Paul Suber has been in the AAU coaching game for 15 years. He started with the legendary Riverside Church and also dominated the circuit with Team Next grammar school program. After taking a few years off, Suber has returned to the love of his life by coaching the NYC Gauchos 12U team. I traveled over to the Bronx (Gauchos Gym) to check out Suber in the lab and ask him a few questions. Here’s our Coach’s Corner!
BS: How does it feel to be back in the basketball world?
PS: It feels great because once you get bit by the basketball bug it becomes an addiction. As I watched from the outside I saw that the players in NY weren’t being developed the right way so I decided to throw my hat back into the ring.
BS: Talk about some of your successful players of the past?
PS: Well you know with Riverside I coached Elton Brand, Lamar Odom and Kenny Satterfield to name a few. Then with Team Next I had Jayvaughn Pinkston, Doron Lamb, Tavon Sledge and Aaron Brown among others. Back when we dominated your tournaments lol.
BS: What are the differences between the players now and then?
PS: The young players now need to learn how to play the game the right way. This is not a knock on the coaches out there now but the players need to know how to shoot, play team ball and develop high basketball IQ’s.
BS: Why return with the Gauchos?
PS: Back when I was coaching, NY was basically a two horse town with Riverside and the Gauchos. Once Riverside transformed into the Metro Hawks they lost some of their luster. I’ve also known Mo Hicks (Gauchos Director) and the other coaches for years. They allowed me to come in and help with their programs because I just love coaching kids. Then finally they asked me to coach my own squad.
BS: What can we expect from a Paul Suber coached squad?
PS: You can expect them to play the game the right way. We will have ball movement, 3or 4 double digit scorers and most importantly my mentality on the floor. When I first got my group they were a little timid but they are starting to pick up the aggression I need for them to be successful.
BS: What events will you be traveling to?
PS: First of all I will be attending the Basketball Spotlight MDC. I remember the tournaments you held with Metro Hoops and they always brought in the top competition. I’m anxious to get back into the fire. We also will hit the DC Assault Classic, MIT and the AAU Nationals held at the Boo Williams Complex.
BS: What are you expectations at the AAU Nationals?
PS: Well any tournament I enter I want to win but right now I’m aiming for an Elite 8 or Final Four march. I will be with this team for the next 4 or 5 years and this trip will start our foundation.
BS: Okay Paul thanks for returning the game needed you.
PS: Thanks Mike see you at the MDC!
