I thought it would be only right to post this considering we're witnessing the advent of one former phenom into the limelight. Then again, you have to admit that it's a bit sick how society, or sporting society, is weeding out the prodigies at younger and younger ages. Dakota Simms is only 9 years old, yet is being looked at for college basketball already. He's ridiculously talented for his age, but does that mean we should start to sap the fun out of his livelihood and start surrounding him with people who only care about him because of a gift? Dakota looks like he would love nothing more than to shoot around and dribble all day. The business side of sports should have no business in his business at this point. At the same time, it's still exciting to see what the future of the sport of basketball holds. I'm thinking a 7-year $500 million deal in 2025. Something tells me Dakota and the young man below will be seeing a lot of each other down the road. Check out both of the next to be next up in basketball...
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Next Basketball Phenom
I thought it would be only right to post this considering we're witnessing the advent of one former phenom into the limelight. Then again, you have to admit that it's a bit sick how society, or sporting society, is weeding out the prodigies at younger and younger ages. Dakota Simms is only 9 years old, yet is being looked at for college basketball already. He's ridiculously talented for his age, but does that mean we should start to sap the fun out of his livelihood and start surrounding him with people who only care about him because of a gift? Dakota looks like he would love nothing more than to shoot around and dribble all day. The business side of sports should have no business in his business at this point. At the same time, it's still exciting to see what the future of the sport of basketball holds. I'm thinking a 7-year $500 million deal in 2025. Something tells me Dakota and the young man below will be seeing a lot of each other down the road. Check out both of the next to be next up in basketball...
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3 comments:
sigh. *shrivels into a ball of patheticness because a 9 year old could beat me in one on one*
I volunteer in helping to coach young Dakota. I think I learn as much from him about focus and dedication as he learns how to shoot over a 6'11 giant from me.
He is a smart engaging young man first and then a straight up very good player next. He is now 10 years old.
I track as many of his stories and videos as I know about and find, including his shoot around with Dominique Wilkins, below.
http://www.thetallstreetjournal.com/profiles/blogs/dakota-simms-basketball-boy
Balancing youth with talent and media buzz is difficult. Suffice it to say Dakota is mature for his age, but also enjoys video games, amusement parks and playing with his twin brothers.
While I know you hear on the contrary that its all for the parents, you won't see his Dad in any stories above, although T is his primary coach. We treat the media exposure just like the basketball. It is something Dakota needs to handle and practice with the exposure on his own, just like his game.
Handling that kind of fame and pressure crushes a lot of our pro athletes and celebrities everyday. Hopefully, by exposing him bit by bit and having him make shots with the cameras on interview like an outstanding person while he is at a young stage will help him excel in any career he chooses, be it basketball or not.
- Cheyenne
I think both of these children are amazing but on the other hand, I hope the working out does not stunt their growth too much. Another issue is I hope their academics are looking as promising as their physical achievements. Overall, I hope to see both young men dreams come into fruition.
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