We recently had the opportunity to sit down with respected individuals in various roles and talk about the state of the high school and grassroots game. We interviewed respected national talent evaluators (Jerry Meyer of 247Sports.com, Clark Francis of the Hoop Scoop, Joel Francisco of ESPN.com), a shoe company national manager (Tony Dorado of Nike), college coaches (Pepperdine University assistant John Impleman and Santa Clara University assistant Mike Peck), a young high school coach (former UNLV guard Justin Hawkins from Liberty of Henderson, Nev.) and a state title-winning high school coach (former Clemson guard Lou Richie from Bishop O'Dowd of Oakland, Calif.).

In part No. 6 of our "State of the Game" BIL exclusive, we sit down with Hawkins to discuss the transition from scholarship athlete to post playing career, balancing academics and athletes and he offers advice for potential scholarship players from the perspective of a Top 100 recruit.

In part No. 7 on February 4, we'll sit down and talk to Tony Dorado, Nike's high school manager.

RELATED: Part 1 - Lou Richie (HS Coach) | Part 2 - John Impleman (College Coach) | Part 3 - Michael Peck (College Coach) | Part 4 - Jerry Meyer (National Scout) | Part 5 - Joel Francisco (National Scout) | Part 7 - Tony Dorado (Shoe Company Manager) | Part 8 - Clark Francis (National Scout)

Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of Ballislife.com. He can be reached at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonMFlores