HIGHER LEVEL PREMIER AAU - 17U HEAD COACH - DENNIS MARSHALL - EXCLUSIVE TWITER INTERVIEW - ALL-MET ELITE

HIGHER LEVEL PREMIER AAU

 17U HEAD COACH
DENNIS MARSHALL 

 EXCLUSIVE 

TWITER INTERVIEW 

 ALL-MET ELITE

DENNIS MARSHALL
17U HEAD COACH
HIGHER LEVEL PREMIER AAU
NORTHERN VA.

 

Dennis Marshall - Head Coach

Higher Level Premier 17U based out of Northern Virginia

What is your AAU coaching philosophy, what do you want your kids to learn from you and what is your ultimate goal for kids who play for you?

My philosophy is I work for the player and the parent. My job is to play kids in the projected college positions, expose their strengths, and teach them the sacrifices and demeanor needed to play at the collegiate level. I want them to understand I have knowledge they can take that not many other coaches have. I’ve seen what not many other coaches have seen. My ultimate goal is to help young men use a game to get free or partially free education. They can use basketball to travel or as an avenue to a career in the basketball arena.

What tournaments do you have coming up?

We are going to Spooky Nook and Pitt Jamfest in April. Loaded Big Shots, Southern Jamfest, and Takeover memorial Day Classic in May. CP3 Live, Live in the AC and a couple others in July.

What are your favorite things about AAU basketball, what things do you dislike the most? 

Not a huge AAU basketball fan. But the one thing I like is to coach other kids you don’t know and it’s a platform to see talented players you’ve never seen. What I don’t like is how kids are used, lied to, and put through the gauntlet for long periods of times. Too many meaningless games and not enough emphasis on “good” basketball.

What does your ideal player look and act like?

My ideal player is simple. A coachable kid that wants to learn, gives their all, and takes the opportunity serious.

What do you think about reclassifying middle school kids for sports purposes only?

I don’t think reclassing for sports is a bad idea. You got gymnast, tennis players, and other kids who leave home and are tutored to become Olympians and pros. My son is a pro because of my decision to reclass him in 8^th grade. Without a reclass, he never ends up at UNC.

What do you think about kids transferring schools for sports purposes?

Transferring is a different story. Rarely do you see a kid transfer and his situation or interest improves. But I always say, It’s more important for a kid to be happy and enjoy what they are doing. If transferring helps that, then so be it. The problem is many parents aren’t realistic about their kids or don’t do their due diligence. That’s where problems arise.

What are your spring and summer predictions for your team?

I think we will have a solid productive spring\summer. We have a very good team. Not an elite team, but skilled and competitive. Our pg play will be very key. With our tournament schedule, I hope to win 2 games at least per tournament. If you do that, you probably beat someone good and lost to someone whose pretty good.

What best describes your coaching style and the style you expect your team to play?

My coaching style is pretty simple. We get up and down, but under control. We run good stuff to get guys easy shots and opens the floor for them to showcase their skills. BUT…we will defend, share the ball, and learn the game at a high level. I let my guys play, but hold them accountable. I treat my team like a college team. I expect 100% accountability at practice. We only go 2 times a week. My rule…you miss a practice, you miss a game.

Who are some notable players on your team and what college interest do they currently have?

Don’t know the notables yet, haven’t seen them enough to form an accurate opinion. I think we have 3-6 guys who can play D1 ball at someone’s university. We’ll see.