The Dad posted on January 07, 2011 13:51
The Basketball Connection (The BBC) is proud to welcome James Giles, a 6’ 9”, senior center from Arkansas Tech University (ATU )to our family of ‘Campus Life’ writers! James graduated from ATU in December 2010, and is continuing to play basketball while pursuing his Master’s degree. James is a native of New Brunswick, New Jersey.
In December, I traveled to Arkansas and one of my goals was to locate a NCAA Division II player that could be a solid contributor to “Campus Life”. I found that player at a party thrown for some ATU grads... While putting down some serious Razorback Bar-B-Q, I ‘found’ James! At the time, Mr. Giles was thanking people who helped him to make it ‘through ‘at Tech. The thanks included the presentation of a certificate (from James) to a local pastor who “made a stranger feel at home’. How many young men do you know who would take the time and effort to do that? My only thought was, “will he do it?” Well, this article answers that question.
BBC Recruiting Principle #1: Surround your player with the BEST people possible
This principle applies to our Campus Life writers. Good character helps to build bridges that will support you later in life. James played ball at Allen Technical College (ATC) before arriving at Arkansas Tech. Here is a character test; what DO the ATC people HAVE TO saY about James? The Dad wanted to know. Well, here is what I found at www.atc.edu/p393.aspx:
Former ATC Knight James Giles, who helped lead ATC to the national tournament in 2007, is now leading another team to success on the court. Currently attending Arkansas Tech University, Giles is helping his new teammates to an impressive 25-0 record. The ATU Wonder Boys are, at press time, currently ranked at number one in the NABC Coaches Poll, Division II, and have been for six consecutive weeks.
ATC Head Coach Bruce Capers said, "I have never played with or coached a man who had such a work ethic. It is not a surprise to me that he is a leader on an undefeated team." Coach added that Giles, a 6'9", 265-lb. center, has had inquiries to play professional basketball in Spain.
OK. James passes with an ‘A’. Character breeds character. Coaches want players with character. James is an example of why that statement is true.
James’ road to success as a collegiate student athlete was not smooth; but he made it! What adversity did he face? How did he overcome? Well, we’ll find out soon. James brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to ‘Campus Life’ and the BB community is fortunate that James has chosen to give back. To coin a phrase from Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins in the musical ‘Purlie’, “I jes kain’t wait!”.
I encourage you to take advantage of what James has to offer. Read his posts, post your own comments or ask questions! A wise man once said, “You have not, because you ask not…:.
Notes and Links:
Purlie was an 80’s hit Broadway musical starring Melba Moore as Lutiebelle. This movie is rare and hard to find on DVD (ONLY $189 from RareMovies)... If you can get your hands on one, you will laugh for days! You can hear the “I jes kain’t wait!’ near the end of this video clip.
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