2 answers
Malishia
Student
Las Vegas, Nevada
1
Question
Asked
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What do I do If I want to start researching the career I want to do when I get older?
I am in 8th grade about to go to 9th.
I want to be a WNBA Basketball player.
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2 answers
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
392
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
While an admirable goal, please know that becoming a professional athlete is an extremely hard path to follow. It involves a lot of skill, dedication, good genetics, and mostly, a lot of luck.
If you are 5'10", it'd be very difficult - and you have no control over that. An injury can derail your career. If you are not in the right place at the right time, you miss out on opportunities - and there is no way to know what is the right place or the right time.
Having said all that, you would need to dedicate more time to practicing that you would ever believe, while still maintaining good grades. You have to be one of the best players in your high school. You'd most likely need to go to a top basketball college, and be one of the best players there. You'd have to be scouted by an NBA team (which again, you have little control over). On top of all this, if there are other, better players out there, they will be scouted before you.
I would suggest you have a good backup plan, in case this doesn't work out.
If you are 5'10", it'd be very difficult - and you have no control over that. An injury can derail your career. If you are not in the right place at the right time, you miss out on opportunities - and there is no way to know what is the right place or the right time.
Having said all that, you would need to dedicate more time to practicing that you would ever believe, while still maintaining good grades. You have to be one of the best players in your high school. You'd most likely need to go to a top basketball college, and be one of the best players there. You'd have to be scouted by an NBA team (which again, you have little control over). On top of all this, if there are other, better players out there, they will be scouted before you.
I would suggest you have a good backup plan, in case this doesn't work out.
Naim Rahaim
Basketball Coach, Sports Analytics, Athletic Director
32
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Naim’s Answer
Malishia, it's truly inspiring to see such foresight about your future career at your tender age! Here's a roadmap to kickstart your journey towards realizing your dream of playing in the WNBA:
Make it a point to delve deeply into the WNBA. Familiarize yourself with its history, teams, players, and how the league operates. Understanding the professional environment will equip you with vital knowledge about what it takes to excel in this career.
Connect with current or past WNBA players, coaches, trainers, or other professionals in women's basketball. Inquire about their journey, the obstacles they faced, and seek their advice. Their wisdom can serve as a beacon as you navigate your path.
Commit to enhancing your basketball skills every day. Work on your dribbling, shooting, passing, defense, and other fundamental skills individually and in a team setting. Consider enlisting in a local basketball team or club to gain more hands-on experience and coaching.
Physical fitness is paramount in basketball. Prioritize your health by maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring adequate sleep, and staying active. Regular exercise and training will help you build strength, speed, agility, and endurance.
Establish specific, measurable, and attainable targets for your basketball journey. Whether it's boosting your shooting percentage, making the high school varsity team, or securing a college basketball scholarship, having clear objectives will keep you driven and motivated.
While chasing your basketball aspirations, remember not to overlook your education. Remain committed to your academic pursuits and strive for excellence. A robust education will equip you with vital life skills and offer alternative opportunities should your basketball path alter.
Seek platforms to display your basketball prowess. Participate in basketball camps, tournaments, showcases, and combines where college coaches and scouts may be present. Engage in AAU to gain more visibility.
A career in professional sports demands tenacity and resilience. Be ready to confront challenges, setbacks, and rejections head-on. Stay determined, maintain a positive outlook, and keep your passion and objectives in sight.
Remember, becoming a professional athlete, particularly in a highly competitive league like the WNBA, demands commitment, relentless effort, and tenacity. Keep pushing, stay focused on your objectives, and believe in yourself, Malishia. With grit and hard work, you can transform your dream of playing in the WNBA into reality.
Warmly,
Naim Rahaim
Make it a point to delve deeply into the WNBA. Familiarize yourself with its history, teams, players, and how the league operates. Understanding the professional environment will equip you with vital knowledge about what it takes to excel in this career.
Connect with current or past WNBA players, coaches, trainers, or other professionals in women's basketball. Inquire about their journey, the obstacles they faced, and seek their advice. Their wisdom can serve as a beacon as you navigate your path.
Commit to enhancing your basketball skills every day. Work on your dribbling, shooting, passing, defense, and other fundamental skills individually and in a team setting. Consider enlisting in a local basketball team or club to gain more hands-on experience and coaching.
Physical fitness is paramount in basketball. Prioritize your health by maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring adequate sleep, and staying active. Regular exercise and training will help you build strength, speed, agility, and endurance.
Establish specific, measurable, and attainable targets for your basketball journey. Whether it's boosting your shooting percentage, making the high school varsity team, or securing a college basketball scholarship, having clear objectives will keep you driven and motivated.
While chasing your basketball aspirations, remember not to overlook your education. Remain committed to your academic pursuits and strive for excellence. A robust education will equip you with vital life skills and offer alternative opportunities should your basketball path alter.
Seek platforms to display your basketball prowess. Participate in basketball camps, tournaments, showcases, and combines where college coaches and scouts may be present. Engage in AAU to gain more visibility.
A career in professional sports demands tenacity and resilience. Be ready to confront challenges, setbacks, and rejections head-on. Stay determined, maintain a positive outlook, and keep your passion and objectives in sight.
Remember, becoming a professional athlete, particularly in a highly competitive league like the WNBA, demands commitment, relentless effort, and tenacity. Keep pushing, stay focused on your objectives, and believe in yourself, Malishia. With grit and hard work, you can transform your dream of playing in the WNBA into reality.
Warmly,
Naim Rahaim