We just finished a great Southeast Exposure Combine and I was pleased to say the least.  35 eager young men came and competed, learned, and grew as individuals on 10/20.  I would like to thank our staff for dedicating their time and effort to this event and want to thank the young men for attending.  This was our first event and we expect to continue to hold events of this caliber to help players in the southeast region with exposure and education regarding the game.  The hope from this event was to raise awareness for the players, as well as any collegiate coaches watching.  If you are a coach, be sure to follow Western Carolina Media group on facebook and twitter for the live stream and more information on player standouts.  The athletic aptitude test was cool.  I think once we figured a system out, it ran quite smoothly. For results on the aptitude test, visit our SE exposure site here South East Exposure Combine.  Then we had education seminars touching on injury prevention, strength, conditioning, and advantageous film break down which was great because all serve as intangibles that translate to the next level.  Finally we competed and though we didn't have the time we liked, I was happy with the competition.  I was pleasantly impressed with Luke Taylor of North Henderson.  Luke is a talented, and poised player that has a skill set that surprises you.  Standing at 6'4 with the ability to handle, shoot and defend, this will give him an advantage going into his senior season.  We were also impressed with Devin and D'Angelo Elliot from Carolina Day School who are physically and offensively gifted on all 3 levels.  Ben Beeker of Hendersonville High School is a MAN and I am still scratching my head as to why he is still available (Coaches go watch this guy!!!).  Ben standing at 6'9 has the ability to put the ball on the floor, hit the open jumper, and dominates with his back to the basket.  Look for a fantastic year from Beeker and company!  All in all I can not wait to hold bigger and better event of this caliber and hope to help any player aspiring to play beyond high school get to where they would like to go.

As a trainer, sports commentator, and coach, you begin to see similar traits in athletes.  I have noticed a common trait in the the really good athletes, and that is the ability and want to compete, the ability to never give up, and the innate optimism in any and every situation.  We as coaches, trainers, viewers enjoy testing, challenging and pushing players to see what type of competitor they are.  Coaches that recruit players not only recruit talent and potential, but also your response to challenges.  Do you embrace your challenges with confidence, poise, and grace, or do you shy away, get angry, mope and give up?  These are tell tell signs of a competitor.  Jimmy Butler for the Timberwolves is a competitor.  Jimmy took the 3rd string squad and defeated first string.  In basketball first string usually beats second string and demolishes third so hearing that Jimmy Butler was able to take the third tier group and wipe the floor with the first group is impressive.  What also is impressive, is that Jimmy took third string with confidence and had the mentality "No challenge is too great" and he responded accordingly.  For young players who mope and get angry at the obstacles simulated, planned and created by the coach, just understand that you failed his or her challenge presented to you.  Win, lose or draw you need to compete no matter what with the understanding that with an L comes an opportunity to improve, to find out something about yourself, to never give up and to always compete.