Grayson Boucher talks about The Professor iPhone app.
by Drey Wingate / @ProStatus85
It seems like there is an app for everything these days. But who would have thought there would be an application for becoming a better ball handler? It sounds great to be able to study new moves and ball handling tips from the convenience of your own mobile device.
Becoming a great ball handler takes originality as well as creativity.
That is what makes the game so beautiful. The mixture of flavor from the streets and fundamentals gives guards like Jamal Crawford, John Wall, Brandon Jennings, Chris Paul and many others the ability to make the highlight reel every time they touch the floor.
Ball Up representative Grayson “The Professor” Boucher recently released his first ball handling instructional “Streetball Class in Session.” The Professor gives detailed, step-by-step instruction on how to execute the moves that have made him the well-known international figure that he is today.
Shortly after his return from a tour in Indonesia, SLAMonline linked up with The Professor to rap about his trip across the waters and the development of his new application.
SLAM: You recently returned from a tour in Indonesia, how was everything over there?
Professor: It was incredible. It was my third time in Indonesia. I was blessed to be able to visit three cities on Java Island during the trip. I was doing promotions out there for their biggest streetball tournament they have every year. The love I get from basketball fans in Indonesia is like no other.
SLAM: What gave you the idea to create an actual iPhone app for your fans?
Professor: The inspiration behind it was to teach kids how to handle the ball at a high level. One of the most common things I get asked is, “Hey Professor, what kind of drills can i do to dribble like you? How do I do your moves?”
SLAM: Which players did you watch in your younger days that helped you become the outstanding ball handler you are?
Professor: For the most part I spent my younger days being inspired by my father and Michael Jordan. When I got to high school I started watching the smaller guards of the ’90s such as Tim Hardaway, Kenny Anderson and then Allen Iverson. Then when the first AND 1 Mixtape dropped in 1998 with Skip to My Lou, I really was inspired. I wanted to take my handle to the next level. I wanted to impress people and succeed at a high level at the same time the way Skip did.
SLAM: What do you think are the keys to learning moves and having a good handle?
Professor: There are three steps to having a great handle. Not everyone can execute the three because they’re not easy. The first key is actually gaining the knowledge of how to do certain moves. Meaning, analyzing EXACT footwork and body motion of moves and the way someone handles the ball. This can be done by watching great ball handlers play either in person or on film. The second step is putting what you’ve learned into heavy repetition by just emulating what you’ve studied. Heavy repetition meaning hours on top of hours. Being a gym rat is key. Last you have to have fearlessness to apply what you’ve learned into game time situations. Not everybody has that in them. So in short the formula is: Knowledge + Repetition + Fearlessness = Good handle.
SLAM: How much time do you spend on a weekly basis working on new moves?
Professor: I work on my game about 3-4 times a week for two or three hours at a time. A good 30 minutes to an hour of each workout session is dedicated to working on new moves.
SLAM: Do you have the app on your iPhone?
Professor: Absolutely! Mainly just to show in business meetings or when asked if I have any instructional content available for fans.
SLAM: Where can fans and followers purchase the app?
Professor: It can be purchased in the ‘App Store’ on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. It’s also available on DVD or digital download at hoopsking.com. Coming soon to my site as well TheProfessorLive.com.
Follow the Professor on Twitter @Professor12.
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