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Mad for March Madness

 


by K. Kozla

Dear Loyal Readers,

I fear I must start this article with a bit of a confession.  While you come here looking for sporting information and information on Basketball and Football and what we have going on here at Marshall LLC your devoted author is a bit con.  While I understand some things in regards to sports… I know just the bare minimums of what there is in regards to this.  When I started helping with this project I joined as part of an MBA assignment.  I like words, I enjoy helping people and thus I have stayed on to continue helping, but when I work on this I have to ask questions and/or do research.

I confess to that in order to tell you this.  Recently I was having a work dinner with a friend of mine who knows sports and helps with the articles.  She was talking about upcoming ones for the site and mentioned March Madness.  I nodded and said, “The college basket ball games in March” she was pleased because I was showing promise.  She asked me to expand on what I know about it and… well sadly that was all I really knew.  I knew there were brackets and it was two sides trying to get down to the 1 game for the over all big winner, but that was it.

Now, with that off of my chest, let’s go onto March Madness.  Basically what it turns out to be is the playoffs to see who will be the NCAA Men’s Division 1 basketball champions. They are played in ‘brackets’ bringing them to the final two teams.  It just takes one loss to be out of contention.   Now, for those of you who may not know, the NCAA is the National Collegiate Athletic Association that covers various sporting events, Basketball being one of them.  It turns out that March Madness is just a lot of games in a short period of time to come up.  It will be exciting this year to see who will come up on top.

We here at Marshall LLC will be keeping our eyes on: Syracuse, Norfolk State University, Austin Peay, Marshall University, Rutgers, and Providence.

Godspeed to the players and officials!

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Stars

by K. Kozla

From the time we are little stars are a part of our lives.  The early days in school where we are trying to obtain gold and silver stars to show we accomplished something to be proud of.  Skipping a few years as we age and learn to believe that wishing on the stars in the sky in the hopes of making our dreams come true.  Even as an adult we gaze upon the stars that walk amongst us like Actors, Political Figures, Sports figures and even the lesser known ones like Doctors and Nurses, Teachers and Firefighters.  We all shoot to be amongst the stars, to achieve the goals we set ahead of us.  Andrew Bynum and MarShon Brooks are no different.  Both men are making moves to show how brightly their stars can shine.

MarShon Brooks was chosen to participate in the NBA’s Rising Stars Challenge featuring rookies and second-year NBA players taking place as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend on February 24th.   Brooks is averaging 14.8 points a game placing him second among rookies.

Andrew Bynum, for his part, is going to be the going to his first All-Star game.  It was a goal he set for himself six years ago, but with perseverance, practice and drive he managed to get himself to the place he wanted to be.

Two young men both setting an example to future players and dreamers that placing high goals on yourself is something to be done.  Don’t listen to those who say you can’t.  Don’t let others talk you out of dreaming big.  Dream big, the bigger the better and never give up.  We could not be prouder of the goals they are striving for and the achievements they are making.

God Speed to those who show us we should dream and God Speed to the dreamers!

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Welcome 2012

 

Happy New Year!

2012 has come roaring in as the shortened season at the NBA pushes forward and the NFL is fighting towards the Superbowl.  We at Marshall, LLC are excited about the new year and the opportunities that it presents us with.  Each day a new opportunity, each dream a chance to be more than we ever hoped.

While there is a lot going on we want to continue to provide updates about our progress and events for this year. Our past recruits have been doing amazing and we would like to provide you with an update on their progress:

Andrew Bynum;  Los Angeles Lakers, #17; Center. 2011-12 Statistics. PPG: 16.5; RPG: 13.90; APG 1.4  2005  NBA Draft, 1st Round, 10th pick.  Andrew has been playing for the Lakers since being selected by them in the 2005 Draft.  He continues to exhibit his talent and has become one of the best Centers in the League.  We believe that he has yet to tap into his full potential.  At 24 years old, he is still evolving and his game continues to elevate. He is currently in his seventh NBA season and it looks as if he might be finally getting his first chance at being an All-Star this year.

Lance Stephenson; Indiana Pacers,, #6; Guard,  2011-12 Statistics PPG 2.2; RPG 1.60; APG 1.1   2010 NBA Draft, 2nd Round, 40th pick .  Lance also has not reached his full potential in the NBA.  Lance was an all star player in the New York area and still have not quite reached his full dreams.  We are excited about what he will bring to his team and to the sport as a whole. 

Scotty Hopson Vap Kolossos Radou Greece Basketball, #15 Guard PPG 10 pts  Scotty chose to play European basketball after he was not selected in the 2011 NBA Draft.   His team holds a 10-3 record in their league.  We have seen evidence of brilliance from Scotty on the court and a subtle humility and grace off of it.  This experience will not only help him grow, but will make him a force to be reckoned with for many years to come.  

MarShon Brooks; NJ Nets, #9; Guard & SF 2011-12 Statistics PPG 15.1; RPG 4.40; APG 1.6  2011 NBA Draft, 1st Round, 25 Pick.  MarShon hit the ground running from the very first game that he has played with the NJ Nets.  He is currently ranked second in the league in Rookie scoring, and 25th in the league in scoring per 48 minutes.  He has been labeled a “Rookie Sensation” and is one of the most favorite players selected in the Fantasy Basketball League. MarShon continues to show how much talent he has and will continue to elevate his game to be the best.

We are proud of all of our recruits and will continue to follow their progress.

Next Up:  College Basketball Update  – “March Madness”


You will be noticing some changes in the site coming soon, we continue to work on getting the information out as we get it.  Continue to hope, continue to dream and may 2012 be the best year yet of your life.

Godspeed to all

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More movement here at Marshall LLC

by K. Kozla

Another player who worked with Marshall Sports is in the news.  Edwin Ubiles, who recently played in the 2011 Pan-American games, was recently signed by the Golden State Warriors.   Ubiles, who was part of the Puerto Rico team that took the gold in the Pan-American games,  is excited to sign with the Golden State Warriors and excited about what this means.  Receiving an early Holiday gift is always exciting, especially when it has been a long time goal.

Edwin Ubiles from CBS 6
Edwin Ubiles from CBS 6

Godspeed to the players, the coaches and the dreamers.

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Seasons Greetings

In a day and age where the holiday season comes and the world is competing for your attention we would like to remind you that this is not just the season for sports, not only the season to shop for gifts, but it is the season to remember why we do all we do.

Take the time to remember family.  Spend an extra few moments with friends and loved ones.  Give that extra little bit to bring a smile to someone’s face.  Be thankful for what you have and share with those who have not.  A country is only as rich as it’s poorest members and too often they are forgotten.  Take the time this holiday season to give thanks, give time and give love.

Wishing you all a blessed Holiday and a healthy and happy New Year!

The best to all in 2012!

Godspeed

-The Marshall LLC Family

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A Holiday Miracle?

by K. Kozla
 
As December quickly approaches with the holidays in tow is that a miracle I see?  Well, maybe not a miracle, but we could be getting a gift as the NBA and Players Association might be reaching an agreement and giving us a basketball season!  Now it would be shorter than normal, but some basketball is always better than no basketball so we all keep our fingers crossed that the people involved can come to an agreement.  That would be the best present for all of the fans and the workers waiting to go back to work.
 
Godspeed to those involved with the discussions; Godspeed to a 2011-2012 NBA Season.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 1. How long is the training over all (from the start of training through the draft of the athlete?)
The training sessions, as well as the time frames, are different as the individuals they are designed for that specific athlete. Since no two people are the same each training program is designed to address their particular needs and/or desire.

 2. Are there any upfront costs?
The cost for training is established according to the given situation.

 3. What does the training entail (types of workouts, how many days a week)?
Such information is discussed with the athlete and the school officials. This is a common practice within the industry. There are exceptions to this rule, if the school possesses the staffing qualified to accomplish such task required to properly prepare the athlete for such draft process. This situation is mostly found in football rather than basketball.

 4. Does it involve removing my son/daughter from school?
If the training is designed to prepare an athlete for the pro draft circuit being it NFL or NBA, it is necessary that the athlete leaves school and properly prepare for such draft. The training regent is so severe that no athlete can carry out successfully, both functions. The time required from training professionally and attending school is to demanding for any athlete to accomplish either goal in a successful manner.

 5. Are there any agreements and/or contracts?
There are no contracts established for amateur athletes, however on the professional level, such contracts due exist.

 6. What would happen if an injury occurs during the training process?
Training on an amateur level, the insurance is provided by Marshall LLC as third party coverage. However, if training for the professional level, such policy is purchased through the clients representation, (Agent).

 7. If my son/daughter is not going to finish college, is there any type of communication that I need to address with the school?
Marshall LLC shall assist both the parent and the athlete with obtaining the proper information to be passed on to the respective educational institution.

8. Are there any other training available prior to crossing over into the draft process?
Marshall LLC will provide general training workshops for the athletics.

 9. Who would be the main point of contact to provide information to the families?The person responsible for securing the proper information to help the family choose the right collegiate situation is Marshall, LLC. There is some important information that must be obtained before a family should choose the college that their son going to attend such as: 

  • Does the college that is recruiting my son/daughter have a winning reputation?
  • Does the coach has a good reputation and is well respected in the sporting industry and possess good character?
  • Are the coaching staff married or single and what is the average age
  • Does the coach have a stable contract and when does it expire?
  • Where does my son/daughter fit on your depth chart? How many players are charted ahead of him on your Rooster?
  • What is your style of play and how does the son/daughter fit into your system?
  • If the son/daughter needs a fifth year to complete his degree, will it be provided to them at no cost?
  • What is the school’s history concerning turning out pro athletes in my son’s/daughter’s position?
  • What is the graduation ration of athletes verses normal students?
  • What steps are taken by the collegiate program to ensure success of the athlete, if pro ball is not in their future?
  • What does your program do to help address developing my son/daughter into a well rounded individual?
  • What is the University’s or College ‘s graduation history of athletes in my son’s/daughter’s area of interest?
  • What is the field of study that the University or College is famous for?

 10. If my son/daughter is looking at colleges/universities to attend, is there someone to provide guidance during this process?
Marshall, LLC will provide guidance before, during and after the college selection process.

 11. What is the difference between a Junior College and a University?
A Junior or Community College is a two (2) year academic program where your son/daughter may secure an Associate Degree. A University or College is where your son/daughter attends for four (4) years and receive either an Bachelor’s or Masters Degree.

 12.When should a Junior College become the answer to my child’s continued educational opportunity?
This becomes a vital answer when your son/daughter does not have the proper grades and or SAT score to qualify them eligible to receive either an academic or athletic scholarship from a four year educational institution.

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Basketball is coming back… to college at least

by K. Kozla

While football has been going strong (both in High School and College level as well as the NFL) basketball has been sitting on the sideline.  The NBA is still in a lock out that is keeping the stadiums in the dark at least until the end of November.  Thankfully basketball fans will have a season as College basketball is getting ready to spring forth.  The players are ready to do what they do best and the fans can’t wait to see them.

Marshall LLC is still working with and looking for players in all the field and we have eyes looking out there, but you should always keep looking because no one knows when greatness will first be seen.  No one knows when an amazing presence will first be felt.

Godspeed to the players and all of the presences about to make themselves known!

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Basketball News

by K. Kozla

The NBA lockout is still in effect and there are only three short weeks until they have to start cutting the season. In three weeks if they do not come to an agreement they might have to cut the season in half. I hate to think of the outcome if it goes past it. I will not give up hope yet. The NBA and the NBPA is trying to come together on a lot of issues that could mean serious changes not only for the players, but for the teams. There is a lot at stake and it is something that has to be negotiated carefully, but with time factoring in, there should be more working together to come to real solutions.

Other countries continue to have their seasons and our own, Scotty Hopson, has been making strides as he continues to play for the Colossus in Greece. He is doing well over there and even took the time out to text Mike Griffith about it recently. We hope that he continues to do well and shows the world what he is made of.

Godspeed!

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Do you dream?

by K. Kozla

People sometimes think that dreamers are wasting their time.  That they need to get their head out of the clouds because reality is hard and reality is rough.  While reality is not always a Norman Rockwell painting, there is space for the real dreamers who are willing to put in the work and effort with the dreams.  The point of being a dreamer isn’t just to day dream and sit there, you need to dream and take action.  Don’t limit yourself,  Eliza Dushku said it best when she said, “Go big or go home.  Because it is true.  What do you have to lose?”

Now there will be bumps and rough patches, there will be long days that turn into late nights full of work outs and studying and life lessons that are hard.  I am not saying that there will not be, but what I am saying is that there are obtainable goals, there are reasons to give the 110% of yourself.  You will be beaten down at times, but you do not give up.  You do not give in. People will tell you that you can’t. People will try to bring you down because they cannot do what you can. Do not listen, do not give in. Keep pushing and working you are worth it.

Take for example Andrew Bynum.  People know Andrew Bynum because he was, and will be, the youngest person to ever be drafted in the NBA.  In 2005 he was the tenth overall draft pick in the first round of the draft to the Los Angeles Lakers where he still plays to this day.  That’s all fine and good, but that doesn’t tell us one important thing.

How did he get there?

Yes, he has talent.  Yes, he has drive, but before that he had potential.  Potential that was noticed by Larry Marshall.  In an article written by Landry Fields, we are introduced not only to a young Mr. Bynum, but his coach.  That coach who saw potential in him, who went with him all the way to the NBA draft was Larry Marshall.

From USAToday.com

Why does this matter?  Why am I telling you this?  I am telling you this because you need to know it.  You, the future player, the player, the family of a player need to know that people don’t just show up one day and walk into an arena and go ‘I’m in the draft pick me’.  There is a long road that leads you there full of work outs, trainings, school, practices with your team,  practices with other potential teams and more, but you can get there.  With potential, desire, drive and the right support systems surrounding, a talented player can get from a kid with potential to a star.

All that is left now is one question, are you a real dreamer?

Lakers Select Andrew Bynum

God speed to the dreamers