Hip, hip, hooray as Hoop It Up sends more to school! [Photoslide Included]
Such is the fervor and passion generated by Basketball across the Territory that it was no surprise that the event itself was part religious, part motivational and in no small part a reflection on the drive and ambition of the Foundation’s President, Steve Parillon.
While the school and college coaches were ultimately impressed by the hard work, skill and educational standards of the players, there is no doubt that the drive, ambition and enthusiasm shown by Parillon is largely the reason behind the success of the many programmes his Foundation organises.
“First of all I want to thank God for putting me in this position; he has made me a prophet for the youths to know the game of basketball,” Parillon said at the event.
As Parillon went on to explain the window of opportunity for coaches to recruit players from the VI is small and that is why the Showcase Camp was set up.
Last year, the Camp attracted 30 players and 7 were signed to various institutions. This year many more came along with coaches and scouts from not just colleges but also from Prep Schools and High Schools.
From that Camp, Bjorn Caleb, Dione Blyden, Kimani Stevens and Aubrey Dawson were offered places at Clinton Community College. Wuli Frometa, Dominique Wattley and Sheldeen Joseph will be attending Sauk Valley Community College. J’Kwon Frett, Dominic Ward, Kevon Lettsome and Cravern Andrew are heading off to On Point Christian Academy. Shamarr George, Charlesworth Georges, Kimron Telemaque and Kaleem Scatliffe will attend Mount Zion Christian Academy, whilst Jamari Maduro and Shamal Caines will be going to Warner College and Garden City Community College respectively.
Parillon went on to explain the importance of the group’s new journey and how they are stepping through a door already opened, but must ensure they don’t close it behind them.
“When you go away, outside the Virgin Islands you will be representing one Virgin Islands, not the BVI or the USVI, but one Virgin Islands,” pausing for an “Amen”, he added, ” You are also representing your parents, yourselves and the institution you are attending.”
“Also remember one thing; we don’t have academic criteria in the BVI for sports, so when we go to College it is very difficult to adjust. Each one of you are going to have to maintain a GPA, as individuals you have to work out the balance between getting it done in the classroom and getting it done on the court. Academics is very important, the brain is one of the last things to go bad in the body and you will use it long after you stop playing ball.”
The Hon. Archibald Christian, At Large Representative, then addressed the young men and women on behalf of the Premier. “I am a big fan of opportunities and I appreciate when our young people get the chance to train and excel in their areas of interest at the highest levels,” he stated.
Echoing Parillon's words of caution regarding the importance of academics, Christian also made note that “most of the time our athletes have natural talents and natural gifts, but they must be encouraged to understand that standards that are normally accepted at home will not be accepted overseas.”
Andrew Fahie, a long time supporter and sponsor of the Hoop It Up Foundation addressed the signees. “I want to you to carry yourselves well. When you get away you are representing more than just yourself, continue to work at your grades and be a shining example. You are hope for those that have a sense of hopelessness.”
Azim Beazer perhaps struck the most important chord when he told them that having been away himself for a year on a scholarship from last year’s camp, it is tough! “Try hard from now,” he said. “Concentrate on education and then basketball!”
As the ‘Ballers signed their letters of intent each was celebrated with a Hip Hip Hooray!
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