6 answers
Mason
Student
New London, Connecticut
1
Question
Asked
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How does one balance school demands and pursue a career in sports?
Im Mason, i am 13. I wanna be a professional basket player. Do i have to attend College after high school?
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6 answers
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
566
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Mason I want to first thank you for reaching out and asking your questions regarding how you can balance school with being an athlete. My youngest son plays football and basketball for his high school as well as AAU basketball. I hope the information that I have below provides you with some insight and/or help.
It's great to hear from a young and ambitious individual like yourself, especially one who's passionate about both academics and sports. Balancing school demands while pursuing a career in sports is undoubtedly a challenge, but it's certainly achievable with the right mindset and dedication. Initially, it was a challenge for my son, but he realized that he wanted more in life other than just sports. First and foremost, prioritize your studies and establish effective time management habits. Create a schedule that allows for focused study sessions alongside dedicated practice and training for basketball. Remember that education is a valuable foundation that can open doors beyond sports. This is what my son had to do and it worked well for him and I hope it works for you as well.
At 13, you've got plenty of time to hone your skills and work towards your dream of becoming a professional basketball player. Focus on developing your basketball abilities through consistent practice and involvement in competitive leagues. Keep in mind that a strong academic background can complement your athletic achievements, providing you with a well-rounded foundation for future success.
Regarding attending college after high school, it's important to note that the path to a professional sports career can vary. While many athletes choose to attend college, others opt for alternative routes such as playing overseas or entering professional leagues directly. Assess your individual goals, consider the opportunities available, and make informed decisions about your future. One thing my son has done and continues to do is enter AAU type tournaments or tournaments that the colleges put as well as skills camps in the summer. This may also help you. However, I would say that college can be a valuable experience both academically and athletically, but it's not the only path to a successful career in basketball.
Remember, Mason, with hard work, dedication, and a balanced approach to both academics and sports, you can pursue your dreams and create a promising future for yourself. Stay focused, stay positive, and keep working towards your goals.
It's great to hear from a young and ambitious individual like yourself, especially one who's passionate about both academics and sports. Balancing school demands while pursuing a career in sports is undoubtedly a challenge, but it's certainly achievable with the right mindset and dedication. Initially, it was a challenge for my son, but he realized that he wanted more in life other than just sports. First and foremost, prioritize your studies and establish effective time management habits. Create a schedule that allows for focused study sessions alongside dedicated practice and training for basketball. Remember that education is a valuable foundation that can open doors beyond sports. This is what my son had to do and it worked well for him and I hope it works for you as well.
At 13, you've got plenty of time to hone your skills and work towards your dream of becoming a professional basketball player. Focus on developing your basketball abilities through consistent practice and involvement in competitive leagues. Keep in mind that a strong academic background can complement your athletic achievements, providing you with a well-rounded foundation for future success.
Regarding attending college after high school, it's important to note that the path to a professional sports career can vary. While many athletes choose to attend college, others opt for alternative routes such as playing overseas or entering professional leagues directly. Assess your individual goals, consider the opportunities available, and make informed decisions about your future. One thing my son has done and continues to do is enter AAU type tournaments or tournaments that the colleges put as well as skills camps in the summer. This may also help you. However, I would say that college can be a valuable experience both academically and athletically, but it's not the only path to a successful career in basketball.
Remember, Mason, with hard work, dedication, and a balanced approach to both academics and sports, you can pursue your dreams and create a promising future for yourself. Stay focused, stay positive, and keep working towards your goals.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3779
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Mason,
To balance school demands and pursue a career in sports, consider the following steps:
Time management: Prioritize your tasks and create a schedule that allocates time for both academics and sports. This may involve setting specific hours for studying, practicing, and engaging in other extracurricular activities.
Communication: Keep your coaches, teachers, and parents informed about your commitments in both areas. They can help you find ways to manage your time effectively and provide support when needed.
Set realistic goals: Acknowledge that excelling in both academics and sports may be challenging. Set achievable goals for each aspect of your life and be prepared to make adjustments if necessary.
Seek support: Surround yourself with a strong support system, including friends, family, and mentors who can offer guidance and encouragement.
Stay focused: Maintain a clear vision of your long-term goals and stay committed to your aspirations in both sports and academics.
Regarding attending college after high school, it depends on your specific career goals in basketball. Some professional basketball players have attended college, while others have pursued alternative paths. In the United States, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) allows student-athletes to play basketball at the collegiate level while earning a degree. This can provide opportunities for exposure, networking, and potential scholarships. However, there are also professional basketball leagues outside of college, such as the NBA G League and international leagues, which some players choose to enter directly after high school. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual goals, aspirations, and the specific pathway that best aligns with your career objectives in basketball.
GOD BLESS
To balance school demands and pursue a career in sports, consider the following steps:
Time management: Prioritize your tasks and create a schedule that allocates time for both academics and sports. This may involve setting specific hours for studying, practicing, and engaging in other extracurricular activities.
Communication: Keep your coaches, teachers, and parents informed about your commitments in both areas. They can help you find ways to manage your time effectively and provide support when needed.
Set realistic goals: Acknowledge that excelling in both academics and sports may be challenging. Set achievable goals for each aspect of your life and be prepared to make adjustments if necessary.
Seek support: Surround yourself with a strong support system, including friends, family, and mentors who can offer guidance and encouragement.
Stay focused: Maintain a clear vision of your long-term goals and stay committed to your aspirations in both sports and academics.
Regarding attending college after high school, it depends on your specific career goals in basketball. Some professional basketball players have attended college, while others have pursued alternative paths. In the United States, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) allows student-athletes to play basketball at the collegiate level while earning a degree. This can provide opportunities for exposure, networking, and potential scholarships. However, there are also professional basketball leagues outside of college, such as the NBA G League and international leagues, which some players choose to enter directly after high school. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual goals, aspirations, and the specific pathway that best aligns with your career objectives in basketball.
GOD BLESS
Kimberly Martinez
Psychology Researcher
17
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
Hey Mason! Balancing school demands while pursuing a career in sports can be challenging, but it's totally doable. Here are some tips:
Time Management:
- Create a schedule that allocates specific times for schoolwork, practice, and downtime. Stick to it as much as possible.
Set Priorities:
- Identify your academic and sports priorities. Know when to focus on studying and when to dedicate time to basketball.
Use Downtime Wisely:
- Utilize breaks and downtime efficiently. If you have gaps between classes or practice, use that time for quick study sessions or homework.
Stay Organized:
- Keep track of assignments, practices, and games. Use planners or apps to stay organized and ensure you're on top of your responsibilities.
Communicate:
- Communicate with your teachers, coaches, and parents. Let them know about your commitments and work together to find a balance.
As for pursuing a career in basketball, it's fantastic that you have a goal at such a young age! While many professional athletes attend college, it's not the only path. Some players go directly into professional leagues or overseas opportunities. However, if that doesn't happen on your journey straight out of high school, that's okay, it's not the end of the world or your career. I still think if you love basketball and want to pursue it, you can always go on to community college path. Many athletes have taken this route and found success, like Avery Johnson, Ben Wallace, Dennis Rodman, Steve Francis, Jimmy Butler and probably more. Either way it is always an option having a strong educational foundation is always valuable, so it's worth considering your options.
If you're aiming for a college basketball scholarship, maintaining good grades and showcasing your skills on the court will be crucial. It's a personal decision, so think about what aligns best with your goals and values.
Remember, it's important to enjoy the journey and have fun playing the game. Keep working hard, stay dedicated, and enjoy the process of becoming the best player you can be!
Time Management:
- Create a schedule that allocates specific times for schoolwork, practice, and downtime. Stick to it as much as possible.
Set Priorities:
- Identify your academic and sports priorities. Know when to focus on studying and when to dedicate time to basketball.
Use Downtime Wisely:
- Utilize breaks and downtime efficiently. If you have gaps between classes or practice, use that time for quick study sessions or homework.
Stay Organized:
- Keep track of assignments, practices, and games. Use planners or apps to stay organized and ensure you're on top of your responsibilities.
Communicate:
- Communicate with your teachers, coaches, and parents. Let them know about your commitments and work together to find a balance.
As for pursuing a career in basketball, it's fantastic that you have a goal at such a young age! While many professional athletes attend college, it's not the only path. Some players go directly into professional leagues or overseas opportunities. However, if that doesn't happen on your journey straight out of high school, that's okay, it's not the end of the world or your career. I still think if you love basketball and want to pursue it, you can always go on to community college path. Many athletes have taken this route and found success, like Avery Johnson, Ben Wallace, Dennis Rodman, Steve Francis, Jimmy Butler and probably more. Either way it is always an option having a strong educational foundation is always valuable, so it's worth considering your options.
If you're aiming for a college basketball scholarship, maintaining good grades and showcasing your skills on the court will be crucial. It's a personal decision, so think about what aligns best with your goals and values.
Remember, it's important to enjoy the journey and have fun playing the game. Keep working hard, stay dedicated, and enjoy the process of becoming the best player you can be!
Thank you. I really appreciate this.
Mason
Karin P.
Lecturer
378
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Mason,
You got already good tips how to combine being an athlete with being a student. I won't repeat that. Time management is key. Many other student athletes have done it successfully before you, and so can YOU!
You don't HAVE to attend college of course, but why would you not want to attend college given the chance?
I would look at it this way: if you want to play ball, play ball and enjoy the game. But the probability to make it to the MBA is 0.03%, meaning of the 156000 guys playing ball in high-school only 44 will be drafted. Of the men playing in college, 1.2% go on to the MBA. Maybe you are that rare supertalent, maybe not. Also, you could have a career-ending injury before you make it big. So, you need a Plan B.
College can give you a Plan B. You could study sports to stay in that theme and aim to become e.g. a coach. Or you could study business, management or marketing. You could become a sports manager or own a team. You could study journalism and go on to a career in sports reporting.
Even if you have a career in the MBA it won't last forever, you need to build a brand, make smart business decisions, handle your money wisely etc. Of course you can also study anything else that you are interested in and have a career unrelated to the sports world.
Also, college is important for your own growth as a person. There is much more to life and how you see it than throwing a ball or having any other skill set to make a living. As a college athlete you would have the opportunity to go to college and not worry about debt. Use it!
I hope this helps! Good luck on your path wherever it might take you!
KP
You got already good tips how to combine being an athlete with being a student. I won't repeat that. Time management is key. Many other student athletes have done it successfully before you, and so can YOU!
You don't HAVE to attend college of course, but why would you not want to attend college given the chance?
I would look at it this way: if you want to play ball, play ball and enjoy the game. But the probability to make it to the MBA is 0.03%, meaning of the 156000 guys playing ball in high-school only 44 will be drafted. Of the men playing in college, 1.2% go on to the MBA. Maybe you are that rare supertalent, maybe not. Also, you could have a career-ending injury before you make it big. So, you need a Plan B.
College can give you a Plan B. You could study sports to stay in that theme and aim to become e.g. a coach. Or you could study business, management or marketing. You could become a sports manager or own a team. You could study journalism and go on to a career in sports reporting.
Even if you have a career in the MBA it won't last forever, you need to build a brand, make smart business decisions, handle your money wisely etc. Of course you can also study anything else that you are interested in and have a career unrelated to the sports world.
Also, college is important for your own growth as a person. There is much more to life and how you see it than throwing a ball or having any other skill set to make a living. As a college athlete you would have the opportunity to go to college and not worry about debt. Use it!
I hope this helps! Good luck on your path wherever it might take you!
KP
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1512
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you would like to be professional basketball player. As far as I know, there is sports related subjects in colleges, e.g. Sport Science, Sport Management, Physical Education, etc. It really subject to your interest on these subjects. Since you are only 13 years old, you still have time to explore more before making the decision. For the time being, you need to have a good time management to balance between your school work and practise basketball.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Find a time management tool that suitable to you, e.g. Google Calendar, MS Outlook, Phone Calendar, etc.
2. Put in the time you need to attend school
3. Allocate the time for basketball practise
4. Assign some time everyone for your assignment and revision
5. Make sure you have enough time to sleep and rest
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Find a time management tool that suitable to you, e.g. Google Calendar, MS Outlook, Phone Calendar, etc.
2. Put in the time you need to attend school
3. Allocate the time for basketball practise
4. Assign some time everyone for your assignment and revision
5. Make sure you have enough time to sleep and rest
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
392
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
Almost all professional basketball players go to - and play in - college. In fact, that's where most of the professional teams recruit from. So while technically you do not HAVE to go to college, it's in your best interest, for many reasons, some of which are:
1) a good education is always desired
2) four years of being coached and learning the skills for the game
3) exposure to pro teams and the world
4) It's possible you'll find something in college you love more than basketball
5) at 18, you're really too young/small to play pro ball.
and probably many more reasons I'm just not thinking of.
1) a good education is always desired
2) four years of being coached and learning the skills for the game
3) exposure to pro teams and the world
4) It's possible you'll find something in college you love more than basketball
5) at 18, you're really too young/small to play pro ball.
and probably many more reasons I'm just not thinking of.
Thank you for giving me advice.
Mason