(3 Minute Read)

The whistle blows signaling the completion of the drill.  Some of the nation’s best young athletes, 16 and 17-year old basketball phenoms gather around Coach Showalter.  The setting is the USA Basketball U16-U17 Junior National Team Training Camp at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

Flanked by the physical size of the young men, Showalter gains their attention.  He offers feedback on the recently completed drill, then gradually steps back presenting his hands to the two players nearest him. At the same time, he encourages the rest of the huddle to do likewise.  The young athletes and support staff lock hands and begin to form a large circle.  They all face each other, looking towards the center of the circle, each person linked to another player or coach.