Anything Is Possible
Last night I checked Roman into the CP3 (Chris Paul) middle school combine, which is a weekend-long basketball camp that is a nomination and invite-only camp. Ultimately I know that with Roman only in the seventh grade, it’s really a money grab–there will be no scholarships awarded as a result of this weekend’s camp. But of all of the camps like this popping up, I do know that with Chris Paul’s name attached to it, the coaches and trainers working the camp actually know what they are doing so it won’t just be an expensive weekend of pick-up ball–there will be learning and growth, along with some fun.
This camp is an experience Roman will never forget, especially since he earned the invite and I’m happy to hand some dollars over to Chris Paul.
It will also be an experience I will always remember because I had the opportunity to meet someone I’ve been following for years on social media, Johnny Stephene, aka Dribble2Much.
Johnny is the go-to trainer for ball handling for NBA Stars, and top college players and has a huge social media following who are able to practice his drills thanks to his videos. It seems as if skills trainers have become more common and widespread in recent years, thanks to social media providing a platform to showcase their skills, but Johnny is not new to this game–he’s been posting his ball handling on Instagram for over ten years.
Man, I wish I had someone like Johnny making videos when I was growing up because my ball handling could have been better–who knows where I could have gone with better handles 😀.
What makes Johnny’s story so inspiring, aside from training the best basketball players in the world, is that he didn’t play at a major Division 1 basketball program. He didn’t play in the NBA. A professional stint in Mexico was cut short by a stress fracture in his leg. On paper, his success as a trainer would have never been expected.
Yet, he is working with the best basketball players in the world, teaching them how to handle the ball and life better. He has endorsement deals with major brands. He travels the globe working at top basketball camps. He launched his own brand, HandleLife (a double meaning for handling the ball and handling life’s ups and downs). He even has released his own rap album and additional singles.
All of this was because he followed his passion, shared his gift with the world, and served others.
If Johnny Stephene can become Dribble2much, build a career centered around helping basketball players dribble the ball better, and live his authentic life, then whatever the gift is you have been blessed with and are keeping to your Self could be the foundation for beginning to live your authentic life.
Anything is possible.
See you tomorrow and keep pursuing,
JC
