Published in Coach & Athlete November 1973, pg. 16, 36.
 |
Remember back when you were a kid and you had to exert every ounce of strength to push that oversized basketball up into that hoop, which stood so high you could barely reach it. Not only was it difficult, but your shooting techniques probably left much to be desired.
Well, for you, maybe it is a bit too late, but not for your sons, daughters, or future players. There is a phenomenon called Junior Pro Basketball that is sweeping the country. As a result, Junior Pro players score more often, play impressive team basketball, and most important, have more fun.
Basketball is the last sport to organize their facilities for the young people of this nation, and the last to agree that its rules and equipment be adjusted to their needs. The leaders in basketball have long been embarrassed by this lack of concern.
Out of the urgent need has come the foundation of the Junior Pro Basketball Association, headed by none other than the legendary Adolph Rupp. Over 100 of America's finest college coaches comprise the Board of Advisors, and the Association boasts a full time staff of 18 former players and coaches.
The Junior Pro concept is much more than lower goals and smaller balls. It represents a firm emphasis on the promotion and development of youth basketball. It is the finest minds in basketball coupled with the dedication of coaches and youth directors to provide the ultimate in basketball programs.
In only three short years Junior Pro Basketball has reached over 100,000 young players in 43 states through its camps, leagues, drill teams, tournaments, and clinics, not to mention a tremendous number of coaches throughout the country who have taken part. Quite impressive for a young organization.
"The 'young organization' also has a young National Commissioner, Joe Flynn, who at the age of 25, has already traveled the entire United States and spoken at more athletic functions than most people I know," commented Adolph Rupp. "We only hope the Russians don't offer him a better job."
The junior Pro Basketball Association's aggressiveness has certainly led to the incredible expansion. However, "according to Joe Flynn, the success of Junior Pro has been primarily due to the coaches' and recreation leaders' acceptance of the program's philosophy."
"Today the basketball court is one of the best classrooms available to concerned adults to teach youngsters the American way of life. A physical fitness program in an atmosphere conducive to the development of mind and character is what the Junior Pro Basketball is all about. The specific objectives of the program are to famiarize all boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 14 with the fundamentals of basketball, to provide an opportunity to play the game in a supervised, organized, and safety-oriented manner, and to keep the welfare of the participant free of any adult ambition and personal glory.
"Junior Pro Basketball presents to each adult connected with the program a unique opportunity to share in the molding of American youth as practiced on and off the basketball court. Our method ideally teaches the rewards of hard work, develops respect for discipline, and provides an outlet for letting off steam.
"A coach in our Junior Pro Basketball Program fulfills his role best when he realizes that his job is to prepare youngsters for a high schooI coach and teacher. Building the right foundation is half the battle in making a good basketball player.
"Competitive athletics, such as the Junior Pro Basketball Program, offers an excellent opportunity for young boys to satisfy both the drive for social status and the strong desire to be a member of a group. The work of our organization begins at a time when the influence of parents is tending to lessen. The basketball program will make a significant contribution along with the family, the church, and the school in molding young men during their important character-forming years when youngsters first begin to look for such guidance outside the home.
"Junior Pro Basketball offers a coach the best opportunity to develop a good feeder system. Since basketball competition is becoming keener every year, a coach needs to get an early start. The most interesting speech which Coach Rupp has given to date on Junior Pro Basketball was made in Knoxville, Tennessee, Home of UK's most intense rival, the University of Tennessee. 'The only way you folks can ever expect to beat the Kentucky Wildcats is to get Junior Pro going as a feeder system.' The next day Tennessee had a Junior Pro League."
Return to Kentucky Basketball page, Kentucky articles, statistics, team schedules, team rosters, opponents, players, coaches, opposing coaches, games, assistance or search this site.