\Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, everyone...

Question
\Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, everyone says it's pretty high. I don't care which L.A. team, as long as it's in LA. I am 12 years old, I'm between 4'11 and 5'2 and weigh between 75-80 pounds. My game strenths are shooting, and that's about it, I know it's not enough to score 45 points in a game. My weaknesses, dribbling, looking for an open man.  I play guard right now. Willing to work as hard as possible.

Answer
 Hello Sanket,

Well you on your way as you know it is a tall task to make it to the NBA. Besides dedication, discipline, desire you need to set smaller goals along the way. You are 12, so you have 2 to 3 years before you are a freshman in high school. One goal would be to make your high school team, then a college scholarship, then the pros. Now are you going to hit bumps in the road along the way? Oh yea! This is when you can't get discouraged. You have to stay on the path to your immediate goal. You can even set smaller goals such as being the best passer or dribbler on the team you are playing for right now. Remember with the goals you are setting none will be possible without good grades. You are willing to prepare for your future in basketball with hard work so you must do the same in the classroom. I have seen many a players loose out on a scholarship because they didn't take care of business in the classroom. Don't let this happen to you! Remember one day your basketball career will be over as a player and you will need something to fall back on. Basketball is a great tool to get an education. If you love basketball as much as I think you do, you might consider a career in coaching after your playing days are over. To do this you need an education. Therefore, my last words on school are, go and work hard in the classroom!

Now about becoming a better player. If you truly want reach your potential as a player then you must eat, sleep, and live basketball. Dribble a ball whenever you can without getting in trouble or causing problems or disturbing people. You know Jason Williams loved basketball so much he would dribble the ball for hours in his room when he was grounded. That is how he became such a good ball handler. He dribbled whenever he could. You have recognized that you don't see the open man very well. Try to make a conscious effort to find your teammates when they are open. I am not telling you not to shoot anymore, you dont want to give up your strengths but you are trying to improve your weaknesses. Listen to your coaches and learn as much as possible from each one. I was at my nephews travel ball games this weekend and he is 11 years old. He has mad skills as a shooter, rebounder, defender, and passer but he gets lazy sometimes and when something does not go right, he gets discouraged. The mental side of the game is the most important. You believe you can make the NBA, which is huge! You have to separate yourself from other players. There are a million great shooters, passers, rebounders, defenders, etc...... There are not allot of players with great attitudes that play hard no matter what and do whatever they can to help there team and help make there teammates better. Your attitude and hard work will separate you from the shooters, rebounders, passers, and defenders. I hope this helps and good luck with your goals and dream. Remember work as hard as or harder in the classroom than you do on the court!