By Taroue Brooks
What inspired you to work in sports after graduating from Purdue University?
A conversation with my mother sparked my interest to work in sports. I wanted to give back and help others navigate through the sports world. Most kids don’t have the right guidance and/or parents don’t know much about the business of sports.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
– I honestly didn’t see myself having a career in which I worked a traditional 9-5. Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination. You’ll work long hours but I love what I do.
Entrepreneurship is tough. What keeps you motivated?
– I’m motivated by simply being able to help others reach their dreams and potential. I’m a firm believer in Each 1 Teach 1. If you can help or assist then you should. It’s never a dull moment in being an entrepreneur.
How did you get in the space to train high school girl basketball players?
– I actually train both boys and girls in basketball from high school to college players. I have always been a student of the game. Training allows me to teach what I have learned. Help mold and develop perspective basketball players. I take pride in helping boys/girls develop their skills.
Tell us about your girls summer basketball camps.
The Sorority Basketball Camp is something I created a few years ago. In girls basketball there isn’t many quality camps/clinics. TSBC is only opened to girls located in the midwest region of USA. The camp has featured players that have went on to win state championships and sign NCAA D1 scholarships. TSBC is one of the best camps in the world for girls who want to take their game to the next level. Every year I have college coaches that’ll contact me asking who’s coming to camp. Girls have received scholarship offers just from attending camp.
How do you know when a boy or girl has what it takes to play basketball?
Its a certain mentality you need. I don’t train everyone. I’m a little different. I offer a complimentary evaluation session. After the session, I’m honest with the player and parents. How I train isn’t for everyone. I pride myself in having a great success rate. At the end of the day it’s really up to the athlete on how good they want to be. Limit distractions and understand you will have to make sacrifices to reach your goals. Also having invitationals and tournaments during high school season gives me opportunity to watch players. Some players just have that “IT” factor. Simply things you can’t teach.
As a former athlete, how similar are the boys from the girls when it comes to skills?
-Its a few difference but basketball is universal. Girls have better footwork because they can’t rely on athleticism like boys. Girls pay more attention to details so you will see progress in development quicker. Boys are better with angles on the basketball court especially with ball handling. I personally don’t change training based on gender. I train boys/girls to be basketball players.
What kind of sponsors and support do you get to host the camps and tournaments?
-When I first started I didn’t have many sponsors. Once you have a quality/proven product its easier to get sponsors. My sponsorships range from local to national brands. Some of the sponsors I’ve had are Nike, DTLR, Gatorade, Marriott Hotels and Community Healthcare System. As I continue to grow I look forward to more sponsorship opportunities.
What does success look like to you?
Being able to help others get to the next level is success to me. I love what I do because it allows me to play a small role in the big picture.
What advice would you give a young person wanting to play basketball competitively?
-Perfect your craft because when you aren’t working someone else is in the gym. Limit distractions and never take anything for granted. It won’t be easy, stay the course and keep God first.
What is next for you in the world of sports?
Expanding G2 Hoops influence and reach within sports. I’m going to roll out a few new events soon. I’m branching off into speaking engagements. This past April I talked with University of Indianapolis sports management program. Dr. Isabell Mills allowed me to speak about the business of amateur sports. I look forward to being guest lecturer at colleges/universities and clinics. Possibly teach a sports marketing course in the future.
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