I have a huge problem in my hands. It has always been my dream to become a great basketball player and play for a school like UConn, Duke or NC…But there’s a few problems. The biggest issue is that my area isn’t exactly known for getting recruited. As a matter of fact, there has never been an NBA player drafted from Western Massachusetts, which is where I live. Last year we did have a girl get a full scholarship because she beat Rebecca Lobbo’s state record of 3,000 points, so perhaps that gives us some hope…Anyways, the other problem is that I’m simply not good at the sport. The main problem is that I just simply don’t know what to do while on the court. My skill level is below the level of a division III junior varsity benchwarmer from an unknown school…Before school ended I decided that I was going to dedicate this entire summer to basketball. I wanted to go to at least two of the best basketball camps, and was prepared to spend over $1000. I even had a part-time job at one point to help with the expenses, but once my father saw my love of the sport he offered to pay to for it…but this went completely wrong…not only did my father procrastinate A LOT, but I ended up quitting that job. So here I am, 27 days before school starts and I haven’t done a thing. At this point my father refuses to pay for the camps and my mother is on welfare so she can’t afford to send me there, so that’s out of the question. So what can I do to gain the skills I need? I am going to be a sophomore this year, so if I don’t shine now then I don’t feel like I’ll have enough time to get recognized by schools. And there’s also the fact that the odds of me actually having a successful basketball career are around 1/20000…I am 16 years old, 125 lbs, 5’8″, have $100 to my name and absolutely no skill…As you can see, I have VERY little to work with. However, I really don’t care that I’m a potential failure right now. I’m still willing to do whatever it takes to become the top player in my division. And for my junior year I want to move to Eastern Mass or New York to compete in the top notch schools where I can REALLY get recognized. I’m a C average student, and already I’ve gotten tutors to help me become an A average student and stay focused. I’m REALLY serious about this…but unfortunately when you are such a young, dependent age, if the people you are relying on cannot give you as much support as you need, you will fall short…But I feel like if I can get past these obstacles, the rest is sure to go my way. And if it doesn’t, I’ll fight until it does…So what exactly can I do to improve my skills? I believe the season starts around the end of the year, which gives me a few months to develop the skills I need. But what can I do in this time? Are there any books, DVDs, local coaches, ANYTHING I can use? I’m willing to do whatever it takes…seriously…I hope that after reading this, you can take me seriously, and give me some suggestions that can put me where I need to be right now…right now I am working on my weight and muscles, and I’d even appreciate some help with that too…