One of the most understated qualities a player can have is being coachable. If you ask coaches to list the qualities they look for, coachability will be near the top of their list. This is one of the many qualities Adam possesses.
How a coach defines coachability may very slightly, but what it ultimately boils down to is, a player being open to constructive criticism and utilizing that to improve their abilities. It can be difficult for any player to accept a coach telling them that they need to work on or change some aspect of their game. It is what they do after hearing it that demonstrates their coachability. Some players shrug it off and think they don't need to improve. Others are willing to listen, digest and correct. This is exactly what Adam did last year.
Adam took the constructive criticism he received last season and used all summer to work on improving. Adam spent time working on his ball handling and his shooting technique. He also showed up to the open gym workouts so he could use any available time to work on his game and show coaches he was improving. He played in travel and AAU leagues to get as much time on the court as he could. On the first day of tryouts the coaches noted a great improvement in Adam's game and a confidence that came with it. When I talked to Coach Otto he had this to say, "Adam is a very hard worker and is willing to learn. He strives to get better every day. He is one of the most coachable kids."
Another aspect of being coachable is a player's ability to understand and process information quickly and execute a coach's vision. This is something Adam has proven he is capable of doing. Whether he is in the game or not he is always paying attention, so he is ready when he is called on. This season you can see the confidence Adam gained over the summer. His ball handling is more fluid and his shot smoother. All was evident the first game of the year against West Seneca West, as Adam came in the game and scored 9 points in under 3 minutes.
Adam has been playing sports since he was little and has demonstrated he is willing to work hard, expand his skills and improve, whether it is on the volleyball court, the baseball diamond or the basketball court. These characteristics will continue to benefit Adam as he pursues a career in Physical Education and coaching. He already has one of the most important qualities any good coach can have... the willingness to be coached yourself. I wish you the best of luck in the future.
Here are some questions Adam answered for me:
1) What are your plans after graduation?
Attend college
2) Where and for what?
Either University of Kentucky or SUNY Cortland; for Physical Education/coaching
3) What is your favorite athletic memory that you were involved in?
Making the basketball team in 7th grade for the first time.
4) What is your favorite athletic memory that you were NOT involved in?
Going to my first NBA game in Cleveland
5) Who is your favorite sports team?
Buffalo Bills
6) Who is your favorite athlete?
Tyler Herro
7) What is your favorite movie?
Superbad
8) Who is your favorite band/artist?
Juice WRLD
9) Do you have any pregame rituals?
I get hyped by blasting Pop Smoke.
10) What is your favorite post game meal?
McDonalds
11) What athletic moment still leaves a bad taste in your mouth?
Getting cut from JV basketball.
12) What is your favorite moment of high school?
Making memories during the summer nights.
13) What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I am a huge Spiderman fan.
14) What is the best advice you have received?
Failure is the best way to learn.
15) Who do you look up to the most?
My dad.
Here are some questions Adam's parents were kind enough to answer:
1) What is your favorite athletic memory of Adam?
Adam has been playing sports since he was 5 years old. From 2 years of pee wee football, 7 years of travel baseball, 5 years of school volleyball, 4 years of school basketball along with house and AAU. We have enjoyed every minute of watching him on the courts and fields. We are definitely going to miss this. There are a lot of great memories but one that stands out is when Adam pitched a full 6 inning game in the July heat at an 11U tournament in Darien Lake. Then the next morning came in and pitched 3 more innings. He had an amazing game and the celebration with his teammates made it worthwhile.
2) What is your favorite nonathletic memory of Adam?
Our favorite non-athletic memory would probably be all the family vacations we have taken over the years. It is hard to choose just one, but just the simplicity of the 5 of us relaxing, talking, laughing together and having quality family time. Adam makes us laugh all the time.
3) What is your proudest parent moment?
We are extremely proud of all that Adam has accomplished over the years and appreciate all his hard work and dedication, not only in sports but to his schoolwork and extracurricular activities. Besides being a Scholar Athlete, he has been on the Science Honor Society and Math Honor Society the past 3 years. He is involved with the Health Care Academy at Lancaster High School along with working at McDonalds. One of our proudest moments would have to be when he was in 8th grade and received the Student of the Month for the entire 8th grade (class of 2022). This award is not just based on academics but on a student's character, work habits and relations with others. We are very proud of Adam's determination and work ethic, and it was proven this year again when he made the Varsity Basketball team. Playing school ball for 3 years and then not making the JV team sophomore year he could have just given up and quit the sport, but instead he practiced a lot, went to the gyms, worked out, joined other leagues and was determined to make the team. I will never forget the night he came home from the last night of tryouts and thanked us for pushing him and getting him involved with travel/AAU teams. The smile on his face was priceless when he told us he made the team.
4) Any words you want to say to or about Adam?
Adam what can we say that we haven't already said to you. We are so very proud of you and love you very much. You have always went above and beyond and you have a heart of gold. You are a great son, brother, friend, teammate and person all around. Keep up the hard work and continue to reach for the stars. Your future is bright, and we are so excited for your next venture in life. And don't forget we are always here for you. We love you Buddy!
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