"Basketball-only" athletes? PLEASE READ!!!

[Football24_7]

To those of you that have dads or coaches that, in thinking they know what's best for you, have encouraged you to "concentrate on one sport" as your best chance for that "basketball scholarship," I would ask you to read this (it came from the coach of UT's Chris Lofton's at Mason Co., Dave Buchanan)...

"We have great thing going with HS football in our state. Tuesday, Feb. 8 at Rupp Arena, Chris Lofton, a former KY HS football all stater, scored 31 to lead the Vols to a win. Chris is physically bigger and stronger than ever and continues to be committed to the WEIGHTROOM!

His coach, Bruce Pearl, HAS THE BASKETBALL TEAM LIFT WITH THE FOOTBALL PLAYERS AT UT!!! He is one of the best basketball players in the country, maybe the best shooter, AND HE PLAYED FOUR YEARS OF HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL IN ADDITION TO BASKETBALL !!!!!!!!!

Another KY HS product AND HS BASKETBALL-FOOTBALL PLAYER was introduced at the game, Jared Lorenzen, who is currently in the NFL. Then, another Ky. HS BASKETBALL-FOOTBALL PLAYER, Tim Couch (who was the #1 pick in the NFL draft), was also in attendance at Rupp last night.

Not to mention, the NFL MVP played in the Super Bowl on Sunday - another product of KY HS football- Shaun Alexander.

We are dominating the High School Football All-Star game with football power Tennessee (something that CAN'T be said for our basketball series with Indiana), our coaches are being recruited to coach in college and at high schools in tradition-rich football states, and our kids are being recruited by the best programs in the country like never before."

I would go further and add the following:
* if you are an above average athlete, you should play what gives you the BEST CHANCE at a scholarship at the next level.
* there are MILLIONS of "good athletes" playing HS basketball hoping for that full-ride...

* BUT...in basketball there are only FIFTEEN scholarships per team
* in Football, there are EIGHTY-FIVE scholaraships per team!!!

* In basketball, if you are under 6'5, you either have to be a PROLIFIC OUTSIDE SHOOTER (better average in the high 20s -- like a Chris Lofton) or be one of the QUICKEST HUMANS YOUR AGE IN THE COUNTRY (like Rondo) to get that full-ride.
* In football, if you are just 6'1 or 6'2 AND are athletic, the COLLEGE FOOTBALL programs WANT YOU BADLY!!! They look at you as someone that can be a TALL RECEIVER over those short, quick corners or someone that could put on some weight and be a STUD RUNNING BACK or DEFENSIVE BACK!
And if you are 6'3 or 6'4...WHOA!!!! They will REALLLLY want you!!!

* Many that are over 6'5 think, "I'll be wanted because I'm a 'big man' and everybody needs those." Well, look at the college basketball game today...the POINT GUARDS are getting to be 6'4 or 6'5 (and they're ATHLETIC!). The 3 and 4 men are 6'6 - 6'9 (and they're as athletic as GUARDS!!!). You pretty much need to be 6'10 or better to be considered a full-scholarship "big-man" anymore. You 6'9 guys that dominate down low in high school, I've got two words for you: Lukash Orzbut!!! They won't want you...there are too many "Randolph Morris's" they let play EVEN THOUGH THEY MAKE STUPID DECISIONS.
* HOWEVER, if you are 6'5 - 6'9, college FOOTBALL programs won't even care if you're NO GOOD or haven't played much football -- THEY LOVE SIZE!!! They need offensive linemen with BIG, LONG ARMS (they don't even care how STRONG you are in High School -- they know they can put strength on you in college!). You are almost GUARANTEED a full-ride (remember, they give EIGHTY-FIVE FULL-SCHOLARSHIPS per division 1 team...and they give SIXTY-FIVE FULL-RIDES per Div. 1AA team!!!!) if you are 6'5 or better and willing to play offensive lineman -- EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT VERY GOOD AT FOOTBALL RIGHT NOW -- THEY DON'T CARE!!!!
* Then, if you're 6'5 or better, actually are fairly quick and fast for your size, and have HANDS TO CATCH (as most basketball players would), they will want you as a TIGHT END!!! Now, you get to CATCH THE BALL and score TOUCHDOWNS!!
* If you're 6'6 and above-average high school basketball player -- you're looking at 4 years of NAIA basketball in gyms with 2,000 people MAYBE.
* If you're 6'6 and just an "okay" football player in hs -- you're looking at playing at in the BIG TEN or SEC in FOOTBALL!!!!

So why not TRY football this year after basketball is over?

GOOD football coaches will allow their players to shoot and work on their basketball game DURING football season as long as it's not during football practice. GOOD football coaches will work around your summer basketball leagues and games to let you do those for your bball team.

What have you got to lose?

If you choose NOT to try football, what you may be losing is your BEST chance at a FULL-RIDE to college...and you never know, maybe even like Jared, Tim, or Shaun, a chance to play in the NFL!!! (How many tremendous HS BASKETBALL players from Ky. are making it to the NBA????????)

[Falcons#23BS]

well im shi* outta look then for the football scholarship because im only 5'9

[THUNDERCHILD]

Bobby Knight, when recruiting always asked to see a kids football film before he ever looked at his basketball footage.

[Falcons#23BS]

i would never play for bobby knight if he offered me to play in the nba

[Big_Ben#7]

Why FBS?...Bobby Knight is one of the greatest coaches of all time

[-STAT-]

Tubby Smith I would have to say is a horrible recruiter. Yeah last years class was a great class but look what they have done this year 15-8? 3 SEC Home Losses since the 88-89 season? Not the kind of numbers for the winningest team in college bball history. And he is not a motivator, if he could motivate his kids then they would be winning alot more games than losing to the likes of Vandy and BAMA. As far as Lofton goes, he should be in UK Blue but of course Tubby didnt even make the oppurtunity to Recruit him and now look at him scoring 31 againist UK and laughing at us probably. lol

[Super_de]

Could i say something? i know tubby should have tried to get Chris lofton but look what the last 2 mr kentucky basketball's has done? Josh Carrier and Brandon Stockton. Could ya not blame him?

[-STAT-]

Well Lofton would have atleast got playing time unlike Carrier and Stockton. Lofton is a way better player than those two Mr. Basketballs.

[Patton19]

lol Im 6'6 without shoes,play football and basketball but lol i dont think theres any hope for me in college sports.lol

[KentuckyHillBilly5321]

Great post at the top.

Kids should have fun while they are young.

And--it seems like basketball coaches are the ones who always demand that their kids ONLY play basketball.

Please kids--have fun now while you are young. Don't wait until you are out of school and wonder if you would have been any good at playing a different sport. Chances are, if you are good at basketball, you could be good at another sport.

And remember--the one thing that basketball coaches DO NOT TELL YOU is that the odds are definitely against you. A basketball team gets 13 scholarships. A football team gives 85. And big, tall, lanky athletes are WANTED in football. They are a dime a dozen in basketball.

Use your head. Don't let the coach make all of your decisions for you.

[Falcons#23BS]

i just don't like bobby knights attitude and they he used to treat his players

[Cameron Crazy]

Most kid's are pushed twards a college scholarship, which in some cases, isnt a bad thing - but I agree, they should have fun while they can and Enjoy it, it will not last forever.

[Football24_7]

i just don't like bobby knights attitude and they he used to treat his players

How does this thread end up becoming an ICQ discussion between 2 people and their views on Bobby Knight's "attitude?"

[Falcons#23BS]

true im sorry i got off subject of the thread...i was just expressing what i felt about what Big Ben had said it wont happen again

[NEXT]

Great post at the top.

Kids should have fun while they are young.

And--it seems like basketball coaches are the ones who always demand that their kids ONLY play basketball.

Please kids--have fun now while you are young. Don't wait until you are out of school and wonder if you would have been any good at playing a different sport. Chances are, if you are good at basketball, you could be good at another sport.

And remember--the one thing that basketball coaches DO NOT TELL YOU is that the odds are definitely against you. A basketball team gets 13 scholarships. A football team gives 85. And big, tall, lanky athletes are WANTED in football. They are a dime a dozen in basketball.

Use your head. Don't let the coach make all of your decisions for you.


I don't know where you live at but around here its football coaches that influence kids to play only football. I know for a fact that this year a kid was asked to go ahead and have a minor surgery during baskebtall season so he could be ready for spring football practice. This kid is a starter on the freshmen and JV basketball team. Football is not the only sport.........


And odds are not against you, there are 5 times the amount of schools that play basketball D-1(118 football vs 334 basketball) alone, That number grows as you drop level D-II, D-III, NAIA because schools don't have football.

WAKE UP, there is more to life than football.........

[DTA]

That is a very good point next. I did not realize there were that many bball schools.

[Football24_7]

And odds are not against you, there are 5 times the amount of schools that play basketball D-1(118 football vs 334 basketball)

Huh? My math must be off...334 according to my calculator is NOT 5 times 118.

But that aside, let's go with the numbers you've got here. It seems you're forgetting that basketball at those 334 schools only offers THIRTEEN full-scholarships while Football at those 118 schools offers EIGHTY-FIVE full-scholarships. The math follows:

BASKETBALL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE:
334 schools x 13 scholarships = 4,342 full-rides

DIVISION 1 FOOTBALL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE:
118 schools x 85 scholarships = 10,030 FULL RIDES!!!!!!!!!!!

So the odds ARE against you...

...BUT WAIT!!!

You're also leaving out DIVISION 1AA FOOTBALL (which gives SIXTY-FIVE full-scholarships per school)...there are 119 of those!!!!

DIVISION 1AA FOOTBALL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE:
119 schools x 65 scholarships = 7,735 full rides

THAT MEANS THAT BETWEEN DIVISION 1 AND DIVISION 1AA FOOTBALL, THERE ARE
17,765 FULL RIDES IN THE U.S. FOR FOOTBALL!!!! (compared to only 4,342 in basketball).

That number grows as you drop level D-II, D-III, NAIA because schools don't have football.

(Remember, it was FULL-SCHOLARSHIPS, that the initial post was about. But I'll address this point too).

D-II and NAIA: Those schools have maybe THREE "full-scholarships" in basketball to offer per school (would find exact number, but the NCAA website is down). Many of those same schools have football too, and while there are more of those schools that play basketball, those football schools again are given more full-rides to use.

Again, the multiplier would get you...smaller number of football schools times the number of full-rides given and I think you'll see that there is even more money given out at those lower levels.

Plus, factor in that MOST of these D-II and NAIA schools are small, PRIVATE colleges. If they give ANY athletic scholarship, it is a DROP IN THE BUCKET compared to the overall cost of the school. That's why I limited my discussion to how many more FULL scholarships there are out there for 6'1 or taller athletes.

(And, by the way, Division III doesn't give ANY athletic money...so it doesn't matter how many more bball than football schools there are at that level).

WAKE UP, there is more to life than football.........

This line proves you COMPLETELY missed the point and are answering in a DEFENSIVE tone.

The original post was to point out that's there more to life than BASKETBALL to kids who are getting bad advice that "there ISN'T more to life than BASKETBALL."

Football coaches (maybe not where YOU are, but DEFEINTELY where I have been associated) WANT their players to play other sports because it EXPANDS THEIR OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL -- not to mention, it allows them to be a KID and PLAY other things (and not a "professional" concentrating on one -- which may actually end up HURTING their chances for a scholarship in the long run!).

If there are football coaches out there that DO discourage their kids from playing another sport, shame on them.

The only time I can see what you mentioned (recommending surgery during winter to get ready for football) would be if that kid had a GREAT SHOT at a football scholarship but needed a GREAT senior football season...AND he had NO SHOT at getting anything in basketball.

In the best interests of KIDS (not "my" sport),
Football24_7

PS...just because football is my FIRST passion, doesn't mean I favor it over what's best for kids (and, I played THREE sports per year while I was in high school...basketball was one of them).

[Football24_7]

Just curious...

Question to all basketball players (current and former) that read this board...were you ever encouraged by a BASKETBALL coach to "just concentrate on basketball?"

Same question to any athlete...were you ever encouraged by ANY sport coach to concentrate on JUST their sport?

[Cameron Crazy]

@ Football24_7

I have personally been asked, and also I've seen the coach for a football team make a kid pick between Football and Basketball, which in my opinion - is WRONG.

[ANNIE OKLEY]

It should not happen! I know of one school here in the area that the basketball coach told the skill players in football, if they wanted to just set the pine they should stay out and play football. But if they wanted to get PT, quit and get in the gym. And of course they quit, because this school has never had a good football team and never will with coach's that pull this kind of crap.

[DTA]

Lets be real for a moment. Do you honestly think a if a kid was very good at basketball and the coach said he better not play football, the basketball coach would sit him out if he played? Coaches love to win and they will do what it takes to win. If that kid does not go out for football apparently he did not want to play in the first place so he used the coach as an excuse. I loved all 3 sports and I never cared what a coach said about the other sports because I was going to play regardless. Do not make this an issue between coaches and sports beacuse to play or not to play is an individuals choice with input from the parents!! I have seen firsthand good athletes not wanting to play football but they were begged to play by the fball coaches so they would tell everyone that the bball coach told us not to play to get them off their back

[Cameron Crazy]

I differ with your opinion, I'm pretty sure the Coach of basketball would want his star player with him at all times, practicing to get better than other teams. He would do what it takes to make him quit the other sport just to play for him.

[Thug_24]

I'm just going say play the game you love. because after HS all thats going to be gone and you will never play another HS game in your life. But if you knoe that you have a chance to get a scholarship for one sport I'll would probably go for it.

[Golden Toothpick]

I don't know where you live at but around here its football coaches that influence kids to play only football. I know for a fact that this year a kid was asked to go ahead and have a minor surgery during baskebtall season so he could be ready for spring football practice. This kid is a starter on the freshmen and JV basketball team. Football is not the only sport.........


And odds are not against you, there are 5 times the amount of schools that play basketball D-1(118 football vs 334 basketball) alone, That number grows as you drop level D-II, D-III, NAIA because schools don't have football.

WAKE UP, there is more to life than football.........Its been my experience that many football coaches love getting basketball players for free safety, wide-outs, tight-ends, etc. but balk when their running backs may be needed as a D stopper for basketball, feel like they are wasting their time and should only be lifting.

[DTA]

Do you think if JJ Reddick told Coach K he was going to play football Coach K would say "I will sit you on the bench if you do".? I do not think so. A coach cannot keep a kid from playing anything. If a bball coach can keep a kid from playing fball then that kid loves bball more than fball. If a fball coach can do the same that kid loves football more than bball. If the kid has good parents then this problem never occurrs because a coach of any sport would never and I mean NEVER tell a child of mine he could not play a different sport. Once again, it is a kids decision and they ususally make it and blame the coach. Lets face it fball coaches need bball players because of skill positions and if they do not play the fball coaches are upset and blame guess who? Coaches are demanding people and when they do not get what they want they are ususally pretty upset.:coach:

[BLACK_N_GOLD]

Bobby Knight, when recruiting always asked to see a kids football film before he ever looked at his basketball footage.

now son i believe thats a bold face lie ur just trying to go along with the thread and post whatever you please so u bite ur tongue.:ref2:

[NEXT]

Huh? My math must be off...334 according to my calculator is NOT 5 times 118.

But that aside, let's go with the numbers you've got here. It seems you're forgetting that basketball at those 334 schools only offers THIRTEEN full-scholarships while Football at those 118 schools offers EIGHTY-FIVE full-scholarships. The math follows:

BASKETBALL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE:
334 schools x 13 scholarships = 4,342 full-rides

DIVISION 1 FOOTBALL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE:
118 schools x 85 scholarships = 10,030 FULL RIDES!!!!!!!!!!!

So the odds ARE against you...

...BUT WAIT!!!

You're also leaving out DIVISION 1AA FOOTBALL (which gives SIXTY-FIVE full-scholarships per school)...there are 119 of those!!!!

DIVISION 1AA FOOTBALL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE:
119 schools x 65 scholarships = 7,735 full rides

THAT MEANS THAT BETWEEN DIVISION 1 AND DIVISION 1AA FOOTBALL, THERE ARE
17,765 FULL RIDES IN THE U.S. FOR FOOTBALL!!!! (compared to only 4,342 in basketball).



(Remember, it was FULL-SCHOLARSHIPS, that the initial post was about. But I'll address this point too).

D-II and NAIA: Those schools have maybe THREE "full-scholarships" in basketball to offer per school (would find exact number, but the NCAA website is down). Many of those same schools have football too, and while there are more of those schools that play basketball, those football schools again are given more full-rides to use.

Again, the multiplier would get you...smaller number of football schools times the number of full-rides given and I think you'll see that there is even more money given out at those lower levels.

Plus, factor in that MOST of these D-II and NAIA schools are small, PRIVATE colleges. If they give ANY athletic scholarship, it is a DROP IN THE BUCKET compared to the overall cost of the school. That's why I limited my discussion to how many more FULL scholarships there are out there for 6'1 or taller athletes.

(And, by the way, Division III doesn't give ANY athletic money...so it doesn't matter how many more bball than football schools there are at that level).



This line proves you COMPLETELY missed the point and are answering in a DEFENSIVE tone.

The original post was to point out that's there more to life than BASKETBALL to kids who are getting bad advice that "there ISN'T more to life than BASKETBALL."

Football coaches (maybe not where YOU are, but DEFEINTELY where I have been associated) WANT their players to play other sports because it EXPANDS THEIR OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL -- not to mention, it allows them to be a KID and PLAY other things (and not a "professional" concentrating on one -- which may actually end up HURTING their chances for a scholarship in the long run!).

If there are football coaches out there that DO discourage their kids from playing another sport, shame on them.

The only time I can see what you mentioned (recommending surgery during winter to get ready for football) would be if that kid had a GREAT SHOT at a football scholarship but needed a GREAT senior football season...AND he had NO SHOT at getting anything in basketball.

In the best interests of KIDS (not "my" sport),
Football24_7

PS...just because football is my FIRST passion, doesn't mean I favor it over what's best for kids (and, I played THREE sports per year while I was in high school...basketball was one of them).


There are 1491 basketball playing colleges/univ. at the NCAA, NAIA, NCCAA, USCAA, and CIS levels. Thats not counting the NJCAA.

[Football24_7]

There are 1491 basketball playing colleges/univ. at the NCAA, NAIA, NCCAA, USCAA, and CIS levels. Thats not counting the NJCAA.

NEXT,
But remember, this post is about ADULTS trying to influence young, impressionable KIDS that they should focus on ONE sport.

That when they do so, it is SHORT-SIGHTED (not worried about the kid's FUTURE), it is SELF-SERVING (giving THEIR sport the best chance to win without considering what COULD be best for the kid), and it is often MISLEADING (for instance, stating ONLY the numbers of bball-playing colleges there are and leaving out the total NUMBERS OF SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE at those schools as compared to FOOTBALL).

Your points, I feel, continue to be of the MISLEADING type.

The point of my original thread, was to point out that bball doesn't offer anywhere near the same SCHOLARSHIP opportunity for athletes 6'0 or so taller. That if you've been told so by a coach or someone else, you should at least have the FACTS as to what's out there.

And BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE (hs graduation), YOU SHOULD AT LEAST CONSIDER -- WITH ALL THE **FACTS** AVAILABLE -- TRYING HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL since it DOES -- by the FACTS -- offer the MOST scholarship opportunities for taller athletes.

It is NOT to simply argue HOW MANY colleges play which sport.

To really make the counter-argument here, you've got to provide some APPLES-TO-APPLES numbers. You just keep saying how many SCHOOLS there are that offer basketball. To make your argument better, you would need to give some NUMBERS of
* FULL scholarships available at all those bball schools (and remember, those numbers go WAAAAAAAAYYYYY down as you go down the ladder to NAIA, NCAA D-2, USCAA, and CIS...also remember, there are FOOTBALL PROGRAMS at many of those schools that also give scholarships -- and give more than their counterparts in basketball per school).
* PARTIAL scholarships given at all those bball schools WITH the difference in cost-out-of-pocket to families (since MOST of those schools offering partials are PRIVATE colleges).
* then, give COMPARE those numbers DIRECTLY with football (and not in some "misleading" way).

In the best interest of the futures of KIDS (and not just "my sport"),
Football24_7

[Football24_7]

Lets be real for a moment. Do you honestly think a if a kid was very good at basketball and the coach said he better not play football, the basketball coach would sit him out if he played?

No, I do not...and I have seen it play out in real life as you say.

BUT...

...this thread is about how ADULTS can be INFLUENTIAL to KIDS...NOT that bball coaches purposefully DON'T PLAY their best players if they play bball (I don't recall that ever even being a point made anywhere in the thread -- though I do know for a FACT of certain bball coaches that DO tell kids considering football that "it will hurt your chances at more playing time/starting/etc." if they're playing football and missing out on the first few weeks of bball practice at the very beginning...and then, as you say, they play them ANYWAY!!! Proving they were just saying it to be MISLEADING and LIE to a KID for their own SELF-SERVING reasons).

I loved all 3 sports and I never cared what a coach said about the other sports because I was going to play regardless. Do not make this an issue between coaches and sports beacuse to play or not to play is an individuals choice with input from the parents!!

But isn't it somewhat naive, don't you think, to assume that EVERY kid is as 1) self-assured as you were and 2) blessed with parents who realize the real facts about what opportunities are out there in athletics beyond HS?

I have seen firsthand good athletes not wanting to play football but they were begged to play by the fball coaches so they would tell everyone that the bball coach told us not to play to get them off their back

Perfectly understand that, and agree, FOOTBALL ISN'T FOR EVERYONE! FB coaches should TRY to encourage the best athletes in their school to try football, I believe,
1...because it can help the OTHER football players on their team achieve the best season possible
2...because it could open up opportunities beyond HS that "concentrating on one sport" MIGHT not.

But you're right, if the kid does not WANT to try football, he should never be HASSLED about it beyond being asked and presented with the potential advantages of doing so.

But, as I'll concede that, wouldn't YOU concede that a BBALL coach should never be INFLUENCED by a bball coach to "concentrate on JUST bball?"

If you can't concede that, would you mind stating why?

Thanks, and in the best interest of kids (not just "my sport"),
Football24_7

[Football24_7]

Do you think if JJ Reddick told Coach K he was going to play football Coach K would say "I will sit you on the bench if you do".? I do not think so. A coach cannot keep a kid from playing anything.
I don't either. But this thread is about HIGH SCHOOL KIDS and HS BBALL PLAYERS that might not be giving themselves the best opportunity for college. I'm confused as to how your point ties in to that?


If a bball coach can keep a kid from playing fball then that kid loves bball more than fball. If a fball coach can do the same that kid loves football more than bball.
Not necessarily. The kid is, by the definition of being a kid...a KID! That means he does NOT (for the GREAT majority of kids) have the experience, knowledge, etc. to make clear decisions for HIMSELF. They are more often ruled by what feels right at the time.

And, kids trust ADULTS that appear to have knowledge beyond their own.

I feel that sometimes adults abuse this trust when they try to influence kids to "concentrate on one sport." And I think when a kid hears this, he should ask what that adult's TRUE motive is.

And, if a FOOTBALL coach tried to influence LeBron James that he should take the risk of injury and play FOOTBALL in addition to basketball, he is being SELF-SERVING TOO!!! LeBron is DEFINITELY DESTINED for basketball success at a higher level. I'm writing to kids whose destiny in bball is NOT that certain...NOT to defend football coaches' rights to influence kids THEIR way.

If the kid has good parents then this problem never occurrs
So is your point that ALL kids today have "good parents?"

I would say even the kids that have "good parents" aren't totally informed of the scholarship opportunities out there for football athletes.

My post was for kids that NEED good, factual advice about their future. If a kid has parents that DO know all that stuff, they don't need to waste time reading this thread...they've gotten the information from a much better source!

because a coach of any sport would never and I mean NEVER tell a child of mine he could not play a different sport. Once again, it is a kids decision and they ususally make it and blame the coach.
I'm VERY glad for YOUR kids (I'm NOT being facetious about that; I really AM thankful there are parents out there looking out for their kids' best interests). Unfortunately though, and if you work with kids every day like I do, I think you would agree that 1) kids don't always have great support from their parents and 2) that if left to a "kids decision," they won't always do what's best for them in the LONG RUN (since they are KIDS, after all).

Lets face it fball coaches need bball players because of skill positions and if they do not play the fball coaches are upset and blame guess who?
No argument here.

But my point is being made NOT to keep football coaches from "being upset" at not getting a kid. It's ONE-HUNDRED PERCENT to prevent any KID out there from being "upset" if one day they don't get that "basketball scholarship" they were misled into thinking they could get, and all the time, if they'd just have tried football, they MIGHT have gotten something in that sport to further their education (because, as I think I've proven with the numbers, there ARE greater opportunities out there for $$ in football).

Coaches are demanding people and when they do not get what they want they are ususally pretty upset.:coach:
Understand that well too...exactly why I think many bball coaches don't like their kids to know the real opportunities that exist out there for football. They get REALLLLLY upset in my experience when their best player or players aren't there on October 15 for the first day of bball practice -- they are coaches...and as you say, they are demanding people. But when that "demand" for winning is done at the expense of what's REALLY best in the long run for that kid, they have NO RIGHT to be "upset."

Just like a football coach would have no right to be 'upset' if the kid he tried to get to play says no when he has a MUCH better chance for a better opportunity in bball if that's all he plays (but I think there are VERY few kids i the whole country that fit in that category!).

Again, in the best interest of KIDS (not just "my sport"),
Football24_7

[rambo]

i would never play for bobby knight if he offered me to play in the nba well i dont think you need to worry bout that any time soon!!!

[Football24_7]

Next?

Wondering if you had come up with those comparitive numbers?

[NEXT]

No not yet but I will. Scholarships also diminish greatly in football after the 1-AA level.

[Football24_7]

No not yet but I will. Scholarships also diminish greatly in football after the 1-AA level.

Thanks for looking into that...I'm looking forward to seeing the numbers myself (tried over the weekend at a bookstore and couldn't find anything specific).

Also, I'm glad to see we can have a CIVIL debate of ideas on a message board without it turning into something "personal" or ugly.

I'm REALLY just hoping to get real FACTS out to kids whose FUTURE might be helped...whether it's best for "my sport" or not doesn't matter.

Again, appreciate your civility.

[NEXT]

Thanks for looking into that...I'm looking forward to seeing the numbers myself (tried over the weekend at a bookstore and couldn't find anything specific).

Also, I'm glad to see we can have a CIVIL debate of ideas on a message board without it turning into something "personal" or ugly.

I'm REALLY just hoping to get real FACTS out to kids whose FUTURE might be helped...whether it's best for "my sport" or not doesn't matter.

Again, appreciate your civility.


I am a basketball guy and nothing in the world compares to MARCH MADNESS BUT college football is my favorite sport from week 1 to the championship.


It will be hard to get accurate numbers but I will try my best.

[KentuckyHillBilly5321]

I don't know where you live at but around here its football coaches that influence kids to play only football. I know for a fact that this year a kid was asked to go ahead and have a minor surgery during baskebtall season so he could be ready for spring football practice. This kid is a starter on the freshmen and JV basketball team. Football is not the only sport.........


And odds are not against you, there are 5 times the amount of schools that play basketball D-1(118 football vs 334 basketball) alone, That number grows as you drop level D-II, D-III, NAIA because schools don't have football.

WAKE UP, there is more to life than football.........


Next--you need to read your own posts and realize that your "basketball only" mentality is much worse than where I am coming from.

Did you ever stop to account for the fact that there is also D1A, D2, D3, NAIA football as well? Do the math--there is a LOT more scholarship spots available for football in comparison with basketball. Like I said--do the math before you spout off about things that you obviously know nothing about.

And the funny thing is--you ASSUMED that I was against basketball. I am not. I come from the "play every sport and be an athlete" mentality.

But--it is my experience--(12 years coaching 3 different sports) that BASKETBALL coaches and programs are BY FAR THE WORST at trying to get kids to concentrate on one sport--to the point where they threaten to kick the kids off the team. You don't see that from football alot.

I am at a school where football is KING--8 state championships in the past 15 years--and we ENCOURAGE all of our kids to play as many sports as possible WITHOUT RETRIBUTION. But--the other school that I coach at--will not even allow their basketball players to run track (which would REALLY help with their conditioning or jump--which would help with other areas of the game).

You need to do a little more research before you ASSUME anything about me or my thought process. I would say that your post was pretty weak considering that you have no clue who I am or what I think.

[KentuckyHillBilly5321]

No not yet but I will. Scholarships also diminish greatly in football after the 1-AA level.

Ah--maybe in title--but not in reality.

Trust me--these small colleges give "acamdemic" scholarships to kids who are football players--and don't necessary make good grades. And remember--even if they do give these kids a little money--they are still paying a lot of money to go there. And--when you do the math--most teams (small college) have over 100 players--times 25,000 a year (and a lot of times more)--the colleges are making a LOT of money off these guys--even if they get partials.

[DTA]

Fball 24 7, It appears to me that you no from experience that JUST bball coaches LIE and MISLEAD KIDS to keep them in only one sport. I cannot believe those irresponsible bball coaches, they need to be fired! Would you allow a coach of any sport to control what your kid played? I do not think so but if you did then you are not much of a parent. You also said this is high school sports dealing with high school kids, I think those HS kids turn into college kids if I am not badly informed. I would also like to ask you this, I have witnessed fball coaches BEG kids to play fball(not just bball players), how does that coach feel if that kid plays and breaks a leg or something when he had no interest in playing but he was BEGGED by the coach. I can tell you, that coach would have no remorse because it was "part of the game". Let kids play what they want when they want. The bottom line is if that kid wants to play he will play,whether it be bball,fball,soccer or even cheerleading....it is his or her decision. I just think scholarship numbers are a way to try coherse KIDS into playing. One last thing, Do you think it professional for a coach to call a kid %#$** for not playing a sport? Seen it,heard it,looked down on it. I agree with your numbers of scholarships but not your speech.:nope:

[Football24_7]

Fball 24 7, It appears to me that you no from experience that JUST bball coaches LIE and MISLEAD KIDS to keep them in only one sport.
Please, find ONE example in ANY post I've put on here that said "JUST bball coaches LIE and MISLEAD KIDS." You can't. I didn't.

I DO know (K-n-o-W) from experience that SOME bball coaches LIE and MISLEAD KIDS to keep them in only one sport (BIG difference than accusing me of saying JUST bball coaches lie and mislead kids...actually, I know of a few FOOTBALL coaches that do the same for their sport and baseball coaches too...but notice, this thread was sent to BASKETBALL PLAYERS that MIGHT have more opportunities than they think -- I'm trying to, now get this, HELP some kids expand their opportunities).

Why are you punching at someone trying to HELP kids.

Makes YOU sound a little DEFENSIVE about something you might've done in the past???

I cannot believe those irresponsible bball coaches, they need to be fired! Would you allow a coach of any sport to control what your kid played? I do not think so but if you did then you are not much of a parent.

I don't think they should be FIRED; but I do think if the AD/Principal knows one of his coaches is doing something that might limit a kids' potential future success, I think he/she should be REPRIMANDED and WARNED not to do it again.

You also said this is high school sports dealing with high school kids, I think those HS kids turn into college kids if I am not badly informed.
Yes. I said that when you brought up something about JJ Reddick. That was about a COLLEGE player when this post is about HIGH SCHOOL players missing out on opportunities.

You were bringing "oranges" into a conversation about "apples." If you're unable to understand why my response makes sense, there's no amount of reasoning I can do now to further explain it to where you can understand it.

Let's just leave it at you know high schoolers turn into college kids and we'll allow those that were able to follow my original point to you not to be bored again with me explaining to you why JJ Reddick doesn't help your argument.

I would also like to ask you this, I have witnessed fball coaches BEG kids to play fball(not just bball players), how does that coach feel if that kid plays and breaks a leg or something when he had no interest in playing but he was BEGGED by the coach. I can tell you, that coach would have no remorse because it was "part of the game".

As someone that works with kids training them to become the best athlete they can become, and in doing so puts them in sometimes injury-threatening situations, I can tell you that I have INCREDIBLE sadness for a player that is injured in ANY setting -- but ESPECIALLY one I'm training!!!

But, you've got to remember, that kid is CHOOSING to come to me to make himself his best and give himself the best chance at a scholarship/championship/etc.

The kid that has a FB coach "beg" him to play STILL has the option to say "no, I'm afraid I might get injured and hurt my chances in basketball this season."

If he says "no," and the FB coach FORCES him to play football, and THEN he breaks a leg, then YES, that FB coach SHOULD feel remorse because he FORCED him to play!

Other than THAT scenario, it should be obvious to ANYONE that can follow logic, that if the kid says, "yes," HE is the one taking the RISK involved.

The FB coach may REGRET the fact that the kid got hurt, but I'd say the word REMORSE doesn't fit...that would imply the coach did something UNETHICAL or IMMORAL.

Football is a dangerous sport (as is basketball by the way -- have personally witnessed THREE season-ending basketball injuries this season...saw only ONE during all the football I followed). A kid that CHOOSES to play KNOWS the inherent risks involved...or if they don't, they've not been allowed to watch TV all their life!

Let kids play what they want when they want.
I'm glad we agree on something!!!

The bottom line is if that kid wants to play he will play,whether it be bball,fball,soccer or even cheerleading....it is his or her decision.
Again, we agree.

BUT, I am making the point that there are SOME adults out there (notice, I never say words like "all" or "just bball coaches") that will attempt to coerce a kid into JUST playing bball.

So even though it is ultimately THEIR decision, I think they should have ALL the FACTS from more than ONE PREJUDICED source before making that decision!

Serious question for you: Are you against kids knowing these SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FACTS comparisons?

If so, why would you NOT want them to know?

I just think scholarship numbers are a way to try coherse KIDS into playing.
You're entitled to your opinion. But that's what that is...an OPINION.

What I stated in the ORIGINAL post in this thread were FACTUAL information.

I'm perfectly okay with kids comparing your "opinions" with the real "facts" before they make a decision.

One last thing, Do you think it professional for a coach to call a kid %#$** for not playing a sport? Seen it,heard it,looked down on it. I agree with your numbers of scholarships
No. Completely UNprofessional -- if %#$** means what I think it might mean.

If it means "short-sighted" or "limiting" or "talent-wasting," then I'd say that coach isn't being unprofessional...I'd say he's trying to be honest with the kid to HELP him.

but not your speech.:nope:
WHOA!!! Are you accusing ME of calling a kid %#$**???

If so, please show me where I said anything like that?

[BC75]

good post

[DTA]

Man you need to be coaching D-1 with all of your knowledge and training ability. I bet you used to sell cars for a living because you could sugar coat a turd. I will post once again and this is a fact not an opinion as you say "I loved all 3 sports and I never cared what a coach said about the other sports because I was going to play regardless. Do not make this an issue between coaches and sports beacuse to play or not to play is an individuals choice with input from the parents!! " You give me a team of players that want to play and I will give a team of players that were begged and pleaded to play and you will be fired within a year while I will be building a program.

Crutches are just something to lean on..........just like excuses!!!!!
One last question,how many academic scholarships are available? Just want to make sure that kids no all of their options:confused:

[Football24_7]

Man you need to be coaching D-1 with all of your knowledge and training ability. I bet you used to sell cars for a living because you could sugar coat a turd.
Not sure how putting me down with sarcasm HELPS your argument (glad though, you opted for the use of nonsequitors; it's almost always more effective than the equally well-thought-out "na-na-na-na-NAH-na" defense).

I will post once again and this is a fact not an opinion as you say "I loved all 3 sports and I never cared what a coach said about the other sports because I was going to play regardless. Do not make this an issue between coaches and sports beacuse to play or not to play is an individuals choice with input from the parents!! "
But it IS an issue with SOME kids (maybe not YOU growing up...but your experience is NOT the same as EVERY KIDS'!). My post is about an issue that I have WITNESSED WITH MY OWN EXPERIENCE...and MANY times...in MANY different places in this state. Oh, and there are EXAMPLES posted on this THREAD of kids that bball (and other sports -- which is JUST as bad, in my opinion) coaches tried to convince should not play other sports...FOR SELFISH reasons! [/QUOTE]

You give me a team of players that want to play and I will give a team of players that were begged and pleaded to play and you will be fired within a year while I will be building a program.

I'd love to take you up on that one. Because MY team would be MAINLY kids that LOVE the sport...along with a FEW that were encouraged to play. And then, with my sport's unique ability to pull kids together as a FAMILY, I think those "begged and pleaded" kids would eventually be LOVERS of the sport as well.

You don't see many "team turmoil" type situations in football. You see it many times every season in bball.

Crutches are just something to lean on..........just like excuses!!!!!
This quote (and the one above) seems to imply that you think this thread is some kind of BBALL COACHES vs. FOOTBALL COACHES thing.

It is NOT (please go back and OBJECTIVELY read the original post).

The intent of this whole thing is to point out NUMBERS FACTS to bball kids that MIGHT NOT REALIZE them.

...and where exactly are the excuses (or foul language) you've accused me of?

One last question,how many academic scholarships are available? Just want to make sure that kids no all of their options:confused:
There are MANY academic scholarships (actually, funny you should ask, it's how I was able to afford college! I was NOT a "tall, athletic" kid like the ones this thread is geared toward).

I have no problem at all in mentioning these in this thread.

BUT AGAIN...this thread was about BASKETBALL KIDS THAT MAY BE GETTING HURT BY NOT TRYING FOOTBALL!!!!

If they're HIGH SCHOOL basketball players, IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING that they are "trying academics."

To my knowledge, there are NO coaches of ANY sport telling kids, "hey, I think you should do LESS homework so you can concentrate on getting better at this sport."

So, you have once again said, "WHAT ABOUT ORANGES???!!!" as your rebuttal to a discussion completely about "APPLES."

[syoung]

Bobby Knight could have been a great coach........to be a great coach(or even a decent one) you have to be a good role model.......do you act like Bobby Knight or do you want anyone you know to act like Bobby Knight? He was immature and in bad need of anger management.

[Homer Simpson]

i like that post

[NEXT]

2.65 : 1 scholarship ratio in NCAA football to basketball. Coming from NCAA officer for the Southeast Region. This is just for NCAA, but she believes it would drop if NAIA, etc was included but not below 2.5