Leesburg Jarvis Wright Prepares for the Chance to Play International Basketball

FORMER LEESBURG YELLOW JACKETS STANDOUT JARVIS WRIGHT WORKING OUT IN "THE HIVE"

 From Leesburg to Overseas

March 16th, 2011 

 

Jarvis Wright Prepares for the Chance to Play International Basketball

Written by Blair Townley; Photos by Anthony Rao

Lake Magazine

 

He’s played for recognized basketball associations, played professionally for a specialty sports team in Florida and even scored points for Leesburg High School’s own Yellow Jackets basketball team; now he has the chance to possibly play internationally with the chance of entering the National Basketball Association.

Yet Jarvis Wright, professional basketball player and Leesburg High graduate, focuses more on what basketball has taught him about his own abilities and what it means to truly succeed.

“Basketball has kept me out of trouble and has made me quite a person,” he states.

“People have always been there for me but playing basketball challenged me mentally, physically and emotionally.”

His opportunity to train and play for an overseas basketball camp this June will allow Jarvis to harness his natural talent while combining it with newly learned techniques and skills he gains from international teams.

As long as he has a basketball in hand, Jarvis is ready to “shoot” for the stars in pursuing his lifelong dream of being an NBA basketball player and positive role model.

The Game is On

Jarvis will be competing with 80-100 basketball players at the overseas camp for the 13-20 contracted positions on teams in 16 countries.

The camp will begin in June and runs through early August, having the basketball potentials playing in front of the teams’ scouts for the opportunity to be signed at any time during the camp.

Contracts are only made for a year on the team as opposed to five years or more for NBA teams, with teams typically having one to two Americans on the roster.

One big change for Jarvis, a power guard, is the attention to game play between national and international players.

“The United States has the athleticism and is faster paced in playing while international teams focus on the mental part of the game and are more disciplined,” he mentions.

“Most of the scouts coming into the camp are looking for tall, athletic guards that are explosive and strong defensive players. The international teams are in top shape and will weed out the ones that are out of shape.”

If he makes a team overseas, Jarvis hopes to return in a year’s time a stronger, more disciplined player in time for a workout for the developmental league with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Player and Role Model

Jarvis will be one of the few players attending the camp that has had professional experience on a team, having previously played a few seasons with the Las Vegas Aces in the American Basketball Association.

He has also played for a few other basketball associations or teams over the course of six years since graduating from Leesburg High in 2002.

Those that have seen Jarvis on the court have been impressed by what he brings to the game and his own talent.

“In the two years that I have gotten to know Jarvis, he has integrity that is beyond reproach, he is coachable and understands instruction. He also understands the basketball business and is a tenacious worker along with having the talent and work ethic,” says Allan Granish, head coach for Liberty Christian Academy.

Allan worked alongside Jarvis while both were assistant coaches for Leesburg’s boys’ basketball team, one of many ways Jarvis gives back to Leesburg as he becomes an encouraging role model for children and teens in his hometown.

As Jarvis prepares weekly for the June start date for camp – with three days strength training, three days basketball workout and running a mile each day – he appreciates the role basketball has held in his life and what he has learned while playing the sport he loves.

“Basketball has taught me a lot about life as you see things differently. Basketball doesn’t owe me anything; I owe basketball everything.”

Resources

Blair Townley

Lake Magazine

Article provided by:
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
www.leesburgyellowjacketsbasketball.com

Gerald is a professional Internet marketer and social media marketing expert. His online business ventures and websites generate multiple streams of income annually. His consulting clients include best selling authors and international speakers.  

Gerald is the CEO/President of Lacey LLC and OmariWholesale, Inc. He runs his entire business from his home where he is able to spend quality time with his family and friends. He is passionate about helping individuals to build and monetize their personal brand online.