On April 12, I had the opportunity to cover the 3rd Annual YRU All-Star Experience. This event took place at St.Marcellinus S.S. in the Mississauga area. The event displayed the top boys and girl's freshman and sophomore prospect, day 1 started off with a special presentation brought to you by YRU. The presentation was aided to support the selected student-athletes and parents with imperative information pertaining to NCAA eligibility, SAT prep tips, and student-athlete development. YRU brought in 4 guest speakers who had the chance to interact with their Student-Athletes to shed some light on these defining topics.

The first speaker was Joe Corapi, a former Penn State athlete and current SAT Math tutor. Joe aims to put kids in the best possible shape for the SAT, for those who may be unaware of that, it's a required test student-athletes must take in order to qualify for an NCAA scholarship. Joe broke down some criteria of the SAT and gave some insight on the expectations of the test. Joe's Student-Athlete experience has shaped the way he teaches in today's time and he uses his unique knowledge to contribute to the future crop of Student-Athletes.

Photo By: Charlie Lindsay (@doncharleone)

“It’s very important to get all your 16 core courses done to put you in good shape to write a SAT/ACT test.”

— Joe Corapi

Secondly, we had a Lawyer by the name of T.J. Gogna share his knowledge on financial security and investments. T.J. has gained several experiences working within the sports and entertainment field. Through his experiences he witnessed various professional athletes lose their earnings due to poor financial decisions. He strives to share to education our student-athletes to make great financial decisions , and to investment a percentage of their earnings. He encourages student-athletes to keep their circle small, limit their expenses, and keep great influences around.

“ How much of you guy’s want to be broke by 40?”

— - T.J. Gogna

Our third speaker was a former Big 10 competitor Micaella Riche, she looked to share her insights on building effective habits to become a successful student-athlete. She stressed the importance of holistic development, which is an integral part of her athletic development. Micaella is a National Women's scout for North-pole Hoops ( NPH), she just completed her first professional basketball season in Greece. Micaella had an illustrious collegiate career that started at the University of Minnesota, where she played basketball for 4 years. She was fortunate enough to receive an athletic scholarship that got her to complete a bachelors degree in Kinesiology. After the completion of her undergraduate studies, Micaella obtained an academic scholarship to pursue a master's degree at Kansas State University. During her time at Kansas State Micaella was a graduate assistant where she coached the women's team for 3 years. Micaella epitomizes the i "Student-Athlete", she utilized the opportunity granted through sports to get a solid education at little to no cost. It's good to see her give back to the younger female prospects coming up.

“Preparation was my confidence, when I was in the gym working on that shot I know that I put the work in.”

— Micaella RIche

Last but not least, we had TDSB Educator and entrepreneur Jason Faulkner.Jason has a defining story that was quite inspiring to the youth; he started playing basketball in the neighbourhood from a young age. He attended Martingrove C.I. where he was fortunate enough to receive some NCAA Division I offers; however Jason challenge was passing the SAT. In the face of adversity Jason continued to persevere which is a test of his character. After his shortcomings on the SAT, Jason ended up passing the ACT. Opportunity came knocking for Jason at the right time, which resulted him to sign to Bradley University, he played 4 years and completed his undergraduate studies. Upon his teaching career Jason launched the "Spread Love" clothing line, his purpose with solely upon giving back to the community. During the completion of teacher's college he decided to start his teaching career. Over his athletic tenure Jason learned valuable life lessons that he looks to instil in the youth. It is no secret that Jason has made his mark thus far, he attributes his success to the by-product of his work ethic.

“ In 2014 I decided that I wanted to start a brand to spread out a positive message.”

— Jason Faulkner

In conclusion to our special presentation, The President and Co-Founder of YRU had some words of wisdom that they wanted to share with their Student-Athletes, it's a sight to see so much positive energy filled within an environment, which had a profound impact on the audience.

“We decided to make it a priority for us to help uplift the youth in our community.”

— Clive Williams (YRU CFO)

“Being consistent in everything we do is better than being occasionally great”

— Antwi Atuahene (YRU President)

Day 2 of the 3rd Annual YRU All-Star Experience kicked off with a skill clinic. The Camp participants filled the gym with tenacity, discipline, and hard work. All participants completed several fundamental based drills, which included: ball handling, conditioning, shooting, and passing. The clinic concluded with 5 on 5 scrimmages. Thanks to all the kids who decided to join a good environment to get better. Everything that was taught in this camp the kids can work on in the company of their on gym.

“We are here for you guys to get better, but it’s up to you guys to put the effort in and work hard”

— Antwi Atuahene

The 1st game of the YRU All-Star Experience was the girls Freshman/Sophomore showcase game. Team Black led by Shayeann Day squared off against Aaliyah Edwards & Team Red. The players definitely set the tone for the audience, the crowd applauded both teams efforts as they competed ferociously. Team Red got out to a great start fueled by their strong defensive efforts, but with the help from Shayeaan and her stellar scoring performance brought Team Black back within reach. After a hard fought second half it was the dominance of Aaliyah Edwards who stole the show and guided her team to a 73-59 victory. Aaliyah poured in 22 points and was named the game's MVP. Shayeann Day also received MVP honours with a game-high 27 points, Team Red took game 1 of the YRU All-Star Experience.

The last game of the night was the boy’s Freshman/Sophomore game, #1 prospect Elijah Fisher and his squad looked to make a statement. Team Red got off to a good start; they went into the break with a 16-point advantage. In the 2nd half Team Black went on a 12-3 run charged by the stellar play of Mikkel Tyne, which brought them back within reach. Mikkel Tyne picked up a majority of the scoring load for Team Black putting them in a position to get the W. The game went down to wire with 18.4 seconds left in regulation Mikkel Tyne got a tough bucket to fall. Team Red then answered back with a bucket of their own. With 5 seconds left to play Mikkel assisted to Evykynn Panton for game winning bucket. Team Black took the win 78-77. Game MVP went to Mikkel Tyne of Team Black and Jahsmar Olembe from Team Red. This concludes the 3rd Annual YRU All-star Experience; we appreciate all those who contributed to the event and to all the students-athletes who put their time and efforts into making this possible. The Youth Are US, point, blank, period!

“This Atmosphere was something special tonight, definitely one for the books”

— MC Ebone

In it’s third year president Antwi aimed to provide each student-athlete with a unique experience, athletically as well as academically. Back in 2016 Antwi hosted the inaugural All-Star Experience that had a profound imprint on the Toronto community. Since the 1st YRU event, we’re witnessed exponential growth with the YRU program. Antwi and his team have contributed to the lives of several student-athletes, aiming their focus on accomplishing great life aspirations.

This is the 2018 YRU All-Star Experience highlights. Youth basketball at its finest going head to head in a girls and boys game. Youth R US's mission is "committed to providing student-athletes with elite basketball training, life skills, and academic development.

Event: 3rd Annual YRU All-Star Experience

Special thanks Slam Magazine, Noir ET Noire, Adidas, Diamond & Diamond Lawyers,

Public Speakers: Clive Williams, Antwi Atuahene, T.J. , Gonga, Joe Corapi, Micaella Riche, Jason Faulkner

Photography: Charlie Lindsay (@doncharleone) , Tristan Forbes (@tris416), Mariam Konate (@candidmk) , Pukharaj Bassan (@pvkhrajs)

Video By: Tatiyanna Williams (@_msclvssy)

Over it’s course the NCAA has became a billion-dollar corporation. With its continual exploitation of its athlete, several people have drawn towards taking a stand against its “corrupted” system. The NCAA is classified as a “Non-profit Organization” by terms, but represent a total different style of operation. An enormous part of it's revenue comes from media rights; 81% of revenue comes from CBS sports & Turner broadcasting who has inked a lucrative 14 year deal with the NCAA valued at $10.8 billion.

There are over 450,000 collegiate athletes who compete for their respective schools, yet no forms of financial means to be compensation to them for efforts. Student- athletes have demanding standards to meet, putting their bodies, livelihood, and time on the line to represent the university at little to no cost. From an analytic standpoint just imagine the amount of revenue each university generates annually; take into account that student-athletes are not making any money off the universities profit. The top college sports that generate the most profitable revenue is Football ( $29,635,946), followed by Basketball( $7,880,290). The top 5 Universities In the NCAA generate over $150 Million dollars in revenue per year, with Texas A&M at the top - $192.6 Million dollars.

In College basketball a vast majority of its revenue is generated during the NCAA March Madness Tournament, with the increasing media coverage worldwide the NCAA will generate a high source of income. With earnings of nearly $900 million in revenue one would think the athletes would benefit of this transaction, we've been mistaken. Whether we choose to believe it or not everyone gets paid, from the coaches, athletics department, doctors, and trainers, everyone within the university benefits off the revenue except for its student-athletes. LeBron James recently shared his thoughts with ESPN on the NCAA and opened up on how he feels about their business intentions. LeBron James decided to skip college to play in the NBA and with his experience playing at the professional level he had the chance to analyze ways in which the NCAA exploits collegiate athletes.

“ I don’t know if there’s any fixing the NCAA. I don’t think there is. - LeBron James (@espn)”

“I’m not a fan of the NCAA, I love watching March Madness. I think that’s incredible, I’m not a fan of how the kids don’t benefit from none of this. - LeBron James (@espn)”

We now draw our attention to another prominent figure in sports history, a trailblazer to say the least. The former UCLA bruin and 1995 NCAA Champion Ed O'Bannon spoke up to the Player's Tribune on his past experiences as a student-athlete, while emitting a light on the representation of unpaid amateur athletes. In 2009, Ed O'Bannon battled in a lawsuit against the NCAA for its violation on anti-laws. The NCAA used O'Bannon's image in a video game without compensating him on their earned profits. In 2014 O'Bannon won his case, in hopes of being a primary advocate for student-athletes to get paid. Ed is still optimistic as he takes a declarative stance on why college athletes will get paid.

From a Business standpoint we all know the impact highly touted recruits bring to a university, in most cases coaches are profiting massively at the expense of it's athletes. With the increasing pressures and demands coaches put on recruiters to attract the top prospects to it's campuses, one can look at this as a brilliant marketing tool the NCAA utilizes to profit off the value of its athletes. The NCAA continues to undermine to importance of sharing profits made off the kids, hopefully O'Bannon can stand firm in hopes of creating an alternative way for student-athletes to enjoy their piece of the pie.

“I think it’s really cut and dry as this: If you help make the money, you should be able to share the profit, that’s the American way. - Ed O’Bannon

”

Contributor: Ed O'Bannon

Special Thanks: @playerstribune , @cycle , @espn

Source: https://www.theplayerstribune.com/ed-obannon-ncaa/

We Sell Mindset, Not Products

YRU All-Star Experience | Noir-et-Noire Excellence / April 16, 2018 by Hussein Abdullahi

Double Pay NCAA| Athletes 1st, Students 2nd / February 28, 2018 by Hussein Abdullahi