(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO
A free clinic open to basketball coaches of all levels in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area will be sponsored by the Washington Wizards on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Entertainment and Sports Arena, home of the Washington Mystics and Capital City Go-Go, in Southeast, Washington, D.C.
The clinic will be led by Coach Brian Keefe, head coach of the Wizards, with special guest coaches Ed Cooley of Georgetown, Kenny Blakeney of Howard, and Duane Simpkins, a coach for American University.
According to a Wizards spokesperson, the clinic aims to strengthen the local coaching community and provide valuable insights that can be taken back to schools and teams across the region. The clinic represents the Wizards’ longtime commitment to empowering local talent.
John Thompson III, former head coach, Georgetown University, now entering his second season as senior vice president of Monumental Basketball, continues to focus on exploring and implementing best practices for the Wizards, Mystics and Go-Go while ensuring accountability for excellence across the organization.
He spoke with the AFRO about the upcoming clinic and noted why he thinks it’s a “win-win opportunity.”
“This is for coaches from all levels – college, high school, summer leagues– you name it,” said Thompson, who has long been an ardent supporter of the Greater Washington Area and who, in 2007, established the John Thompson III Foundation to create a positive and lasting impact on the city that he cherishes.
“This is about coaches helping coaches,” he said. “I’ve said many times that the basketball players in the DMV are among the best in the country – part of that is because of the outstanding coaching in this area. We have some great coaches leading the clinic. But this is only the beginning.”
“Next year, we’ll rotate with other coaches,” Thompson continue. “The bottom line is the talented group of coaches in this region will be able to share with one another, to teach one another and to learn from one another.”
Thompson said the credit for the clinic goes to Wizards Head Coach Brian Keefe.
“Coach Keefe walked up to me and said he wanted to hold a clinic for local coaches and asked me if we could put something together,” Thompson said. “I told him of course. This is his first year as head coach but he’s been in the NBA for a long time. He understands every position on the bench and he’s built to help players and others in the profession.”
Thompson said he feels fortunate to be part of the Monumental Basketball family.
“I loved coaching at Georgetown but I am also really enjoying the journey that I am on today. I still have daily interactions with players and coaches and I’m involved in most aspects of the game. But I am also learning and contributing to the business side of the sport,” he said. “It’s complex for sure. But above all, it’s a people business. This clinic is another opportunity for us to bring people out, get them involved and unify them.”
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