Dribbling up and down the court, I couldn’t help but feel the sting of countless missed shots as the ball thudded against the gym floor. My attempts seemed endless—was it eleven or twelve missed shots?—and in my frustration, I had lost track.
Sweat poured down my neck, my face flushed a deep red, mirroring the worn Kobes on my feet. With my head hung low, I trudged back to the end of the line. The other players, mostly much younger than me, were either too focused on their own drills or on the camera crew following my every move to make a fuss.
Not that I would have heard them. I replayed the first fifteen minutes of my training session in my mind—botched dribbles, missed lay-ups, and a crossover that left me sprawling on the floor. I knew I’d be rusty, but by the time my turn came again, I feared I might never sink another shot.
Geo Baker, sensing my struggle, offered some encouragement from across the gym. “Mistakes are good,” he called out. “It means you’re pushing yourself!”
Baker, the former Rutgers star and my instructor for the day, demonstrated his signature step-back jumper, breaking it down into manageable steps. He executed the move effortlessly before passing the ball back to me. I swallowed hard, trying to avoid tripping over my feet.
With a triumphant shout of “Buckets!” Baker cheered as my jump shot found the net, making the earlier embarrassment fade away.
Baker’s enthusiasm for teaching shines through in his new venture, Geo Baker Athletics. Having transitioned from a standout college player to a coach, he’s dedicated to helping others improve their game. Despite my lack of basketball prowess, Baker’s support and honest feedback were invaluable, and his passion for mentoring was evident.