unified Sports model in order to satisfy the mandate.
2011 marks the fourth consecutive year that the tournament has been hosted at the Capital Sports Complex. The venue promises to host an atmosphere of high energy, chanting and revisiting the history of Special Olympics, which was founded just down the road from District Heights in Rockville, Md., in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
Special Olympics gets into March Madness spirit
Published on: Thursday, March 31, 2011
The Special Olympics Maryland hosted a basketball tournament at the Capital Sports Complex in District Heights on March 26 and 27. The two-day event was in the spirit of March Madness inviting 850 athletes to participate. The Prince George’s County basketball team takes home gold metals after winning six games.
Photo by Chris Motz. From left to right are Orlando Lindsay, 17, Darryl Jordan, 18, Emmanuel Gaskins, 20, and Christian Domino, 16 of the winning Prince George’s County basketball team. Not pictured are Dashawn Obrien, 19, Cassius Makle, 19, and Darian Swain, 20.
Photo by Chris Motz. The Prides’ Tammy Holieaugh, 22 , attempts to block a pass by St. Mary’s Joey Owens, 25. Owens has been involved with the Special Olympics for 15 years.
The Prince George’s Sentinel, published weekly by Berlyn Inc., is a community newspaper covering Prince George’s County, Maryland. www.thesentinel.com
Stars Come Out for Center’s Grand Opening
September 21, 2006
by Derek Toney, Staff Writer
During his 20-year playing career in the National Basketball Association, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored 38,387 points. But the NBA’s all-time leading scorer handed out a big assist in Prince George’s Sunday afternoon.
Abdul-Jabbar was part of the grand opening festivities at the Capital Sports Complex in District Heights. The Basketball Hall of Famer introduced a team of NBA alumni who competed against National Football League alums, capping off a weekend of events officially marking the rebirth of the complex.
‘‘My school had a gym, but not every neighborhood had a gym, not everyplace has a facility like this,” said Abdul-Jabbar. ‘‘I don’t think there’s anything like this within 500 miles. It’s a great example of giving back and doing something relevant.”
Virginia-based information technology mogul Rodney Hunt bought the facility last summer after the former Run ‘N Shoot Fitness Center closed its doors in March of 2005.
Hunt, a graduate of Friendly High School, said reviving the Marlboro Pike building has been a personal investment.
‘‘We can’t forget from where we came,” said Hunt, who played basketball and baseball at Friendly and graduated from Cornell University. ‘‘This is not a venture where I want to make money. I hope we can break even, but I want to have a situation where the people have a place to come and call home. But more than that, the community can be proud.”
Two championship basketball courts with bleachers and eight separate adjacent courts, a new weight room and cardiovascular area, renovated bathrooms, saunas and aerobic rooms are among some of the features in the 113,000 square-foot facility.
A computer learning area, several party rooms and massage areas are also available with an electronic security system.
Hunt said the learning center will offer SAT prep and there’s a private VIP area for professional and college athletes. The facility opened earlier this summer to accommodate several basketball leagues and tournaments.
Hunt said he’s been talking with Magic Johnson about putting one of Johnson’s movie theatre chains inside. Hunt, who’s the co-founder President and CEO of RS Information Systems in McLean, Va., has been working with Johnson’s former Los Angeles Laker teammate, Abdul-Jabbar, on the documentary ‘‘On the Shoulders of Giants,” about the Harlem (N.Y.) Rens who were the first African-American basketball team.
Movie director Spike Lee, actors Will Smith and Samuel L. Jackson, and several NBA players are contributing to the project, which is due out next spring.
Abdul-Jabbar’s appearance and the NBA⁄NFL alumni game, which benefited the county’s Boys and Girls Club, was the highlight of Sunday’s activities. Los Angeles Clippers guard Sam Cassell and Nakia Sanford of the Washington Mystics had autograph sessions Saturday.
‘‘This is the compilation of a lot of people’s hard work,” said Hunt. ‘‘Just the reception we’re getting from NBA players, NFL players, the music community, the press, it’s a pretty special. It’s a pretty special place, and I’m just honored and blessed to be able to open the door for this opportunity.”
E-mail Derek Toney at dtoney@gazette.net.
Copyright © 2006 The Gazette – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Privacy Statement
NBA and NFL Alumni Play For Charity On CAPITAL SPORTS COMPLEX Tip-Off Weekend
WITH SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY BASKETBALL LEGEND KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR
PRESS RELEASE
August 24, 2006
DISTRICT HEIGHTS, MD – Heroes from the gridiron and the hardcourt will collide in the culmination of the grand opening of the Capital Sports Complex (6417 Marlboro Pike) on Saturday, September 16th-Sunday, September 17th.
A youth basketball tournament will run throughout the entire weekend, using all 10 full-sized hardwood courts in the 113,000-square foot facility. Upon completion the facility will also include fitness equipment, computer rooms, locker rooms, saunas, food and apparel outlets, and more. A ceremony for the “first dunk” is also planned.
For the main event on September 17th, NBA Alumni and NFL Alumni will face-off in a charity basketball contest benefiting the Prince George’s Boys and Girls Clubs.
Basketball Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who won three NCAA Championships and six NBA titles, earned six NBA Most Valuable Player awards, and appeared in 18 NBA All-Star games, will make a special appearance during the Alumni Basketball game.
Their NFL Alumni opponents, while lacking the height of Abdul-Jabbar, make up for it in speed and stealth. Four-time Pro Bowler, former Redskin and “Fun Bunch” star receiver Gary Clark led the Redskins to two Super Bowl Championships amassing over 10,000 receiving yards and 65 touchdowns in his career. Also, other former Redskins scheduled to appear include former wideout Leslie Shepherd and running back Ricky Ervins. The NFL Alumni roster also includes defensive back John Booty, and former University of Virginia quarterback Shawn Moore.
More announcements regarding team additions to come.
The building was once known as the Run N’ Shoot Athletic Complex before closing due to financial problems in March 2005. Local entrepreneur and philanthropist Rodney P. Hunt acquired the facility and has pumped over $1 million into renovations. The result is a venue poised to be an epicenter of action, hosting youth and adult leagues and tournaments, workout facilities for professional athletes, computer access and gathering space for educational programs, and countless other community-oriented activities.
For more information, please visit www.CapitalSportsComplex.com or call 301-568-5010.
Old Run N’ Shoot Redeveloped Under New Management
The Washington Post
July 20, 2006
Prince George’s County lost one of its most popular sports facilities last year when the Run N’ Shoot Athletic Center shut down because of financial difficulty spurred by a high crime rate in the neighborhood.
The 10-court center in District Heights was home court to two minor league basketball teams and drew amateur basketball tournaments, local teenage players and NBA stars. Its closing left a hole in the community, players and coaches said at the time.
In stepped Fairfax businessman Rodney Hunt, who has taken on the project of redeveloping the sports center. Hunt grew up in Fort Washington playing basketball and baseball at Friendly High School before attending Cornell University and later helping to start RS Information Systems, a McLean-based government contractor that is one of the largest black-owned businesses in the region.
Staff writer Krissah Williams spoke with him about his investment in the old Run N’ Shoot and plans for the facility.
Q: You have changed the name of the center from the Run N’ Shoot to the Capital Sports Complex. What other changes have you made to the 113,000-square-foot basketball facility?
We put $950,000 into the redevelopment. We’ve improved the ability to host tournaments by installing automatic net dividers, better signage and improving the lobby. We purchased new equipment because Bank of America had a lien on some of the [old] equipment. We put in new bathrooms and team rooms. We renovated the kitchen and store, and we are trying to get national retailers to come in. In the back area, we are putting in a learning center and party rooms and an arcade to make it a local community center. We have also renovated the aerobics area and put in brand-new floors.
We have also created a VIP workout area where athletes from the Washington Redskins, Washington Nationals or Washington Wizards can come and work out. They would work out there before, but they couldn’t do it in private. Now we have two walled-off courts. They can come in and say hi to the kids and then work out in a private area. [The VIP] area is just like being in a locker room for a professional team, we have deep Jacuzzis [and other amenities].
Q: What prompted you to buy and redevelop the Run N’ Shoot?
I was disappointed that it wasn’t successful. It is the only 10-court basketball facility of its kind in a 100-mile radius. Where else can you have a tournament? I am the managing partner of Virginia Pride Basketball, a traveling AAU [Amateur Athletic Union] team. We all struggle for practice space, and middle schools and high schools have their own teams so you cannot always use their space. I’ve seen some teams have to practice outside.
Q: What effect will the redevelopment of this basketball facility have on Prince George’s County?
I have a soft spot in my heart for the county. Prince George’s is really growing and prospering. There is a lot of economic growth. This will create jobs, and it will also be great for the community. I want to bring in the government so that they can see what we are doing for the community. We want it to be a mainstay in District Heights and Prince George’s County to keep kids off the streets.
Q: When we were doing the construction — before we were open — people were driving by saying, “When are you going to open?”
Crime, especially car theft, has been a problem around the basketball center.
Q: What will you do to mitigate that?
The facility was once open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That was a big crime issue. We are open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday; and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. In order to keep it safe and keep it open, we are going to have to deter crime. Crime is already down 70 percent compared to this time last year. We have put in metal detectors, security cameras, and are distributing a membership badge. We will also have three to four police officers circulating the facility all day.
Q:What are your plans for the facility?
As an entrepreneur, you always think about things that make you money. In this case, break-even is an accomplishment.
I’d like to buy the building at some point and replicate this type of concept around the country. If we cannot afford to buy the building, we need to generate enough money to buy our own facility elsewhere.
Q: What’s your motivation?
I played baseball and basketball growing up. My son [Bradley], who is 14 years old and 6 feet 3 inches tall, loves basketball. He is going to be about 6 feet 10 inches, they think. I have named the courts Bradley Court 1 and Bradley Court 2, after him. You know how we get with our kids. If he wanted to be the best tiddlywinks player in the world, I’d be into that.
My dream is to leverage my success to help the community. It is something from the heart, and I know that it will leave a legacy that my son will understand the importance of.
© 2006 The Washington Post Company
For more information, please visit www.CapitalSportsComplex.com or call 301-568-5010.
Run N’ Shoot to Reopen Under New Name
by Terron Hampton
Staff Writer
Gazette Newspapers
May 2, 2006
The former Run N’ Shoot Fitness Center in District Heights will reopen as the Capital Sports Complex on May 15.
The facility closed its doors in March 2005 in the face of mounting debts, but is now under the ownership of Rodney Hunt, president and chief executive officer of RS Information Systems, a government contractor based in McLean, Va.
Run N’ Shoot housed weight rooms and was a destination point for basketball players and leagues from across the county before closing. The facility’s new operations manager, Eric Washington, said Capital Sports Complex would have a number of new amenities, but declined to go into detail.
Howard Hill, who runs the 10-year old Suburban Coalition Summer Classic Basketball League, said he has not yet been inside Capital Sports Complex, but is eager for the facility to open.
“I think that crime in the county will definitely go down,“ Hill said. “Although it won’t be 24 hours, it will be open late enough to really give them something to do. I think its great that its coming back.“
The Suburban Coalition will operate leagues at Capital Sports Complex for ages 13 through adult starting July 8
