Big news, everyone! It seems the universe has graced me with another opportunity to go to K Academy this week.
After my last experience, I'm definitely feeling like the redemption tour begins now.
Here's the full story.
3 Years Ago
It was three years ago when I first went to K Academy.
I can still picture myself on that iconic Coach K Court.
Coach K Court
For those who aren't familiar, K Academy is quite something – it's a kind of secret basketball camp for OLD MEN (you have to be 35+).
No kidding! It’s a unique setup.
And the man running the show? Well, the camp is run by this legend, and by that, I mean the one and only Coach K. Being there is pretty surreal.
Basketball team
Dose of Reality
Being one of the younger guys there that first time, there was this underlying thought that since I was the youngest person there, everyone there (myself included) thought I'd be a very good player.
Let's just say the pressure was on, at least in my own head!
In the zone
To be brutally honest, I broke a rib, got nervous, and played horribly. It was a humbling experience.
The end result for our team? 0-8 record. Definitely not what I was hoping for.
Intense ball game
Second Chance
But that was then, and this is now! I'm heading back this week, and as I told myself while packing my bags, "the redemption tour begins now." I’m feeling determined.
Me at the airport
And it's already been cool to connect with some amazing people. Look who I ran into – here is me with beloved Duke great, Grayson Allen. What a legend!
Grayson Allen and Me
So, that’s the scoop. I’m back on the campus, ready to give K Academy another go.
Armed with a few lessons from last time (and hopefully a stronger ribcage), I’m aiming to make some shots, contribute to the team, and maybe, just maybe, help us get a few wins.
New Story Update
Updated on June 18th.
I played GREAT, and I actually won an award (best FG percentage, number one out of 160 campers). I got Coach K to sign the box score from my first win in Cameron Indoor Stadium—I was 0-9 before that moment. It felt amazing to finally perform at the level I knew I had in me! What I loved most about the experience was watching people compete well into their 60s, really pushing their bodies to the limit.
Here are some photos worth sharing.
