J.J. McDaniel who is a sophomore at Cardinal McCarrick  joined the group late in the summer but made great strides while he was there.  McDaniel is currently playing varsity for McCarrick who is ranked in the top five in the Greater Middlesex County Conference. 

Dallas Ouanu, graduate from perennial state powerhouse Christian Brothers Academy, is a sophomore at Villanova University.  He turned down many scholarhsip offers to play basketball at smallers schools coming out of high school in order to take advantage of Villanova’s school of business.  As a freshman, he decided to set the goal of making Villanova’s nationally ranked basketball team (number four as of this week).  Last summer he started working out with me on his skills and strength and conditioning on an individual basis, but when a scheduling conflict forced him to come to the bootcamp he loved it so much that he came to every session for the remainder of the summer.  Dallas’ hard work paid off as he was the only player that tried out for the Villanova team that the coaching staff chose for their practice squad this season and he is in line to be on the team next year as a walk on.  When I asked Dallas how it felt to be playing with some of the best players in the entire country, he said, ” I have to work so hard just to keep up with these guys. I’m exhausted and every part of my body hurts, but I wouldn’t have it any other way…I love it.”

Finally, David McDaniel has experienced the most success of all of the bootcamp survivors.  David was with us from day one and made gains in size, speed, and strength throughout the entire summer.  David who is a freshman playing at Montclair State University started the season coming off the bench for them and in his first game score 14 points.  He has now worked his way into the starting lineup for Montclair and when I recently spoke with his former high school coach at Rutger’s Prep, Tony Mentos, he said that David’s  increased size and strength has allowed him to finish stronger and better around the rim.  This increased ability enabled David McDaniel to earn NJAC Rookie of the Week honors on December 21, 2009 and his accomplishments that week can be viewed here.

Stephen Fortuna, who attended the bootcamp in order to get in better shape for baseball has yet to start his season, but continues to train daily at his high school.  Lamar Nichols and Jerry Nichols who also attended the bootcamp but no longer play college basketball are both still active in various men’s basketball leagues in the area. 

The guys that attended the bootcamp epitomized hard work.  They showed up each and every Tuesday and Thursday with a willingness to work and even when the workouts got harder they fought through them together.  This mental toughness no doubt has helped their growth as players and people knowing that they were able to accomplish more than they ever could.  And given the success of the guys who attended their physical toughness needs not to be mentioned again. 

Great work to all of you guys, congratulations on all of your success, and I look forward to working with you guys and new recruits again soon. 

The 2010 Elite Basketball Bootcamp begins on Tuesday June 15th and runs Tuesdays and Thursdays through August 5th.  If you are looking to challenge your body like never before and see great results on and off the court, register here Basketball Bootcamp flyer 2010.

Not convinced? Go to Elite Basketball Bootcamp for more information and testimonials from past attendees.