It’s easy to be proud of John “Noog” Allen. He has gone through So much, and has gotten SO far. He is a cerebral basketball gladiator who is bound for greater glory in the game as a player and most likely as a coach. Opponents BEWARE. He has but scratched the surface of his Virtuality.

-Troy Miles-

Virtual Journey: By John “Noog” Allen

“My Virtual journey started the summer before my senior in year high school, but my journey of life, love, and hoops started on the concrete of my backyard as a youth… “

 I felt like I was in my higher virtual self vs. Central (video)

Hour after hour I’d imagine myself playing in the big game. Day by day I’d return to the same hoop with the same ball, dreaming the same dream. It went something like this… close game, I got fouled and it was up to me to ice it. No pressure, just a little wind on a sunny Seattle day. There were days I missed one, sometimes two, but that never deterred me from coming back the next day– even in the rain.

I began playing basketball at a young age. So naturally with playing, came dreaming. Like most kids I dreamed of personal success, but I’ve always wanted to win something big. I can’t even begin to count the game winners (in my yard). My ambitions of one day cutting the nets down in front of millions (perhaps) controlled my life. I desperately wanted to win something that would never be forgotten. It’s crazy to say even now (because I’ve been shy about it, outside of close friends and family) but I played in that game (Did you see me?!). We WON that game! I’ll forever be a National Champion and I’m rejoicing!

Western Washington University Vikings NCAA D II Champions 2012

(video)

“This is the greatest joy I’ve ever known.”

As I watched my friend and AAU teammate Jordan Hamilton change like Optimus Prime from Transformers during his initial years with Coach Miles, I couldn’t help but be hungry for the same stuff.

When you were young did you ever wonder how Optimus (or any of the Autobots) changed from a truck to sky-scraping machine? When I saw Jordan transform into a virtual monster of a basketball player, I was in the same sort of awe. It was so similar to the feeling I had as a youngster. I’d wonder what I would do If I could change like Optimus Prime did.

It was no mystery to me how J Ham (Jordan) went from just another guy “trying to hoop” to All-Everything. When I was a freshman, there was a guy (Jake Linton) in our league smashing cats. I knew he was training with Coach Miles too. But besides all that, watching Jordan develop “Virtual” confidence was arguably the most inspiring transition in my life. What if I could not only get the answer from someone but also apply those changes to myself?  I couldn’t help but want to learn HOW. I NEEDED that in my basketball life. Wondering HOW (all those years) took my hoop dreams to another realm and in the process changed my life dreams.

I began training with Coach Miles as a Senior in High School after playing all summer on his Miles Ahead AAU Team. What would transpire over the next 4 or 5 years is directly related to the success I’ve had as a college ballplayer.  Looking back, my first session (programming) actually started with an a** whoopin at the WAC (Washington Athletic Club). That session was so difficult, it had me never wanting to come back. It wasn’t because I couldn’t get what he was saying, it’s just that I was so frustrated  I wasn’t programming well (at all).

Coach Miles kept telling me, “the mind is crazy huh? It doesn’t want you to change.” It was the first session, literally the first hour, and he told me, “it’s emotionally more difficult  being able to hoop already, because your brain (you) doesn’t want you to change what has been working (so far). I’m telling you, this stuff will make you a pro.” I kept fighting him and my brain was interfering with me to make the proper changes to become cleaner. I argued with him, started sulking, and he looked at me and said, “why don’t I just show you?”

So… in some un-tied, ratty canvas converse (sorry coach) with cargo shorts and a hurt Achilles, he handed me the ball and said, “you better hope you don’t miss ONCE, cause you won’t stop me.” I laughed, like, I’m about to go to work on this old-man… pfff… 11 straight? Unfortunately, I didn’t score 11 straight… I can’t even remember how many I scored (it wasn’t enough). I didn’t get ONE stop! He seemed SO quick, but his shoes weren’t tied…? He seemed SO athletic, but his Achilles didn’t allow him to jump….? Man, I’m glad there were no cameras in there.

In essence, my true Virtual  journey starts with a Thank You (especially to my parents who have supported my dreams–always). Read more »

Jordan Hamilton has come an incredible distance as a VP (Virtual Player, Virtual Performer and most importantly-  Virtual Person).

 VP FOR LIFE!

 

“Virtual Journey”– By Jordan Hamilton

“Virtual Training“ is more martial art form than drills. Individuals are taught to understand their body, mind, and the process in which one creates their reality (through skill acquisition). Programming new material into the established patterns of the nervous/belief systems is hard work. The body and brain are resistant to change; which is why so few players/people are able to reach there desired destinations” 

Jordan Hamilton, Co-Captain, Lehigh Men’s basketball

When I first picked up a basketball at the age of six, I had no idea where the round ball would take me. All I knew is that my dad, uncles, and cousins played; and being the impressionable youth that I was, I wanted to be just like them. I was hooked immediately and although I was uncoordinated (to say the least), gangly, and timid, I continued to play-albeit not very well.

As an eleven year old I had two voices in my head; one told me to give up because I’d never be any good, while the other wanted to keep exploring. My curiosity lead me to tryout and join the Y.E.S. AAU program, which at the time was coached by Troy Miles. I had no idea at the time, but this was the start of my virtual journey. Coach Miles developed a group of misfits and goofballs into a well-oiled machine, through tireless programming of foundational details. I’ve found that many of those foundational layers go unnoticed in far too many basketball circles. Many just do not understand the math and physics of the game the way Coach Miles does.

The team and I developed quickly, beginning to gain more attention and talent from other teams. Around this time, the point guard for our team, Taylor Mulberg was doing individual training with Coach Miles. We all watched in awe as his game seemingly transformed over night. The training took him to a new level and made him one of the top youth players in Seattle-easily. I knew what his success was attributed to, so I too began training with Coach Miles, and have been ever since.

Training or programming (reading chapter two-“The Brain Game” –The Virtual Game of Basketball is a must) is unlike any form of basketball development I have experienced, and by far the most effective. It truly is a battle for “positive reps” in which one’s focus on the key points must be greater than the emotional resistance to change. Programming is a tough task. I’ve seen many players crumble. I wanted to quit myself, but I was getting better and I wanted more.

Coach Miles’ ability to observe and critic the player’s technical movement, frame by frame, is uncanny. This is complimented by his understanding of the mathematical and physical principles behind the optimal outcomes (crossover, layup, shot, rebound, defense, etc). He gives information with demonstration, explanation and verification so he can correct and demonstrate the ideal movement. This is, WHY it is IDEAL. I have noticed throughout my career that the WHY or HOW is often ignored or simply not understood. Understanding why is a powerful asset to any player and takes their game to a deliberate state.

Over the years of training I developed a toolbox full of optimal techniques: proper body mechanics, footwork, bodywork, shooting form, defensive principles, moving without the ball, rebounding … the list goes on. Every basketball skill is covered. Nothing beats getting in “The Lab”, however, “The Virtual Game of Basketball” and the “Virtual Player’s Blog” are the intellectual compliment. They both contain information of unparalleled value.

My game continued to transform while others around me marginalized or fell off. Those who I once looked up to as players became my peers, and then victims of the virtuality I possessed. I went from being the last guy off the bench in 5^th grade, to receiving a D-1 scholarship, one of only a few hundred men in the country to earn it. And my growth did not stop there. This past season as captain, I helped lead my team to a league championship and make history with a first round win over Duke in the NCAA tournament. Consistently training and programming with Coach (In the Lab) has helped me develop the basketball skills, mental toughness, and leadership ability to make my basketball dreams a reality. I know that the six year old inside would be proud.

Moving Forward:

The most powerful aspect of  ”virtuality” is that it transcends the hardwood. (“Game After the Game”).

Training deals with the emotional and mental resistances to improvement (change), addressing them as they arise during the repetitions. Through programming one develops brainpower, not just for on the court, but in their everyday life. This mindfulness is the most valuable skill I have ever gained. I am able to remain calm in pressure situations, take on numerous perspectives at once, and observe my emotions and thoughts rather than being controlled by them. I apply this to every circumstance of life. It’s allowing me to get the most out of each moment.

Ultimately basketball is a metaphor for life. There are victories and defeats, challenges and choices, each providing an opportunity to learn and grow The point of basketball and life is to become the greatest YOU that YOU can be. I subscribe to the virtual principles of CQI- Continuous Quality Improvements. Based on my extensive experience in basketball and self -development, Virtual Play is the most effective means I’ve found to do just that.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT (LOL)

Lehigh vs. Duke Highlights

Earl Monroe :Winston-Salem State 1967

The Aftermath:   Historically Black Colleges & the NCAA

On the eve of the NCAA Basketball’s Showcase, globally known as March Madness, brackets are established and the lines of competition are formally drawn.  One annual line item that is a consistently intriguing question for me is: “Why is it that the Historically Black Colleges always placed in a position that seems destined for failure?”  When is the last time that an HBC school won two (2) games in the NCAA tournament?  When is the last time that an HBC advanced into the round of 16?  Is that possibility even within the realm of being realistic in today’s sports climate?  The answer to that question is the obvious “NO”!  In an era of high stakes, complex economic, major tv rights NCAA sports, we must come to the realization that the NCAA has no economic value in even the existence of the once prominent list of Historically Black Colleges.  Sixty (60) years ago schools such as Grambling, Morgan State, Florida A&M, Howard, and Winston-Salem were the driving factor for every young African American aspiring athlete’s path to success.  Now, and its very well documented, that time has long passed these schools as the once off-limit universities finally realized that big time athletes equate into big time financial success for institutions across the nations.  Race is secondary to dollars!!!

The pain of watching these schools athletic programs dwindle is further maddening with the fact that we have to endure the painful process of being the bystanders that watch as those schools administrators and staff sit idle and do nothing to change the tide.  Desperate times should call for desperate measures.  With that being said, lets take a closer look at one viable (although radical) solution that should be considered by each HBC’s President and Board of Trustees.

Big time college sports is all about recruiting, its not about  X’s & O’s as much as its about Jim’s and Joe’s.  Recruiting cost money and most HBC’s don’t have large recruiting budgets.  At the elite level, at least in basketball, the “one and done” athlete is more concerned about playing in a situation that gives him some type of immediate access to the labor market known as the NBA.  Thus align yourself with a program that has a cast of great players, you get tv time and all the scouts get to see you repeatedly.  What elite level high school athlete will ever attend an HBC with just that one component on their mind?   Yeah, yeah, yeah, college sports is about the student-athlete and academic excellence.   That is true but its also true that major college sports is all about economics and HBC’s need to take a hard look at how to position their colleges to enhance their economic value within the supply chain to the NBA.

One way to enhance their position is as follows:

1. Every HBC should unite and disassociate themselves with the NCAA thereby creating their own league that is mutually exclusive from the NCAA, its rules, and its institutions.  Your first response will be that such a radical decision is unnecessary and athletic suicide.  But when you really think about it you will understand that most HBC’s get minimum support (mostly handouts) from the NCAA to begin with.
2. By creating their own league with its own “Championships” and its own governing body with rules that reflect an athletic scenario more in line with the European Club model for soccer and basketball, HBC’s will have the ability to actually develop players without the fear of NCAA sanctions, loss of scholarships, post season bans, etc.  Players can work with coaches based on the need for development, attend school based upon the need for an education, and be groomed for athletic success or athletic success based upon their preference.
3. You eliminate the “minor sports’ #1 fear” of having no fans for games as you have a base of fans known as your existing student body.  Just because you aren’t affiliated with the NCAA doesn’t mean fans (in this case your students) won’t attend your games.
4. You give kids a viable alternative to the existing status quo.  Now when a coach from Alcorn State goes to recruit a kid versus a coach from Mississippi State you actually have something to discuss athletically.  The coach from Alcorn can truthfully say that he has the capacity to train the kid as much as needed to develop him.  The kids college attendance financial package is connected to the athletic endeavor therefore the kid isn’t living in fear of getting a ride or a soda or a pair of sunglasses from the coach.
5. The amateurism purist will say that you are creating a professional league but isn’t the NCAA’s the NFL and NBA’s minor leagues?  Didn’t Roger Goddell impose an NCAA penalty on Terrell Pryor, somewhat a defacto punishment for his minor league colleagues.
6. With the creation of your own league the HBC’s have a better opportunity to control their economic development via sports and enrollment based upon the success of those programs.  Non-dependant on the NCAA.  Championship tournaments would have true value to the institutions and if you took a true modeling of the economic rewards you would find that HBCs would benefit more from such a program than they do in today’s process.

This concept would bring great anger from the current establishment as the power to be would fight tooth and nail to keep the “boys” down on the farm.   Then there would be another growing sector that would call this another form of segregation.  The reality is that HBCs need to take drastic measure to ensure that their athletic programs can have a chance to thrive again within an environment that leaves them currently under capitalized with a lack of resources & talent.  Self sufficiency is what it should be named.

Jerald Wrightsil, 46  is a former Division I  (University of Hawaii ’88) and overseas player (Japan, Turkey, Austria). Served as a Player Rep (Team Express 1997-2004). Currently Chief Executive Officer, Eco-Merge- Austin, TX.

Of course by now the whole world knows what we in Seattle have known since his days at the Rotary (Boy’s and Girls Club)…. Tony Wroten is a basketball phenom headed to the NBA on the draft day express.  He’ll have a guaranteed rookie contract waiting on him, but who knows what else.

He’s perhaps the most compelling and polarizing Seattle-raised sports star (definitely Husky) ever. However, as tremendous as he is, his glaring weaknesses and emotional antics (personally I think his celebrations are reasonable, as long as he doesn’t include opponents in the displays) make him a target in the sports community.  He’s such a talent and has created such a high expectation– in such a short period I might add, that apparently, too many people have forgotten he’s just a kid; and quite honestly, one in a very delicate situation (back to that shortly).

I cannot believe all the flack he has taken for his performance and demonstrative outbreaks at the Pac 12 championships last week. We’d all let out shouts if we could do some of the ridiculous things he does. How thrilling (I’m sure, lol) to grab an offensive rebound, leap back up and smash it through in front of thousands of fans as if playing “dunk” hoops at the park.  He’s quite simply a basketball prodigy, and no ordinary piece of clay. For those who didn’t know…this child is a Walker.

Now obviously Tony Sr. was a helluva football player at UW and a two-sport stud in high school. It’s evident his DNA is on display. But those Walkers: maaan c’moown. Tony’s mama Shirley was a flat-out BWA (burner with attitude) on the track in high school. Physically intimidating and beset with a gorgeous smile she’d flash after she smoked everybody. His uncle Donnie is a fierce competitor (Lord), I’m sure even at cards.  I’ve been through it with him and his (Tony jr.’s) auntie Joyce– who is easily the “baddest” female athlete from Seattle across all sports.  Their indomitable spirits as a clan are legendary.

Tony’s an anomaly and tricky to handle for a coach (I’m sure). Although he is a tremendous talent, every team he’s played for should have performed better… somehow. As a critical viewer you’re forced to analyze the cohesiveness he brings to the fray, even though his vision and passing skills rival Magic, LeBron and J Kidd. It’s TRUE that sometimes his teammates stand around gawking at him (just like us), waiting to see what he’s going to do next. But seriously, what do you tell a kid with a “shaky” jumper, yet who can get by his man at will (and make plays)… not to be aggressive? Obviously, it’s a more complex issue than what meets the eye. A few additions to his game could solve all those problems. OMG! 

Just as LeBron James is the greatest player we’ve seen (with so much room to grow), Tony fits that description for Huskyville.  They’re both do-how kings - physical “freaks” that would benefit from more know-how.  Whether either grows to match their capabilities to their incredible capacities remains to be seen. It’s a tough spot for them. Think of how hard it is to make adjustments to self. The discomforts of change are hard for anyone to deal with already, imagine being uber-talented and feeling capable “enough”. Besides, change is always  Man vs. Brain in an emotional super-fight scenario, and the brain will use your entire emotional arsenal (rational or not) against you to keep you static. Related: “Brain Game” (Chapter 2).

This is a delicate situation for Tony. How does an 18 year old be objective about his ability and make difficult changes when he’s already so good at his craft.  That’s a psychological juggernaut. He’s All-Everything in the Pac 12 as is, and a sure-fire first rounder. Do you really think he believes he can’t shoot “well enough”? Do you really think he questions his offensive approach at all? Do you think the people around him are critical enough about where he is? Please!  But imagine for a second, if he could shoot the rock as effectively as CJ Wilcox. Ok, I know C.J. might be the best shooter in the country… I’m just sayin’.

If I could get him and LeBron to understand “Lane Play”, LeBron wouldn’t be allowed to play; and neither would Tony (once or IF he gets his shot together). THAT’S A BIG IF! Even top players in high school think they know or can do (enough) for success, let alone the college or pro player.

I know this from experience. I put energy into former Issaquah and American star Garrison Carr and also in current Washington State point guard Reggie Moore as youngsters. Unfortunately, the better they got, the less help they wanted. Tragically Garrison never became what he could have become (an NBA or overseas player-at least), and Reggie is a shell of what he should be based on his immense capacity. It’s tough because you can’t help but want these guys to grow and fully take advantage of their small windows of opportunity. Most kids and parents JUST DON’T GET IT! Related: “By the Time You Get To Where You’re Going”

Too many pros (at least around here) DON’T GET IT! Most pros don’t think they need any help (to get better) and have a hard time believing  YOU can help them (even if you can). I’ve found more often that pros don’t really want you to help them do anything but maintain themselves (Related: “Are Pro’s Just Ho’s”).

Look at Jamal Crawford. I’ve practically begged him to help him get to another level and become an all-star.  He’s another do-how king. In fact, Jamal is a basketball magician. In terms of physical amenities and technical skill sets, he’s a NBA top 10 talent. Sadly, his inconsistency of efficient application of his physical and technical gifts has cost him an all-star status, and possibly all-pro status  Jamal is a great guy and terrific role model for kids in Seattle—I love him. But I can see in his spirit … that the NBA experience and his NBA success to date is enough for him–which is common and ok- if that’s how you roll. Of course it goes against my principles of CQI (Continuous Quality Improvements)…but hey!

I’ve extended myself to Will Conroy (one of my favorite all-time huskies) to help him get over the hump (into the league)… he wasn’t having it (lol).  I always said he deserved to be POY his senior year and deserves to be in the league, but so far he hasn’t improved his shot enough (in the eyes of the NBA brass) and his window is closing fast –if not already shut, like the door on Bobby Jones-who I’ve also tried to help… damn. It’s a shame so many stars and bubble-stars are like that.  I’ve seen it over and over, once a kid gets to a certain level, THEY TYPICALLY DON’T WANT THE RIGHT KIND OF HELP!

Making matters worse (for kids), too often, it’s the people around these guys (including parents, coaches, trainers, etc.) that actually prevent them from getting exactly what they need– especially those already helping kids with their games. Many of these types are more concerned with where the credit goes. The latter often take it as a “knock” on the body of work they’ve done with kid to that point (if you propose help). But that ain’t the point! It should be more about the interest of the player, period. It takes a village to raise a child and certainly a village to raise a ballplayer.

I could help these guys. (Miles Ahead Virtual Training). My dad could certainly help these guys. However, MPT (the right material, the right pressure, and right amount of time) to make a diamond, most importantly requires the right person (pupil) also. (Related: “eMPTy Without it” ) There’s usually uncertainty with where the kid’s head is (so many outside pressures and opinions).

What’s certain is my dad (Eddie Miles)and I both have the pedigree and verifiable approaches to help all these kids.  It’s tough because as a fan and especially as a teacher, I want to see these guys and gals continue to push themselves forward, just as I want for my own sons and neices. (For the record, my youngest son is “dropping” straight A’s (25/10…lol) as a senior at UW and my oldest boy Xavier (Miles Ingalls) is a world-class musician and quite possibly the next big act out of Seattle. Stay tuned.)

Tony’s right to play in the NBA is not at stake, but his chances for NBA superstardom are.  I’d love to see all the Seattle guys get the right help: Jamal, Martel, Will, Bobby, Spencer …all of them. Outside of Brandon (Roy), JT (Jason Terry) operates closer to his capacity than any other Seattle-raised hoop star (at least amongst the boys).  In fact ALL the Seattle cats, (Terrence, Nate and Pepe included) are do-howers, except maybe for Aaron (Brooks) and Isaiah (Thomas)–I’m still expecting all-star type stuff from both of them in the future.

I’m proud of all these kids, just want to see them operate in their higher selves. That’s what it’s going to take once they’re done playing and plug into the “real” world anyway.

The truth is, Tony Wroten is a fierce once-in-a-lifetime talent, who is destined to one day look David Stern in the eyes, shake his hand and put on an NBA hat to cap off his dream.  But what will happen in the dream will be the real story of Tony Wroten jr

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The physical displays we are seeing across all sports today are truly remarkable. It’s hard to fathom where they might plateau. The ever evolving physicality of the human species creates a few perplexing questions. Is there a ceiling on the athletic capacity  of an “organic” human being? What about the limit for performance? At what point  will the human processor max out?  I’ve said before that the physicality of the modern basketball player has already morphed the game beyond physical recognition.  Maybe the real question is, where  “The Brain Game”  is headed; and what will it take to stay ahead of the curve? 

For the most part we are living in a very organic time– relative to development and prowess. Outside of a few parts and accessories, the physical fusion of man and machine (Singularity) has not made its way into mainstream sports arena. So far, athletes operate free of implants to acquire skill sets and enhancement – outside of productive work, is still a thing of banned substances. This is inspiring news for the sports purist. It means that great players aren’t being created in the laboratory–yet. It will not be this way forever.

What’s certain is technology will forever expand possibility, and possibility will forever test our morality. There will certainly be those who will operate outside of the ethical boundary, in search of any type of performance advantage. The good news is, those who seek to be machine-like in their approach to development and application today, can use this approach to create significant advantage versus non-virtual adversaries and also against “virtual” opponents who are not fully aware of their virtual selves… ask Stephen Curry, he’s a true technician.

‎”The truth is the math and science of the game never changes when it comes to successful play. In fact, most successful players do the same things. Oftentimes these players are not aware of or even concerned with the mathematical or scientific realities of their actions. They have success doing what they do, so they continue to do it. Unfortunately, most players are not so lucky. Think about it. What are the chances of randomly acquiring the necessary skill sets to become a top player? As a result, “stars” are rare. That means most players are in desperate need of the right information or materials to become the diamond of their dreams.” --The Virtual Game of Basketball

Virtual Play is a real-life app for creating matrix-like outcomes on the court for experienced VPers and instant positive change for beginners. It’s where technical acuity, precise application and a Calm Assertive Mind (CAM) can transcend what seems possible. The truth is Virtual Play is a collection of  basketball functions and operations based on core fundamentals, including those of math and physics. To be Virtual is to be machine-like (in efficiency) across all your basketball functions – physical, technical, intellectual, and (as a human) emotional. –“Sci-Fi or Hi-Sci (Highly Scientific)?”

As I’ve said it before, technology will forever change. Adapt now or prepare to fall short of your objectives.