Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Christensen.
Jeff, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
We started with a small clinic in the summer of 2009. We just wanted to bring together some of the better high school players in Portland, OR and have them train/learn with some of the college and pro players to come out of Portland. Our thinking was we were very fortunate to have been around these college and pro players growing up, to learn from them and train with them, that we should provide the same opportunity to those who aren’t in that specific network.
Showcase Basketball was a seasonal operation during the summer months while the rest of the year was coaching professionally. But everywhere I went, we found there was a real need for a development program that treated and trained kids the right way. So, as of winter 2015, we decided to take Showcase Basketball year-round with the same premise from the original camp in 2009…to provide the highest level training in a fun and positive setting.
I’ve been very fortunate to coach all over the world at very high levels, but nothing makes me happier than what we are doing for youth basketball players in Burbank.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There are always bumps in the road, but that is what makes the journey so much fun. The coaching world is very volatile, with most people under one-year contracts and not knowing what city they will be living in next. For every Gregg Popovich or Mike Krzyzewski, there are a hundred coaches not knowing where they will be in a few months. One of the founding principles of Showcase Basketball was to fill that need for coaches as well…to have a place coaches can work on their craft and earn a living while they await their next opportunity. It’s a tough road, especially for young coaches, so we want to do whatever we can to help.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Showcase Basketball – what should we know?
Showcase Basketball is a full-service youth basketball company that provides the highest level of basketball training in a fun and positive setting. We provide clinics, camps, training, and teams for kids of all ages and skill levels. What separates us is our culture. We are focused on player and personal development, meaning we are taking a long-term approach and vision with each player. Our focus is making sure each child is reaching their potential.
What we are most proud of is the relationships we have built. Through our programs in California, Oregon, and parts of Europe, we have been able to build lasting relationships with some extraordinary people. It’s amazing to be around so many great people and to see where life takes them.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Too many to count. Everywhere I have gone, there are been positive and influential people who have in some way supported and helped me along, opened doors, etc. The process hasn’t been one person doing everything…it’s been multiple people guiding the path and assisting with opportunities.
You know how people always want to “prove their doubters wrong” and remember all this negativity? I did the exact opposite. I was never concerned about what people negatively thought about me; I was more concerned about proving that the one’s that supported me were right. I would keep a journal of things people said or did that in some way had a positive influence on me, and it was very important for me to do whatever I could to prove those people right.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.showcasebasketball.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/showcase_bball
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/showcasebasketball
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/showcase_bball
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