Sideline Scoop—Meet the Coaches: Malik Hamilton, Basketball
When you find something you’re truly passionate about, it will always pull you back no matter how hard you try to follow a different path. After Malik Hamilton’s collegiate and professional basketball runs, he thought that the next step in his life would be pursuing a 9-5 job. However, he quickly realized this was not his calling.
Learn about Malik’s experience in basketball and how his own coaches inspired him to be the coach he is today.
Q: Tell me about your experience in basketball. How did it all start for you, what kind of training have you had, and what motivated you to start coaching others?
I started playing basketball when I was 6 years old and haven’t stopped since. I’ve played at the collegiate level and even played professionally in Israel for one season. After my season in Israel, I decided to return to the U.S. to pursue a 9-5 job, but I was not as fulfilled as when I was playing basketball. This inspired me to start coaching, and I now coach with Rising Sports Stars.
Q: What qualities does a player need to excel in basketball?
Basketball players need a strong work ethic, willpower, and dedication to get to where they aspire to be.
Q: What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from a coach?
Never give up and always have a “why.” My coach taught me that it is easier to focus on what you’re passionate about when you have a reason for doing it. For example, his “why” was his son. When his son watched him coach, he wanted him to see that he was a role model for the athletes. This has always stuck with me, so I always tell my athletes to think about their “why.”
Q: How would you describe your coaching style?
I like to alter my coaching style to each athlete that I coach in order to reciprocate their energy. There are more quiet athletes—like I was when I was younger—so I take a different approach when coaching them compared to the more outgoing athletes.
Q: What is your favorite part about coaching at J Sports Academy?
It’s fun to work with different athletes who play sports other than basketball. I like seeing how the skills they’ve learned in their other sports are transferable to basketball.
Sideline Scoop—Fueled by Sports, Driven by Community: A Spotlight on Counselor Thomas
Sideline Scoop—Meet the Coaches (Part 1): Dan Cinelli, Soccer
Sideline Scoop—Meet the Directors (Part 2): Jason Scheff
Sideline Scoop—Meet the Directors (Part 1): Tammy Burgus
Open House: Sunday, November 17 @ 11:00 am
Registration is open! Here’s what’s in store for next summer
Good luck to all our amazing campers as you head into the new school year and your sports seasons! We know you’ll bring the same compassion, sportsmanship, and coachability you showed this summer to the classroom and the field. Keep playing hard and having fun—we’re cheering you on every step of the way!
