What’s up with Billy? Is he ready for prime time?

The echoes of the Wildcats’ triumphant three-point barrage against Stonehill still resonate within the walls of Rupp Arena as No. 17 Kentucky prepares to face a hungry St. Joseph’s team on Monday night in Lexington, Ky. The Wildcats, rebounding from a challenging loss to #1 ranked Kansas, showcased their deep shooting prowess in a dominating 101-67 victory. However, the focus now shifts to a pivotal matchup against an improved and determined St. Joseph’s squad, with shooting accuracy emerging as the linchpin for success.

In a surprising turn of events, it’s the unsung freshmen, Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard, who have stolen the spotlight for the Wildcats early in the season. Against Stonehill, Sheppard dazzled with 25 points, sinking 7 of 8 from beyond the arc, while Dillingham added 20 points, connecting on three three-pointers. Both players also demonstrated their playmaking abilities, contributing seven assists each. Despite the presence of highly acclaimed recruits like Justin Edwards and D.J. Wagner, it is Sheppard and Dillingham who have exceeded expectations, adding a new dynamic to Kentucky’s lineup.

Sheppard and Dillingham have outperformed all expectations early in this season. While Senior wing Antonio Reeves leads Kentucky with 17.8 points per game, Dillingham averages 16.8 points per game in just 22.3 mpg. Meanwhile, Sheppard has contributed 13.3 points and 3.0 steals per game in just 23.0 mpg for the guard-heavy Wildcats. Senior forward Tre Mitchell is adding 12.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.

It should be noted that Sheppard is Kentucky royalty. His father, Jeff Sheppard is a Kentucky legend. The elder Sheppard played at Kentucky from 1993 to 1998 and was named Most Outstanding Player in the NCAA tournament in San Antonio in 1998. He played on two national championship teams at Kentucky under Rick Pitino in 1996 and under Tubby Smith in 1998.

However, not all of Kentucky’s highly touted recruits have found immediate success. Justin Edwards and D.J. Wagner, projected as one-and-done lottery picks, have struggled to acclimate to the college game. Both players are averaging just above 9 points per game and have yet to find their rhythm, especially from behind the three-point line. Shooting percentages from behind the arc reveal their difficulties, with Edwards at a mere 14.3% and Wagner at 23.5%. As they face familiar foes in St. Joseph’s, the hope is that the challenge will serve as motivation for the talented rookies to break out of their offensive slump.

In his fifth year as head coach, Billy Lange has been steadily steering St. Joseph’s in the right direction. The Hawks, off to an impressive 3-1 start, have shown promise. Expectations are sky high among Hawk faithful. Lange enters the game with enough size and athleticism to truly compete with SEC programs like Kentucky. Redshirt freshman center Christ Essandoko is 7’0” and 285. He is averaging 4.0 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 1.3 bpg. St. Joseph’s features a pair of athletic power forwards. Sophomore PF Rasheer Fleming, a Camden High School teammate of D.J. Wagner, is averaging 10.5 ppg and 5.3 rpg. A gifted athlete, Fleming can run and jump with anyone in the country and has started to generate some NBA buzz. Kacper Klaczek (6’8”, 225 lbs) is another athletic PF that plays extremely hard for Lange. Thus far, Klaczek is contributing 7.0 ppg and 4.3 prg in 24.0 mpg.

St. Joseph’s possesses a well-rounded roster, with junior Erik Reynolds II leading the scoring charge at 14.3 points per game. Reynolds is complemented by Lynn Greer III, Xzayvier Brown, and the athletic Fleming, all averaging double figures in scoring. Greer has evolved in a selfless leader in this program. He has the size, strength and lateral quickness to compete with Wagner, Dillingham and Shepperd. Brown was the best high school guard in the Philadelphia/Camden region last season, not named Wagner. His transition to college basketball has been seamless. Lange has developed a high degree of trust in Brown very early in his rookie campaign. His teammates also look for Brown to make plays in crunch time. The Hawks’ success hinges on their ability to convert three-pointers, a facet they struggled with in their last game.

Unlike most Kentucky fans, Calipari and his assistant Bruiser Flint are intimately familiar with the Hawk program. While he was coaching UMass, Calipari and former Hawk Coach Phil Martelli waged some serious slugfests. Flint, a former SJU point guard (1983-1987) also led UMass for five years in the late 90’s and battled Martelli and the Hawks every year in some memorable contests.

The matchup holds significance for both teams, as a St. Joseph’s victory would signify a turning point and a re-emergence as a national force. For Kentucky, the familiarity with the Hawks’ program adds an intriguing layer to the game, with the potential for breakout performances from Delaware Valley natives Edwards and Wagner against a familiar foe.

As Kentucky and St. Joseph’s prepare to clash on the hardwood, the game takes on added importance for both teams. Kentucky’s young stars aim to continue their impressive start, while St. Joseph’s, under the leadership of Billy Lange, seeks to announce their arrival on the national stage with a signature win. The spotlight will be on the three-point line, where Kentucky’s sharpshooters and St. Joseph’s skilled backcourt will determine the outcome of this high-stakes showdown. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter that could reshape the narratives of both teams in the early stages of the college basketball season.

#ImTryin2SeeSumthin

Five years back, my buddy Orlando reached out, hoping I could facilitate a meeting with Dawn Staley for his daughter, Hannah then a high school freshman. She was a promising player with dreams of meeting Staley joining South Carolina’s roster. Knowing Orlando’s keen eye for talent, especially with his talented sons, I understood the significance of his request. I recalled meeting Hannah a couple of years prior at Life Center Academy, a young, dynamic player on the court, dribbling with restless energy along the sidelines during a boy’s game.

It was a moment etched in my memory, thanks to NBA agent Stephen Pina, who had pulled me aside and insisted, “Del, she’s the one.” His conviction about her talent in middle school left a lasting impression. So when Orlando called, seeking that connection with Staley, I knew I had to make it happen.

The phone call was fantastic; Staley’s support and encouragement left Hannah absolutely captivated by her idol. Hannah went on to become, perhaps, the best PG prospect in the class of 2023. Staley would win another National championship. However, Notre Dame would ultimately land the uber-talented Hidalgo.

Then came the surreal moment today when I tuned in to watch high school All-American and McDonald’s All-American game MVP, Hannah, face off against my homie in her first college game in Paris, France five years after I connected them.

In the first quarter, Hannah burst out, racking up a quick 13 points, and by halftime, she had 17. But, as we’ve come to expect over the past decade, Staley and the Gamecocks were dominating, leading by 15 midway through the game.

You simply can’t make up a story like this. It’s as good as it gets. Hannah Hidalgo reminds me of another little point guard from the Raymond Rosen projects in “Norf” Philly that took college basketball by storm over thirty years ago.

I love this shit…

The history of Jewish basketball in the United States is a tale of resilience, passion, and a determination to break barriers. In the early 1920s, as Jewish immigrants and their American-born children sought acceptance in a new land, basketball emerged as a unifying force. The game became a vehicle for integration, a means to overcome discrimination, and a source of pride for Jewish communities across the nation. In this narrative, two contemporary figures, Jeremy Treatman and Kenny Holdsman, emerge as quintessential Philadelphia hoop heads, carrying forth the legacy of Jewish basketball in the City of Brotherly Love.

During a time when anti-Jewish sentiment was on the rise, basketball provided a platform for Jewish players to showcase their skills and demand recognition. In the face of discriminatory practices, Yale University’s recognition of Jewish players marked a significant milestone, demonstrating that sports could be a catalyst for acceptance and integration on campus. Nat Holman, a pivotal figure in this narrative, not only coached at CCNY but also played for the Original Celtics, a team that played a pivotal role in popularizing basketball across the country. Their barnstorming tours showcased the strategic brilliance and showmanship that characterized Jewish basketball.

The 1930s witnessed the establishment of independent teams, including the iconic New York Hakoahs and the Philadelphia Sphas. The latter, founded by future Philadelphia Warriors owner Eddie Gottlieb, began as an amateur group and evolved into a professional force, winning a staggering ten championships in leagues across the Philadelphia area and the East Coast. The Sphas not only exemplified excellence on the court but also embodied the resilience and determination of Philadelphia’s Jewish athletes in a changing America.

As professional basketball remained on the periphery, college basketball surged in popularity. Madison Square Garden became the epicenter of the sport, with New York schools boasting rosters filled with Jewish talent. A distinctive playing style characterized by constant motion and quick passing became synonymous with Jewish players, challenging teams with a different approach. The NIT and NCAA Tournaments witnessed the triumph of teams led by prominent Jewish players, culminating in CCNY’s historic “Grand Slam” in 1950.

Socio-economic success, suburban migration, and changing priorities contributed to the decline of a centralized Jewish playing presence in the sport and altered the landscape of Jewish basketball. While a few players like Lennie Rosenbluth and Art Heyman continued to excel, the torch was passed to Jewish coaches, general managers, owners and businessmen who left an indelible mark on the game.

In 2023, Jeremy Treatman and Kenny Holdsman were honored by the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame for their unwavering contributions to basketball in the Greater Philadelphia region. For a quarter century, Treatman’s Scholastic Play-By-Play Classics has been the top high school basketball showcase event company in the country. His formula is simple: invite the top teams and premier players in the country to compete at first class venues and watch the stands fill with knowledgeable and passionate hoops fans! Play By Play Classics have showcased 127 future NBA players and nine future WNBA stars, including: Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Elena Delle Donne, Kyle Lowry, Maggie Lucas, Rajon Rondo, Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, O.J. Mayo and Michael Beasley.

More than 850,000 fans have attended his events and another 2M+ have watched games we’ve produced on television. They have hosted games at some of the nation’s landmark arenas and college campuses, with stops at Ohio State, US Bank Arena, Cameron Indoor Stadium, The Palestra, Temple University, Villanova University, The Dean Dome, St Joseph’s University, Greensboro Coliseum (NC), Dayton University, The Pyramid (TN), Sovereign Bank Arena (NJ) and many more.

Holdsman co-founded Philadelphia Youth Basketball (PYB) in the Spring of 2015 along with four other passionate civic leaders grounded by a common purpose: to leverage the iconic game of basketball to help today’s underserved youth overcome the most urgent and systemic issues facing their communities. Since then, PYB has been working hard to build a high-impact and high-quality program, organization, and future Youth Basketball, Education, and Communinty Empowerment center, quite literally “brick by brick”.

Since its inception, PYB has built a small but mighty staff team, diverse Board of Directors, community-based volunteer pool, and collection of dynamic advisory committees. They are proud of their broad donor network across Philadelphia and the tri-state region, breaking all lines of race, gender, ethnicity, and class – a true grassroots approach.

Early next year, Holdsman and PYB will unveil The Alan Horwitz ‘Sixth Man’ Center. Located in the Nicetown neighborhood of North Philadelphia, this 100,000 square foot world-class facility will be a second home for thousands of young people and a resource for the community, transforming lives for decades to come.  The Center will provide everything that PYB believes young people need to thrive academically and intellectually, socially and emotionally, & civically and vocationally.

They stand as contemporary torchbearers of a rich tradition, representing the enduring spirit of Jewish basketball in the City of Brotherly Love. Through their passion, dedication, and commitment to the game, they continue to inspire future generations to carve their names in this storied legacy.

Jeremy Treatman received the Simcha Gersh Award and Kenny Holdsman received the Pillar Award for civic contributions to our City and its young people. The recognition by the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame is a testament to their profound impact on the game of basketball and their role in preserving a vital chapter in American sports history. As quintessential hoop heads, they stand on the shoulders of giants who paved the way for Jewish athletes in the world of basketball. Their contributions not only honor the past but also inspire a new generation to carry forth the legacy of Jewish basketball in the Greater Philadelphia area.

Much Respect and Mazel Tov to my dear friends!

CAMDEN, NJ – September 11, 2023 – Supplemental education plays a pivotal role in a student’s academic journey, offering them the opportunity to not only master core curriculum content but also develop crucial learning skills, critical thinking abilities, and effective study strategies. At Culturally Responsive Publications, we understand that education is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s about instructing unique individuals with diverse backgrounds and needs. That’s why our supplemental learning materials are carefully designed to cater to these distinct learning styles and empower students to excel.

Our focus extends to vocational-related topics, which have historically been challenging subjects due to their depth and complexity. We’ve crafted curriculums that delve deep into each of the five specific areas covered by the Pre-ETS (Pre-Employment Transition Services) Curriculum Standard. But, we don’t stop at merely teaching subject matter. We emphasize the “how to learn” aspect, enriching students’ critical thinking and problem-solving abilities while imparting core content knowledge.

What sets Culturally Responsive Publications apart is our commitment to making learning engaging, interactive, and relevant to students’ lives. Our activities are not a rehash of the school day; they are designed to bring new concepts to light and encourage the application of knowledge and skills in real-life scenarios. Our classroom environment fosters a sense of ownership over one’s education, as teachers guide students on the path of investigation, discovery, and problem-solving.

The Benefits of Choosing Culturally Responsive Publications Supplemental Learning Materials:

Improved Academic Performance: Students using our materials consistently earn higher grades while simultaneously developing effective study skills, setting them up for long-term success.
Empowerment and Independence: We shift the responsibility of learning from the teacher to the student, nurturing self-confidence and independence in every learner.

Active Learning: Our classes promote proactive and participatory learning, a departure from the passive learning often experienced in traditional school settings.
Enhanced Communication Skills: By encouraging collaboration and discussion, our materials help students improve their communication skills, a vital life skill.

Adaptability: We recognize that students have various learning styles, and our materials accommodate these differences, ensuring that each student can thrive.

Teamwork Experiences: Our interactive activities provide students with valuable teamwork experiences, preparing them for collaboration in future endeavors.

At Culturally Responsive Publications, we firmly believe that supplemental learning is not a remedial measure to address temporary academic challenges. Instead, it’s an invaluable opportunity to propel struggling students to the forefront of their classes and equip them with the tools they need to stay there, regardless of their grade level or subject material. Our mission is to empower every student with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving world, and our culturally responsive approach ensures that we meet the diverse needs of all learners. Choose Culturally Responsive Publications and embark on a journey of academic growth, empowerment, and success.

Teachers, Guidance Counselors, Child Study Team Members and parent interested in Culturally Responsive Publications Supplemental Learning materials should contact Delgreco Wilson at blackcager@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2023 by Culturally Responsive Publications, A Division of Black Cager Press

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the address below.

Black Cager Press
1100 East State Street
Camden, New Jersey 08105

PHILADELPHIA, PA – July 25, 2023 – The landscape of college basketball has undergone radical transformations in recent years. The introduction of the NCAA transfer portal and the implementation of name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities have brought about unprecedented challenges for college basketball coaches in recruiting and retaining talent. Indeed, the phrase “new problems require new tools” is apropos. Coaches need innovative solutions for the novel challenges they are facing. As college basketball recruiting and roster management continues to evolve, new issues arise that may not be adequately addressed by existing methods or technologies. When confronted with fresh problems arising with the rule changes, it becomes essential to adopt different approaches and develop new tools or strategies to effectively tackle them.

SureAthlete’s AI-powered Prism psychometrics is one such tool. SureAthlete provides valuable insights into the personalities and decision-making processes of college basketball players, enabling coaches to build high-performing and consistent teams in this new era of college basketball.

The NCAA transfer portal has reshaped the traditional recruitment and retention process in college basketball. The sheer number of athletes entering the portal each year is staggering, with hundreds of student-athletes seeking new opportunities elsewhere. This makes it increasingly difficult for college coaches to maintain a stable and competitive roster, leading to potential instability and uncertainties within the team. Recruiting processes that once lasted as long as 12 to 24 months now are concluded in just a few days. Coaches are bringing total strangers onto campus and into their programs.

SureAthlete’s Prism psychometrics solution offers a crucial advantage by providing coaches with deep insights into the motivations and behavioral patterns of potential recruits. Through advanced data analytics, SureAthlete can identify players who are more likely to be committed to the program, reducing the risk of losing talent to transfers and ensuring a cohesive team environment.

Additionally, NIL opportunities have introduced a new dynamic to college basketball, allowing student-athletes to monetize their brand and capitalize on their popularity. This development has given rise to NIL collectives, which can significantly influence the decisions of potential recruits and players already on the roster. In case after case, coaches have been blindsided by player’s decisions to transfer to another program.

SureAthlete’s data-driven approach empowers coaches to better understand the financial and marketing potential of their athletes, assisting them in fostering strong relationships and providing the support needed to thrive both on and off the court. By equipping coaches with comprehensive data on player branding and market value, SureAthlete helps them tailor recruitment strategies and retain valuable talent.

SureAthlete’s integrated platform goes beyond providing insights; it offers actionable solutions to enhance player engagement and experience. The root cause analyses enable coaches to identify areas of improvement within the team dynamics and culture, fostering an environment conducive to success.
Coaches, team captains, and leaders can leverage SureAthlete’s tools to empower players, encourage open communication, and address potential issues proactively. By creating a supportive and motivating atmosphere, coaches can cultivate high-performing teams that thrive in both individual and collective achievements.

SureAthlete not only enhances on-court performance but also contributes to the overall success of college basketball programs. By helping coaches build a cohesive and winning team, SureAthlete ensures an increase in fan engagement and support, leading to greater revenue generation through ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorships.

Moreover, the ability to retain top talent reduces the costs associated with frequent recruitment and team rebuilding. A consistent and high-performing team can attract top-tier prospects, securing the program’s long-term viability and success.

In the ever-changing landscape of college basketball recruiting and performance, SureAthlete’s AI-powered Prism psychometrics solution emerges as a game-changer for coaches and athletic directors. By leveraging data and providing actionable insights, SureAthlete equips college basketball programs with the tools to navigate the challenges posed by the NCAA transfer portal and the NIL era.

SureAthlete’s commitment to driving continuous alignment, development, and high-performance throughout every stage of the team’s season ensures that coaches can build winning teams, strengthen player engagement, and maximize the bottom-line for their programs. Embracing SureAthlete means embracing a new era of college basketball excellence.

Link to Purchase E-Book:

https://black-cager-publications.sellfy.store/p/navigating-the-ncaa-and-naia-initial-eligibility-process-a-comprehensive-guide-for-black-high-schoo/

CAMDEN, NJ – In the world of high school athletics, dreams of college scholarships and thriving sports careers beckon too many young talents. For Black student-athletes, this journey holds unique challenges and opportunities. “Navigating the NCAA and NAIA Initial-Eligibility Process” is a 32-page, all-inclusive guide meticulously designed to assist Black high school student-athletes, their families, counselors, and coaches through the NCAA and NAIA Initial-Eligibility Process.

This indispensable guidebook is a compass, leading readers through a comprehensive comparison of the NCAA and NAIA, shedding light on the similarities and differences between these prominent collegiate athletic organizations. By delving into the various sports offered, the types of scholarships awarded, letter of intent rules, freshmen eligibility requirements, amateurism policies, and Education-impacting disabilities policies, “Navigating the NCAA and NAIA Initial-Eligibility Process” empowers its readers with invaluable knowledge and understanding.

Through expert insights and real-life stories, this guide addresses the unique challenges faced by Black student-athletes, ensuring they are equipped to navigate potential obstacles with confidence. It explores how race and diversity can impact the recruitment and eligibility process, providing practical advice on how to approach these sensitive issues.

“Navigating the NCAA and NAIA Initial-Eligibility Process” is not just an informational guide; it serves as a source of inspiration and empowerment. Beyond the technical aspects of eligibility, the guide emphasizes the importance of academics, character development, and personal growth in the journey of a student-athlete.

With a focus on cultivating self-belief and resilience, the guide highlights stories of trailblazing Black athletes who have successfully pursued their dreams at both the NCAA and NAIA levels. These stories serve as guiding beacons for young athletes, encouraging them to aspire higher and break barriers.
Inclusive and accessible, “Navigating the NCAA and NAIA Initial-Eligibility Process” is an indispensable resource that empowers the Black student-athlete community. Whether it’s navigating the intricacies of eligibility or understanding the intricacies of sports scholarships, this guide serves as a beacon of hope and knowledge. By fostering a culture of understanding and preparedness, it ensures that Black student-athletes can confidently step into their futures and embrace the extraordinary opportunities that await them at the collegiate level.