About the Guest(s):
Marquis Jones is a dedicated basketball coach and director focused on youth development within the sport. Graduating from Clearfield High School in Utah in 2014, Marquis played collegiate basketball at Iowa Wesleyan, where he experienced the tight-knit community of a small-town college. He began his coaching career at Clearfield High before moving on to roles with Weber State's women's team and University of Alaska Fairbanks. Returning to Utah, Marquis contributes to the Layton Christian Academy’s basketball program and leads Pro Skills Basketball (PSB) in Utah, emphasizing the growth of youth in basketball.
Episode Summary:
Join host Adam Peek as he sits down with Marquis Jones, an influential figure in youth basketball development, to discuss the evolution and impact of basketball at junior levels in the Utah High School Hoops Podcast. This engaging episode delves into Marquis’s journey through coaching and his connection with Pro Skills Basketball, where he aims to revolutionize youth training by focusing more on skill and character building rather than just winning games.
In this conversation, the duo explores the impact of European-style basketball training and its benefits for young athletes. They also discuss how Pro Skills Basketball is creating new opportunities for young players in Utah by ensuring a developmental approach that emphasizes quality over quantity in competitive play. Marquis shares insights on managing a non-traditional basketball career path and the significance of mental and skill development over short-term victories in youth sports.
Key Takeaways:
Marquis Jones emphasizes the importance of a developmental focus in basketball, prioritizing skill and character building over the need to win games.
Pro Skills Basketball aims to implement a European-style training methodology that addresses the technical and psychological growth of young athletes.
The new PSB branch in Utah offers opportunities for players from fourth to eleventh grade, providing them with vital skills to succeed in high school basketball and beyond.
Marquis brings extensive experience from coaching at both high school and college levels, enriching his approach to youth basketball development.
The PSB program stands out for its mission to transform the culture of AAU and youth basketball, offering a sustainable and comprehensive training environment.
Notable Quotes:
"Basketball is a conduit for so many things that you're going to have when the basketball stops dribbling." – Marquis Jones
"My job is to make sure that your kid has the skills to be able to confidently try out for their high school basketball team." – Adam Peek
"Why limit yourself? That was a big reason why I ended up out there." – Marquis Jones on choosing non-traditional paths.
"It's more about getting them the quality reps. Sometimes, when you go to tournament after tournament, you're traveling all over." – Marquis Jones
"Keep the main thing the main thing which is helping kids in whatever endeavors that they want to do." – Marquis Jones
Resources:
Layton Christian Academy
Iowa Wesleyan University
Weber State University
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Explore how Marquis Jones and his initiatives at PSB are reshaping the youth basketball landscape, ensuring players not only become better athletes but also well-rounded individuals. Tune in to the full episode for an in-depth understanding and stay connected for more insightful episodes from the Utah High School Hoops Podcast.
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