From Cut to Clarity

I still remember the sting of disappointment—year after year—walking away from tryouts with the same results: cut.

From 6th grade through 9th, I gave it everything I had. I’d show up early, stay late, and hustle on every drill. But each time, my name wasn’t on that final list. It wasn’t easy. I didn’t have a trainer. I didn’t have special connections. What I did have was a love for the game and a refusal to quit.

Instead of giving up, I got serious. I studied the game. I picked one player in the NBA who I saw myself in: Richard “Rip” Hamilton. I admired how he moved without the ball, how he never stopped running, and how he made an impact without needing the spotlight. I modeled everything after him—his pace, his footwork, even his conditioning.

I started training myself—running on my own, doing drills in my front porch, watching film right before bed. No shortcuts. No excuses.

By 10th grade, everything clicked. I walked into tryouts for Miramar High School with more confidence than ever. I wasn’t perfect, but I was prepared. And this time, when the list came out…I made it. JV Basketball. Finally.

That moment taught me one thing: sometimes, the best trainer is your own will to improve.

In my next post I’ll break down exactly what I did that final year to transform my game—and how any athlete can do the same.

Stay tuned.