Richards urges young basketballers to embrace discipline NBA star conducts clinic at alma mater Jamaica College

Up-and-coming basketball players have been urged to combine discipline in the classroom and hard work on the court to realise their dreams.

Newly acquired Miami Heat centre Nick Richards made the call while sharing his experience in training sessions and drills on a return to his alma mater, Jamaica College (JC), on Saturday.

Close to 100 student-athletes participated as Richards reinforced the fundamentals of basketball, such as catching, shooting, and rebounding.

The Jamaican NBA player, who transferred to the Miami Heat from the Chicago Bulls only this week, reflected on his development at JC and the countless hours he spent honing his skills.

“Back in the day, me and coach Cunningham (Duane) were out here all day just running up and down the court, enhancing my skills, trying to be the best basketball player that I could be,” Richards told STAR Sports about the foundational work he put in with the head of JC’s basketball programme.

Richards, who played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats, challenged the campers to follow a similar path to university and possibly the professional ranks.

“I feel like once they just put in the time and effort, if they really want it, anybody can do it,” he reasoned.

Richards indicated that his journey in the NBA has also taught him the importance of never becoming complacent.

“You can’t really be satisfied with what you have… there’s always more to achieve,” he said.

Discipline beyond the court

For the student-athletes at JC, and other participants from the community of Majesty Gardens in Kingston, Richards said discipline should extend beyond the basketball court and into the classroom.

“It’s all about discipline at the end of the day. Once you can master the discipline in the classroom, you can master the discipline on the court, for sure,” he said.

Richards, who will begin playing for a fourth NBA franchise since 2020, said the move to Miami was driven by his belief that the organisation was a good fit.

“I just felt like it was an organisation that needed someone of my skills. I felt like it was just the perfect fit for me,” Richards said.

The former JC standout also used the camp to remind the young athletes that lessons learned through sport can be applied to life.

“Just put your all into it. Basketball is just like the game of life. Whatever you put into it, you get out,” he said.

Paulton Gordon, president of the Jamaica Basketball Association, hopes that exposing young players to Jamaican NBA players will encourage them to realise their full potential.

“We want to bring in the celebrities, persons who have attained the highest level of basketball, so that they can showcase their skills and guide the youngsters who are aspiring to be at the very top,” Gordon told STAR Sports.

“We tell them continuously that what you need to do is ensure that your scholastic level and your basketball skills happen hand in hand so that you can get the scholarships and attain the level and the quality to be an NBA player, or you can transition to Europe where you can make a really, really good living.”