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. 1 of our "State of the Game" BIL exclusive, we sit down with Richie to discuss the expectations for coaching incoming high school and college freshmen, making the right choices in college and the importance of mentoring/role models.
In part No. 2 on January 19, we'll sit down and talk to Pepperdine University assistant John Impleman.
RELATED: 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 6 - Justin Hawkins (Former Player) | 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