PENN STATE - HBG - "Program on the RISE"

I had the opportunity to take a visit to Penn State Harrisburg to see what all the fuss is about.  There's a huge buzz in the air about the men's basketball program and rightfully so, those guys are FIRED UP!!!!!


Practice plan quote of the day " You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you" - John Wooden...    This is just one of the many positive quotes that Coach Gaffey and his staff share with their players each and every day.....

I've been to many College practices but I have never seen a practice so upbeat and encouraging not just after one drill, but during the entire practice.....   That's a beautiful thing....  Players were clapping, coaches were yelling, I even had to take off my jacket cause I was ready to step in and go up and down for a few drills, but reality came back to me as I sat and watched!

Many High School athletes have a desire to play on a very high level for sports, and rightfully so.....  We've all been told to reach for the stars but if you fail, at least you'll land on the moon....   9 kids out of 10 will say they want to play division 1 basketball so for many years, programs like PSU-HBG get over looked..... 

I guess one question people should ask themselves is "Why do I want to play D1 basketball?"...  Is it to go to the NBA?  Is it to play on TV?  Is it just to say I played D1?  What's the reason????  

Going to play on a higher level may not work for most people...  If a player is used to being the best player on their team, and never had to sit on the bench or work for playing time, they may not understand the patience they need to have when a coach says "You have to wait your turn!!!". 

So if they want to have success, they have to understand what success really means.  Having the opportunity to get a great education, playing the game they love, and not having to pay an arm and a leg to accomplish that.....   Sounds good to me....  PSU - HBG seems to have reasonable tuition for in state students (commuter) that range anywhere from $6800 (education) - $8000 (engineering)....

On top of that, if a kid qualifies for free or reduced lunch in HS, there's a chance the tuition can be cut in half....   That's huge!!!!!

PSU-HBG has done wonders for some young men who may have never had an opportunity anywhere else to play the game they love, get a great education, and grow as a young man....  Take a young man like do it all ex - Harrisburg Cougar Stevie Jones who didn't attend college right out of HS for personal reasons but was given a second chance at life...  He's now top 3 in the nation in steals and is well on his way to graduate with a degree that says PENN STATE on it....  Something his son can be proud of...  Even other local guys like Steelton's Kenton Alston and CD East's Amani Glenn who are also raising children but are learning to manage their time between family, school and basketball.... 

One thing I really loved about the practice was at no time was a player just standing around looking bored....  If one group worked on the offense, the other group was doing shooting drills and vice versa....   Another thing I loved is they have a family atmosphere that's contagious...

All the young kids that read this blog, my advice to you is to ALWAYS KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN FOR COLLEGE!!!!    Sometimes we as people don't realize that we aren't all going to Duke, North Carolina, UCONN or Florida until we're seniors in HS....  Pay attention to your grades as soon as you step into HS so if by chance you don't end up being a high recruit, at least you'll have an option to attend a school that's local, competitive, low cost and your family can watch you play lots of times.....


PSU-HBG will take on Susquehanna University tomorrow at 6pm so if you would like to see how they look, take a trip to Middletown and check it out....  From what I saw, you won't be disappointed....