Hello Basketball World!
It's your boy Jordan. This is my final diary and I just wanted to say that it has been a great experience and that I enjoyed every minute of it.
I wanted to begin by thanking some important folks in my life this past year. My first thanks go to God for giving me the ability play basketball and to my parents for working with me both educationally and athletically. My mom will always make sure that I get the best academically. She always quotes "The key to academic success is parental involvement. My dad for working with me in basketball for all of these years and always letting me know that books come before basketball. His phrase is "Basketball will get you to the door but it's an education that will open it."
A special thank you goes out to Mike Melton for creating Basketball Spotlight and giving us all and opportunity to be exposed and recognized in the basketball world. Many of us would not have known each other or about each other if it was not for Basketball Spotlight. If there is anything that I could ever do for Basketball Spotlight, please let me know. Thanks again Mike for choosing me to do the spotlight. It was truly an honor! Keep up the great work!
I would also like to thank all of my teachers and school coaches, with a special thanks to Mrs. Christina Roach. Don't know what I would have done without you! I also want to thank Tina Gregory who helped my family gather a lot of information on the high schools that I was considering.
I would also like to thank two of my biggest fans, my grand parents, Cyril and Barbara DeRosa.
I would also like to thank all of those connected with HoopGroup: Adam Turner, Mike Farrelly, Rob Kennedy, Tiny Green, Dan Rose, Chris Zupko, Joe Stein, Yonah Greenstein and Matt Horwitz
People who have worked with me one on one in basketball and conditioning:
Ted Black, Valentine Barnaby, Frank Burno, Skip Fuller, William (Pop's) Beckford and Herb Magee. And a special thanks to Dave, who helps get me back on my feet!
My AAU coaches 2008-2009:
Sports University: Frank Burno, Brian Coleman, Ed Bright
NJ Shoreshots: Adam Turner, Yonah Greenstein, Matt Horwitz
Greenburgh Kings: Michael Forehand, Chris Forehand and Terry Williams
Hoop Heaven Fall League: Coach Sina
Playaz: (Eight is Enough League): Coach Slappy
There so many other people that I would like to thank, but I am keeping it to the people who I have worked with over the past year.
And now what many people have been asking me all summer. My high school choice will be Saint Anthony's. A former coach and someone who I respect greatly said to me early in the year "No matter what school you choose, make sure that it is a place that you will be happy". Since March, I have been involved with many people who are a part of Saint Anthony's and who also made me feel like I was a part of Saint Anthony's. I like the fact that the school is small and I love the classes that they offer. It will be a great experience and I look forward to being a part of the school and its basketball legacy. I AM A FRIAR!!!!!
I would also like to thank all of the other schools who showed interest in me.
Though this will be my last diary, you can still check me out on http://www.jordanforehand.com/
Once again, I have enjoyed talking to you each week. To the younger guy's as well as my peers, remember that the books are just as important as the basketball. Without the grades, you cannot get into college. With the grades and the basketball, you can write your own ticket! And even with the grades and the basketball, remember to be the best person you can be.
J4-Out
11-17-94
Peace!
