It wasn't the battles against Lebron and Melo that should've allure you, because it was much deeper than that! It was the way he conversed with them - calling Melo over to his section, putting his hand on top of his head, asking him how much he scored in his previous game as if he was his little brother. It was the private charter being sent to him from his guardian Debbie Bortner, after being in the club until 4am the night before an AAU game. And no one told him he was out of pocket - he was "Lenny Cooke" for God's sake! It wasn't who he played that convinced you he was the #1 ranked player in the nation, it was how he was treated - and how he treated others! However, when your ego is bigger than your game (..and boy did he have game!), the results are almost never in your favor. As far as friends, there are only a few who stuck around and remained loyal. But he still finds himself reaching out to everyone else without feeling the reciprocation. It was tough entering the draft and not hearing his name called. And it took years to overcome that pain - especially when your son's favorite player is Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony and he's begging you to sit down and watch the game with him. But as time went on, Lenny just had to accept it was over. Now starting his own non-profit organization and becoming the assistant coach at Atlantic City High, he sees life through a different lens. The documentary wasn't a false tale, but he didn't agree with how it ended. Which is why he is now pursuing his book that tells the full story about his life - especially being in a brutal car accident 2 years after the draft that almost costed him his life. When it's all said and done, Lenny just wants to be the blueprint for kids who want to pursue their dreams through the sport of basketball. And if he can help just one kid, he knows he's doing something right. 

HOOD CENTER

THE BLUEPRINT | Lenny Cooke

His father didn't give him any room to have an opinion yet. He was either washing uniforms, recording stats, or making sure kids got to and from the hotel on time. And he didn't have a choice - it was mandatory! His Dad's approach to the game never seizes to amaze him - which is why he has a difficult time understanding his older brother's (Coach Debo) desire of wanting to be on his own so bad. He's all for independence, but when your father is highly respected throughout the basketball realm, why not take some pages out of his playbook. Once he stepped into fatherhood, his mindset shifted to finances immediately! Coach worked three jobs which barely gave him time to pursue his coaching career the way he wanted. But with a little advice from his father - and realizing how miserable life was without basketball - he decided to put his all into coaching. After being the Assistant JV Coach at Monsignor Scanlan High School, and losing in a championship game his first year as the Head Coach of the freshman team - he still feels as though he doesn't get the recognition he deserves. He has a hard time adjusting to the social media era, and it's tough seeing how much praise a person can receive from posting videos on Instagram when they might've not deserved it just yet. Coach BJ still feels he has a lot more to accomplish, but he is definitely aware of his progression as a basketball coach. 

PAID MY DUES | Coach Maxwell Cole Jr.

The challenges of being a 19 year old Latino kid from the Bronx only made him want to work harder. He gives all the credit to his grandmother who raised him and kept him away from all the negativity the streets had to offer. It was 1999 - just days before he was going into the Navy after graduating from Walton High School. His coach suggested he coach a tournament before he went off to serve his country - and the rest is history! "...maybe this is my calling..." the 19 year old said after coming out of his first game victorious. Due to his battle with scoliosis, he was discharged from the Navy and found himself at his old stomping grounds - LPAC! After winning numerous games and gaining recognition, Vic found himself away from his family more and more - which motivated him to start hiring other coaches who were as passionate as him. There were obstacles however ; when a bunch of men with credentials are in one room it is hard to get everyone on the same page for the same cause. It all worked out in the end though! With over 1,000 players coached, over 300 championships won, and 4 lifetime achievement awards, Coach Vic finally feels like he is getting the respect he deserves. 

MY CALLING | Coach Victor Crespo

If you don't know anything else, you know he bleeds Harlem! Growing up in the inner city taught him some valuable lessons - even the ones that almost costed him his life. However, he's honest about the education he received from being in the streets. He takes some of those lessons and incorporates it in his restaurant at Cove Lounge on Malcolm X Boulevard in Harlem (which he gives all the credit to his sister for). And he also expresses how he adjusted to the pandemic. It all started at Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club - showing up as a volunteer to later becoming one of the most respected people in the basketball circuit. Having the experience of both a coach and an Athletic Director at numerous institutions has given him some power, but when it came to his relationship with his kids, he found himself having to take the backseat. Even when you and your kid's mother aren't on the same page athletically, there can either be misunderstanding or a lack of communication. When you see the work he's done with his non-profit organizations (Team New York, #COUNCILHIM, etc.) you have an idea of what he wants to do for his community and who he wants to be remembered as. So saying that...Coach Billy Council has announced he will be running for Harlem City Council District 9!!! Let's change the game!!! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

CHANGE | Coach Billy Council

How don't you fall in love with the game as a kid when Kareem Reid is walking in and out of your house, and you're playing video games with Stephon Marbury right before you drive him to a game in a Riverside Church van? Growing up in Patterson projects will teach you some valuable lessons - but the one that stuck out most for Coach Debo was LOYALTY. "I'm a father to all the kids who don't got fathers!" Whether it be finances, driving a kid to a game, giving advice, or just being there overall, Coach Debo has helped in some way, form or fashion. And being the son of Coach Bingo (founder of Bingo All Stars), those character traits were embedded since birth. But he doesn't do too well with walking in the shadows of others - he appreciates the process of finding his own way. He has a "ride or die" mentality, and he's criticized for it on the court at times. Speaking of court, Coach Debo had some run ins with the law - but can honestly say that he's retired from the streets and the feeling is nothing short of amazing. His vulnerability about this subject will allow us to understand both the temporary fulfillment, and the everlasting consequences that come with this way of living. When asked what he wanted to be remembered as, he said, "...just a good dude man!" It was a pleasure! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

LOYALTY | Coach Paul "Debo" Cole

He's known for being tough as a coach, but he doesn't wear it as a badge of honor. Looking back on how he handled certain situations, Coach admits he would've done things differently (especially with his own kids). However, his passion for the game is undeniable - and it's when players either don't play hard or play smart that makes him cringe. We can all agree though, that without Coach's toughness and high expectations on the court, his oldest son wouldn't be where he is today. When you google Mark Jerome, his son Ty Jerome (who currently plays for the Phoenix Suns) automatically pops up. Coach speaks on the pros and cons of coaching your own kid and the resources that comes with it. Lastly, coming from a household with mixed parents (black mother, white father), there was never a moment he didn't consider himself black! And when both parents are on the front line of the Civil Rights Movement, the experience and understanding of your culture is on another level.It has been a long time coming - but it was definitely worth while! Thanks Coach! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

OBSESSION | Coach Mark Jerome

Coach just finished refereeing 4 games before coming to the studio to see us!He plays at La Salle Academy High School alongside Shammgod Wells and Ron Artest, to later serve as the head junior varsity and assistant varsity coach at La Salle. He begins his collegiate basketball career at Dominican College, where he later serves as an assistant coach, recruiter, and academic liaison which led them to back-to-back CACC championships. Although he wasn't too happy with his experience at Bloomfield College (where he started his college career as a coach), he also won back-to-back CACC championships with the Deacons. In fact, while at Dominican College, the Chargers lose their first championship game to Bloomfield, to later beat them in the championship his 3rd year there. You see how everything connects?!You might think that's impressive, until you hear about the fire he had in his apartment, causing him to lose everything - to get a job the very next day as the Head JV, varsity coach, and Athletic Director at Uncommon Charter High School. "I'm sitting outside of Haagen Dazs and I just broke down!" Although these events may not be in order, the message behind the journey is what's essential. Their is good karma, and there's bad karma. It's up to you to decide what side you want to be on. This past August made 10 years since the fire happened, and since that day he started seeing life through a different lens and understands that you don't necessarily need everything you see in your closet. "...if I haven't wore it in 3 or 4 months, I'm giving it to Riverside Church!" Where he started his AAU career, coaching the 18 and under team - not to mention he was also christened and baptized there as a kid! Coach Armstrong currently finds himself at the historical Lincoln University where he will serve as the Associate Head Coach. "That right there is BIG...when you're talking about one of us!" Coach understands the importance of his role and hopes to help put a banner up in the gym for the Lions.When asked where he gets his HUSTLE from, he couldn't credit anyone else but his mother. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

FULL CIRCLE | Coach Jason Armstrong

When he shakes your hand you have this understanding - not to overstep your boundaries. Morals, principals, and most of all respect is what Coach Pete Aguilar Jr. demands on and off the court. From playing on the very first Gauchos team, being the leading scorer at Evander Childs High School (still), playing under Coach John Chaney at Temple University, playing on the Puerto Rican National Team, and getting cut from both the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks, Coach learns a valuable lesson. “The game ends for everyone!” After a fulfilling journey of being a ball player, Coach was done with the game - until his son was born. This motivated him to bring a group of guys together and create what we know to be one of the most profound AAU teams - Next Generation. From there he finds himself at All Hallows, Holy Family Middle School, and many other programs where he made his mark. All in all, Coach gets a ton of love and respect around the basketball circuit, and continues to let kids know that not everyone can make it to the league, but everyone can get an education. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

MAGICAL REALISM | Coach Pete Aguilar Jr.

Growing up in East Harlem, he fell in love with the game of baseball first. "...Darryl Strawberry was my man!" Coach Torrence said as he reminisced about his youth. But when you walk into Graphic Arts High School at 5'6 as a freshman and come back 6'2 the very next year, basketball starts making more sense. Some early success came his way sophomore year. However, his grades couldn't keep up with his play on the court, which caused him to lose a ton of playing time. He thought giving up and moving with his Uncle Lou in Virginia would be a walk in the park, but the conversation he had with Uncle Lou taught Coach Torrence a valuable lesson, "...we don't run!" Coach found himself in a prep school at St. Thomas Moore where he was later expelled. (We asked Coach what the reasoning was behind his expulsion, but were unsuccessful in receiving that information) Due to his character and his Coach's belief in him, he found a home at Milford Academy where he later graduated and began his college career at St. Francis Brooklyn. After earning his degree, Coach still hit a roadblock! Losing his job while having a kid to feed caused him to adjust quickly. But the blessing came when asked by his High School coach at Graphic Arts if he wanted to speak to a class about the pressures of being a teenage parent. The rest is history!Aside from his resume , the gems that Coach Torrence gave us in this interview is nothing short of legendary! When asked about this generation today, Coach had a lot to say when it came to principals, morals. and LOYALTY! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL | Coach Abdul Torrence

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A DIFFERENT ROUTE | Kashif "Kash" Pratt

THE O.G. | Shane "The Dribbling Machine" Woney

Middletown isn't really the place you to get recognized, but when your parents want a better life for you outside of The Bronx, it's not really much you can say. Basketball wasn't taken seriously until he went to Kennesaw State - and watching the pain marinate in that house after his big brother Allan Ray didn't get drafted, he decided it was time to lock in! Prior to that, Quinnipiac was a lesson learned; the classroom wasn't his forte and it affected his play. But you would think Kennesaw State was the place to be after looking at his numbers...nah! What coach promises you a scholarship and lets you enter the school year thinking you're good to go, until your mother finds a bill in the mail telling you to pay for the classes you registered for?! On top of that, you playing under a shitty flex offense didn't help either - but 19 points a game still gets the job done! Overseas was a journey in itself! Kendrick and his agent weren't on the same page which resulted in Allan Ray being his agent. I mean...when you and your older brother already have a partnership in the real estate business, the sports agency world doesn't seem so far fetch. This pandemic stopped Kendrick's momentum a bit - he was just starting to get into the flow of things on the court. But like any real baller...you just adjust! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

THE ADJUSTMENTS | Kendrick Ray

He don't do much talking - but his game damn sure speaks for itself! When you grow up spending nights at Kyrie Irving's house shooting hoops in his backyard as a little kid, it's not a secret that energy will rub off on you somehow. The Bronx native found himself at Bronx Leadership Academy his first two and a half years in high school before transferring to Wings Academy where he played under Billy Turnage, scoring 35 points off the bench his second game which gave Turnage no choice but to start him for the rest of the season. He took his talents to Southeastern Iowa where he could just get away from the hood for a while and focus on his craft - his life was a bit of a roller coaster due to the passing of his mother a year prior. But after so many accomplishments in Iowa, he found the assistant coach at Milwaukee-Wisconsin following his every move which made the trust between them two solid! After making his name known in Milwaukee, he took his talents overseas where the work load is a bit different from the collegiate level. When you're the best player on the team, people watch your every move! And being that he doesn't speak much, transforming into a vocal leader was something he had to adjust to. All in all, he hears all the noise about who's better and who's not - but he just wants to let people know...HE'S BEEN OUTSIDE!!! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

SILENT KILLER | Jordan "JayO" Aaron

Can you imagine a 6'5 forward walking into a courtroom in a suit defending his client? Well...that was his dream before the ball started bouncing. The Brooklyn native never seen it coming - but when you go from averaging 0.2 points a game at Wingate High School to averaging 18 points your following year, your thought patterns start to shift a bit. Especially when you go prep at Coachville in Pennsylvania where Rip Hamilton attended - and he PERSONALLY tells you to come in for a workout! Saying that, college was also a roadblock - getting recruited to play for LIU was something he wanted, but when paperwork gets in the way, you have to make other choices. With a solid career at State Fair CC and UT Martin, he took his talents overseas where he made a name for himself. He tells us that with all the work he's put in - teams now have to come correct before he signs another contract. You might know him as Superman, but the reason for that name runs deeper than you think!   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

"I STAND TALL" | Kedar "Superman" Edwards

Nobody wanted to give him his respect! Was it because The Bronx native took his talents to New Rochelle and played in a Class B Division at Salesian High School where he became Player Of The Year as a senior? Was it because he didn't go straight to a university and went JUCO at State Fair Community College in Missouri where he became First Team All American? Why does he suddenly just get the respect after becoming First Team All-SEC at the University of Tennessee? For God's Sake...HE'S BEEN DOING THIS!!! Before we knew who Rico Hines was, he was in private workouts with the man (before he even had a beard lol). Even when he thought it was over after taking his SAT's SEVEN TIMES and not getting that score he needed to goto college - he just kept pushing! Kevin Punter Jr. talks about all the steps it took to get to this point - and after playing in about 5 different countries, Italy seems like the place to be in the future. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

JUST KEEP WORKING | Kevin "KP" Punter Jr.

Since I’ve been a small pup, BASKETBALL has taken my life through different avenues. From playing AAU for the Riverside Church Hawks, to getting recruited to attend boarding school at TABOR Academy, to becoming a personal trainer for the Mercy College Women’s Basketball Team, to now starting my own PODCAST! I’m a kid from The Bronx who has seen so many ups and downs when it came to players accomplishing their dreams - whether it be playing in the NBA, taking their talents overseas, or just simply making a living doing what they love to do!As a player , as a fan, as a witness, I want to take on the responsibility of bringing those memories back! Urban cities all around the world have so much insight and knowledge about the game, that it is ONLY RIGHT our voices be heard on the biggest platforms. I’ve seen players like Kemba Walker take the NCAA by storm and also put his footprints in the NBA as one of the top 25 players in the league CURRENTLY! And I’ve also witnessed players like Cory Fisher have trouble getting to the next level. I wanna talk about it!!!! I’m proud to say that I’ve started a podcast called “HOOD CENTER” (Hood version of Sports Center) and I couldn’t be more excited about it! 

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HOOD CENTER

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