What Are We About?

Ah, the joys of not being constrained by 140 Twitter characters.

First off, thanks for clicking to read. If you made it this far, it shows you've taken at least the slightest bit of interest, which is a big deal to me. I appreciate it. Now it's time to answer the question in the post title: what are we about?

Empire State Takeover is a venture that I'm starting up myself for the summer of 2015, bringing the top basketball talent from everywhere within a 2-3 hour radius to the Capital district. This includes as far north as Potsdam & Plattsburgh, as far west as Syracuse, as far east as Springfield, MA (and perhaps beyond) and into downstate NY. It will mesh some ideas from a league I ran last summer with a number of planned improvements.

A quick note about last year. I coordinated the King of Kings College Prospect League, a boys high school summer league based in Utica, NY. The summer event featured many of the same principles I'll base my on-the-court experience on. It was the 3rd year of the prospect league, but my 1st year in control of it. By summer's end, a total of 78 high school boys participated in at least 1 game. They came from as far north as Ogdensburg, as far south as Owego, as far east as Pittsfield, MA, and as far west as Rochester. The league, running from June through August, was an NCAA certified event. This means Division I coaches were allowed to attend and evaluate players in the set evaluation periods. More than anything, NCAA certification shows legitimacy to programs of all divisions and makes it an event that moves up on programs' priority lists. Since the league ended, 3 players that participated have signed NLIs to scholarship-level programs; the MVP Jahlil Nails committed to Central Connecticut State (Division I), John Sica committed to Columbia (Division I - Ivy), Raiquis Harris committed to Bloomfield College (Division II), and Brandon Fischer committed to Le Moyne (Division II). Besides that, players who participated have since been offered scholarships by 12 Division I programs and counting. Coaches from 45 different collegiate programs attended last summer; a bit of an improvement from the 5 combined in its first 2 years.

Now, let's talk about next summer. There are things I believed were successful, and I won't mess with those. The atmosphere is certainly one of them. When I polled the players after the season, the #1 positive feedback I got had something to do with the atmosphere. Whether it was the music playing during the games, the announcer on the microphone hyping the game up, or the buzz that was in the gym, it's a different vibe than your average league or tournament. However, there are some big changes in the works. Some of them are as follows:

- For the first time, I plan to add a girls league along with the boys. The girls league adds a new challenge, but it could lead to an exciting future.
- I'll be able to double the amount of games played. Last season, every team played 1 game per week. I'm working with Union College, and appear to have their facilities locked up. Barring unforeseen circumstance, I will be able to bump it up to 2 games per week for all teams. Being able to play a 2nd game in that same night will make a trip or decision to play (whether it's a 2 minute drive or a 2 hour drive) much more worthwhile. The cost of participation will have to bump up accordingly (more games = more officials needed), but it won't be astronomical. If you know how I operate, you know I'm not trying to make a lot of money off of players & families.
- I hope to have all games recorded. If so, copies of game footage will be available to anyone for a fee.

That isn't all, and I've yet to talk about what may be the most exciting addition to me. With Empire State Takeover, I plan on really extending the off-the-court college readiness program. This is an important time for things of this nature for many reasons - a main one being academic requirements in the NCAA's eyes have changed for 2016 graduates. This is an important change, and it's not one that the vast majority of schools/guidance counselors go over with their high-level athletes. As part of our education component required by the NCAA, I plan on stressing these new requirements, and I will work with anyone in the league upon request to show exactly what will be required of them in the remainder of their high school years. A new SAT prep program, available for everyone in the league but 100% optional, will most likely be offered. I'm also looking into the idea of having a college night, with representatives from a multitude of colleges along with guest speakers. The college readiness side is important to me. At 23 years old, I was in the same position just a few years ago. Many kids between 15-17 years old are required to make decisions that'll impact the rest of their lives without people helping them sift through everything - what's important and what's garbage. We expect them to just know without them having gone through anything quite like it before. For those who play in the league, I hope to have programs set for everyone to be able to sift through. Finally, I'll also get information from athletes about top college choices - or if there aren't any, I'll find out their interest in a list of factors and determine schools that fit the bill. From there, I'll work. If anyone reading this is familiar with what was done last summer, I sent out information to every Division I, II, III, and JuCo program in the northeast, midwest, and Mid-Atlantic. I'll do the same, but highlighting people that would be interested in them by factors. For example, if a kid wants to go into forestry, I'm mentioning them to the ESFs of the world and not SUNY Tech. Information and follow-ups will again be sent out to every program I have time for.

Players can expect the top competition this region has to offer in one gym. You won't find better! Also, the exposure (especially for the cost) will be high-level and useful. I will work to get as many programs out as possible to show the talent this area has to offer. The true calling card of this league for players is the atmosphere - it's just a fun thing to play in. For coaches of collegiate programs and prep schools, the competition is also a drawing point. You will be able to watch top players that you're interested in go up against strong competition every game. There are also some diamonds in the rough - some guys who really aren't getting looks now, but their performance in the summer puts them on a pedestal quickly. Organization is another big thing. I pride myself on being crazy when it comes to the organizational aspect of it. Recruiting packets will be available, and I'll have the necessary info for each player in an easy-to-read format. I will always be around to answer questions.

The proposed start isn't for another 6 1/2 months, so there's plenty of time. You'll continue to see occasional updates from me about the progress, and I hope to hear from you too in the meantime!

Jeff Mlinar