Hoop season is coming fast. Last spring season came and went, and the summer circuit has evaporated into the fall… real quick I might add, huh? Basketball time goes faster than any other- which is a beautiful thing, if you’re doing the right thing (s). Read more »
Whoooooooooooooohuuuy! Go Ladies, you’ve turned the sports world on its ear. Well, given the fact you went the entire season undefeated at home and swept through the playoffs undefeated, you should have- but I’m not sure that is the case.But why not? It is true the W of the NBA stands for a purer version of play relative to their W-less counterparts (the men’s game). But it’s also true, the physical aesthetics and quasi-And 1 presentation of the men’s game, makes it (for the average fan) more enjoyable to watch. On the surface, the female game seems to lack the hyper-athleticism necessary to keep a highlight-hungry fan base on the edge of their seats. However, a closer look reveals a great deal of acrobatic activity in the women’s game, but it goes without notice because the game (outside of an occasional above the rim assault) is still played below the basket.
I’ve theorized for years that lowering the basket in the women’s game would revolutionize the sport – at least from a marketing standpoint. In conjunction with clean fundamental play, we’d also be able to see varying degrees of athleticism amongst the women. Eventually, Doctor J and MJ like figures would emerge replete with “high-flying” and memorable facials just like the fellas.
The game would capture the imagination of the”average” fan–who seem to need that type of entertainment to be happy. Revenues would soar. A new generation of lady hoopers would become instantaneous “baller$”, as endorsements deals would keep pace with burgeoning contracts for coaches and players.
Of course, with a new lease on the highlight life, the women’s game would eventually suffer the same maladies as the men’s game-from a purist or Hi-sci (highly scientific) standpoint.
Young girls will become enamored with dunking ( just like the boys) and pin-point shooting and fundamental applications in play will become “old” school, sooner rather than later perhaps.
What the heck… at some point the game will transition on its own anyway—right? SoOh….why not lower the basket for higher appeal now and get that transition over with already? After all, it’s a small price to pay for entry into the “big-time”, with an expanded fan and salary base for everybody (?)
Jordan Hamilton comment from “If You Can Hoop… there’s Hope”:
Growing as a basketball player with the programming of optimal default settings through Virtual Play is the most challenging, frustrating, and rewarding processes I have been a part of. Already I am able to see the infinite connections between the hardwood and the
“real world” and how easily success on the court can be translated to success in life. A virtual basketball player is unstoppable with unlimited potential.. the same is true for a virtual individual.
The Game After the Game: A player’s perspective of Virtual Play applied outside the Hardwood. By Jordan Hamilton (Lehigh University)
When I began “virtual” training 7 years ago, I had the simple goal of improving my basketball game. I had no idea I would be able to accomplish so much on and off the court. In fact, I’m in the process of turning a lifelong dream(s) into reality. My success in basketball can be quantified though numerous athletic awards and a Division 1 scholarship. My scholastic awards speak for themselves. However, it’s hard to quantify how much I’ve changed as a person. The countless hours I’ve spent in the gym programming inside of virtual play is why I’ve gotten where I have in basketball and why I believe I will end up where I want to go in life. Much of “The Virtual Player’s Blog” focuses on virtual play in the context of basketball. I intend to take a step back and look at how “going virtual” has taken my life game to another level.
Becoming a virtual player has been the most challenging task I have undertaken, and one I have yet to complete. The difficulty lies in working inside the small details of complete functions. These small parts – each mathematically efficient, are compounded together to create powerful default settings for successful play or on the everyday level- modes of conduct. The required understanding of how each part contributes to the effectiveness of the whole and greater picture is what makes virtual play difficult, but also superior to any other form of skill development I’ve experienced.
Virtual play forces you to accept , internalize, and execute specific information. This process demands extreme focus (in order to stay present against the emotional distraction of the brain while dealing with material that has not already been programmed into the system). Each rep must be analyzed and necessary adjustments must follow. Perfect reps are difficult to come by and lack of emotional control further inhibits growth.
The good news is, with each perfect rep comes development and a strong sense of confidence and empowerment to do anything. As long as I’m willing to work on the right things, it gives me a huge boost on the court and a tremendous edge in the classroom. Of course, no one has command over each area, but through programming, proficiency will improve at a rapid rate. I’ve found these skills to be useful in every area of my life – including relationships and daily interactions.
My Journey as a virtual player has been rewarding beyond belief. I’m winning the greatest battle of all: the battle over the mind. Over the years I’ve steadily surpassed my peers and believe no obstacle is too great. I continue to improve technically and emotionally while others seem to mostly maintain or improve only physically. I recommend exploring the world of virtual play for anyone looking for an edge in basketball and a model for successful life. Virtual play has changed my life forever and for the better.
It has been a long and windy road to arrive at this point in my journey. Feeling blessed to have the opportunity to do what I love and spread soulful joy through the medium of basketball. Thank you for all that supported and believed in me along the way especially Troy Miles whose patience, knowledge, and powerful presence taught me how to play and live as a VP.
First pro contract:
Suggested link: Virtual Journey (Jordan Hamilton)
