After 30 years of coaching, you start to develop a sixth sense for spotting potential in young athletes — even when they can’t quite see it in themselves yet. Hakeem — or “Keem” as I call him — came to me as a quiet, humble beginner. He had barely touched a basketball before, and his confidence was low. But what he did have was rare… - Respect. - Work ethic. - A quiet, unshakable determination. That’s not something you see often anymore. Physically, Keem is built in a way that makes any coach sit up and take notice. Still in the U16 age group, he’s already 6’4”, over 200 lbs, and wears size 17 shoes. His raw strength is easily up there among the top 2–3 kids I’ve ever coached at his age. Being of African descent, he’s also a late bloomer — which means his best is still very much to come. He’s improving every single day. But it’s not just the physical tools. Keem is smart. He listens, he applies feedback immediately, and he never crumbles under pressure — even when I’m giving it t...