Danny Peters will get in where he fits in.
by Sandy Dover / @SandmanSeven
One of the biggest transitions in life occurs when a person leaves college and looks to build on what he or she has spent years accumulating in academia. In many cases, it’s a substantial shock to the system because of how different it is to negotiate with the world on our (and the world’s) own terms. For former Ohio State guard Danny Peters, his world seems to be in a different place altogether. Since leaving the Buckeye basketball team as the winningest player in the program’s history while trekking into a career of teaching as a college coach, Danny has been gracious enough to let me and the rest of the SLAMonline family in on what it means to embark on the daily challenge of becoming a successful coach in the NCAA, by way of a special “as told to Sandy”, open-letter San Dova Speak-Easy series, dubbed “From Danny, To Sandy”.
Previously, Danny wrote about his foray into coaching, while beginning a new road in that area in his life and essentially being at the end of his previous journey as a collegiate basketball player. You can find that here.
—
Sandman,
It has been a while since I talked with you last. I have had the last few weekends off from the AAU circuit, but still busy in the gym and getting set for wherever next year takes me. Each day there are new speculations, my residence next year feels like Drake’s “Houstalantavegas”. With over 50 Division I head coaching changes for next season, there is a lot of opportunity to move onto a new staff. I am realistic and understand that coaching the Lakers next year is not going to happen, you have to start somewhere and pay your dues. Wherever I land, I am excited and eager about the new challenges for the future.
Lately, I have been in the gym working with the different kids around Columbus. Workouts are going well and the kids are getting better. It is great to see each kid pick up one thing from each workout and carry it over into pick-up games or their AAU tournaments. With the free time since hoops ended, I have been researching different trainers and some of their philosophies and drills to use in my workouts. I caught Ganon Baker last summer at the LeBron James Skills Academy. The guy is high-energy and can get players better. If you haven’t already, check out his ball handling drills with the tennis ball. I am also liking Idan Ravin from D.C. He has big name players on his resume and just picked up another with (my old teammate and friend) Evan Turner. ET is heading down there shortly; I am sure to get a breakdown of his workouts when he gets back. We are planning on meeting before he leaves for the NBA Pre-Draft Camp back in Chicago to workouts and cover the drills from last year’s combine.
In my opinion, late spring is the best time of year, because all of the former Buckeyes are just getting back in town from their season around the world. It is great keeping in touch with them online throughout their seasons. Open gyms may have 15 professional players from the top leagues in Greece and Italy to NBA players. All of them love to work on their games, and there is no secret to their success as professional athletes: practice. (Former Atlanta Hawks forward) Othello Hunter called me from Greece two weeks before he got back, asking when we were shooting. He will be back in the league very soon; his work ethic, abilities, and potential are too impressive to pass up.
I didn’t make it Bloomington this weekend for the adidas May Classic, but the All-Ohio team is having their Super Sixteen Showcase next weekend in Columbus. I am excited to see the great talent from around the Midwest hooping in Columbus. Hope to see you all on the circuit!
Danny
You can pick up more bits of Danny’s ride through the recruiting circuit & his thoughts on basketball via Twitter (@PetersDanny).
—
Sandy Dover is a novelist/writer, artist and fitness enthusiast, as well as an unyielding Prince fan (for real). You can find Sandy frequently here at SLAMonline, as well as at Facebook, Associated Content and Twitter.
Read the SLAMonline Discussion Rules before posting.
Pingback: SLAM ONLINE | » Long Days, Late Nights & Celebrations