Saying 'he's not your kid' is true, but he is also a part of your family.

Yeah, I was constantly asked to play sports in school as well, problem was, I didn't find any of it mentally stimulating. I was always bored.

Made the mistake of showing that I could palm two basketballs at the same time and than throw them palmed towards another player well enough to be caught.

Being a big guy was great if I'm throwing balls. Sucks if I'm shopping for gloves or hats.

'Well, do you have any interest in (any other sport)?' No. I had an interest in becoming a hydraulic engineer.

The math was easy enough and I could see it applied in real time. Then saw the price of getting a degree and decided to buy a house instead.

Most of the other players were attention whores anyway. Seemed easy enough, but anyone can run around in a field searching for a knee injury.

I didn’t have time to address the “missed opportunity” aspect in my first post. I’m not sure what that refers to.

I have two nephews who were absolute studs in high school baseball and basketball. Both have full ride scholarships, one at a D2 school and one at a private university. Neither are seeing significant playing time. I can’t help but wonder if all the time and money that was spent from a very early age with the travel teams and such really paid off. They could have still played sports, but spent more time studying, got better grades, and gone to better schools on acedemic scholarships. Plus the parents could have saved a bunch of extra money as well.

That’s where my own son is at right now. He’s captain of the swim team and will be going to the state championships for the third year in a row. He’s not a good enough swimmer though to get an athletic scholarship to a school that offers the degree he wants. He’s academics are doing that for him. It’s been a great experience for him, but not a necessary one.

quote:

Originally posted by pedropcola:
Sports are good for most young men.

Sportsmen go fishing and hunting, not playing with balls. This opinion was formed during a childhood of being told I would be good at felonball because I am tall.

Yeah, put me in the “none of your business, not your place” camp. If it were my kid, you and I would have a quiet chat alone instead of you with him. Few things piss me off more than pushy family trying to tell me how to raise my son.

Stay out of others' business, family included, unless asked.

Maybe see if he has any interest in hitting the Gym. Maybe adding some muscle, balance, strength might lead to other sports activities.

I wish someone had done that with me at that age. I was into all sports, just undersized.

I'm Asian, so I'm biased towards academic pursuits in high school.

The career path for "being good at basketball" is really, really narrow.

Even the advantage path for being good at basketball to get into a good school is pretty narrow.

I agree with the above... just because he is tall he should play basketball? Having played high school football for 5 years... I can't make that up... started in 8th grade... I was done with athletics after that.... kind of sad to be worn out at 18. And yes, I wish I had learned to study better in high school.

Yes to the above, even though he’s heard it before, giving him a light suggestion is enough.

Another point, if he hasn’t dabbled already at 13, he’s likely behind. I remember with football, a few big guys that weren’t that good, heart & toughness factor in more than size.

Yes, athletic ability is a biggie. I do think sports in school is beneficial to most, but it’s not for everyone.

I have two sisters that never had kids(not that you don’t) but especially the one always had advice. Most of that advice was easily ignored.

Basketball is a highly skilled sport and not that it’s too late but most likely the schools team has a bunch of boys that have been playing for years. In baseball they could hide him in right field and work on his abilities bringing him up past the level of embarrassment. In football most people on the team have probably not played organized football by 12.

There will be nothing hiding on the basketball court and it will be tough to not be embarrassed. Now if he can find a league that’s a lower level that you don’t have to try out for he might find a good fit. The biggest thing would be to have a hoop at home. Then he can bring his skills up to speed way quicker than going to a practice once a week.

It’s a great sport and I’m of the thought that athletics are a great thing for young people to learn a lot of skills that will help you in life. It’s not about will I get a scholarship or play pro. Additionally basketball will get you in tremendous shape and away from video games.

Yikes. So much crazy in this thread. Let’s start. Being a “sports fan” has zero to do with playing sports. One is being a fan and one is actually competing. Two very different things. It’s not your kid but it is a kid. In your family. Throwing a ball with your nephew isn’t crossing any lines unless your family is wildly dysfunctional. Don’t sign him up for anything behind his parents back, that would be crossing a line. Being tall doesn’t mean basketball is for you anymore than being black means football is for you or if you’re Asian you have to like math. That is stupid. If he shows interest in athletics talk to him about what he likes not what your stereotypes seem to be saying. Fucks sake you can play sports and like the outdoors too. There are positive aspects of sports and competition that fly fishing can’t possibly supply. Conversely the same can be said of the reverse as well. Which is why kids should have the opportunity to do both.

Just because we have all seen examples of caustic sports environments doesn’t mean sports can’t have a positive impact on young people. Well rounded used to be a good thing. Smart, athletic, well spoken, loves the outdoors. Those can all be wonderful attributes. Don’t cut the one out because you watched a shitty little league coach be an asshole. If you never played any sports regardless of the level I feel sorry for you. There is no easier way to stay healthy than playing. It’s easier, more likely to be lifelong, and more fun than slogging to a gym. Go out and play something. Even if it’s pickle ball. (that is a joke pickleballians) lol

High school sports keeps the student-athlete intellectually focused.

Note: student comes first, then athlete.

Have to agree though, not your son.

Oh, and there’s also swimming for a tall kid, regardless of gender.

On the other hand if his mom really said he needs to focus on “intellectional” interests then she may have a point. Lol

quote:

Originally posted by pedropcola:

Being tall doesn’t mean basketball is for you anymore than being black means football is for you or if you’re Asian you have to like math.

A tall black Asian person must feel a LOT of pressure!

quote:

Originally posted by xd45man:
I haven't had an in depth conversation with the lad. He does marching band and he goes to the gym with his father.

This part caught my eye. As a soon-to-retire band dad,I can tell you he can get anything that sports can provide out of marching band.

Part of something bigger than yourself? Yep
Competition? Yep, internally and externally.
Commitment? Oh yeah
Sweating it out at practice? Yep, on asphalt around here, even. In Georgia. In summer.

And has a good relationship with Dad while working out. I say the young man is fine.

Sounds like it was just a suggestion, if he's interested he'll do it, if not there's no harm in it. Maybe vollyball would interest him and get mom and dad interested, if he's good then a scholly to some school to cover University expenses would be good..

there are benefits to being a good athlete that can apply to an education.

Not all athletes avoid academics, in fact thousands of them yearly earn money to help pay for their educations.

An activity that involves thinking is preferable, IMO. Gift him a an introductory retro wargame. Afrika Korps, Tactics II, Waterloo, Napolean, Quebec 1759, Titan, Starship Troopers. Dozens of modern choices also.

Seriously? You think playing a board game, thinking or not, is preferable to engaging in physical activity? What the hell guys? We live in a country overrun by beta males, rampant obesity, and participation trophies. Getting fucking dirty, sweaty, and sometimes bloody engaging in physical games is a wonderful thing. Yea, here’s Stratego, go knock yourself out. Lol

Yes.

Athletic activities are good for kids. It keeps them out of trouble and encourages healthy habits. It also builds self esteem.