The “Late Bloomer” Project | Part 1 |
The “Late Bloomer” Project | Player Development Journey
#viralvideo #chosenones #ballislife #viral #foryou #trending #spirituality
The origins of Defeat The Day, Chicago, Family, AAU Experience, Chicago Basketball, De La Salle, Urban Prep, Howard University, Pro Opportunities
(Set backs turn into our greatest moments to develop)
#chicago #deLaSalle #urbanPrep #howarduniversity #ncaaD1WalkOn #NcaaD1ScoutTeamplayer #OverseasExposureCamps #semiPro #gLeagueTryouts #privateNBAWorkouts #hustle #playForFree #deskJobtoTheNBA #NBATeamPlayer ? #NBAchampion ? #WHYNOTme
This is a thought provoking short film series, which was created to show the player development journey of Gerald Jackson Jr.
In chronological order, Gerald started playing basketball purely because he enjoyed competing. Not to “buy his mama a house”. The game was always played purely from the heart. Gerald wasn’t exploited like most young athletes, therefore his development journey wasn’t rushed or curated by some Agent/friend of the family/over zealous parent.
From childhood playing on crates, hangers, in the back yard with cousins to playing overseas professionally without major college basketball stats. Gerald’s journey has always been extremely unconventional and unique. Hard work always pays off, and with a little luck the stars usually align.
Just before the 2020 global Covid-19 Pandemic, Gerald received interest from a few NBA teams. Worked out with the New York Knicks G-league affiliate as well. As they say “the journey is the reward”, it’s an understatement. Gerald’s journey has led him to meet great people, build extreme confidence and embrace a wholistic diet incorporating herbs, and eastern healing practices. He engaged his Mind, Body, and Soul within daily to master his inconsistencies.
Time Codes
0:00 Intro
0:40 Neighborhood Competition, Where the love for the game began
8:16 AAU Experience
10:04 De La Salle Institute / Catholic League Basketball #2 in the state
11:55 Urban Prep Charter Academy
13:06 Selecting a College, Thought Process, Linear Thinking
14:48 Howard University
15:20 Embracing a different path
17:00 Commitment to 10,000 HRS
13:38 The Path to Playing in Spain, Combines, Tryouts, etc.