Drew Sullivan Aims To Give Back With Clinics

By Sam Neter on May 14, 2012

Great Britain captain Drew Sullivan has said he believes the Olympics games could be “monumental” in moving basketball forward in the UK and will be using 2012 to launch his own ‘DS8 Basketball Clinics’ to help raise the standard of the game.

“I truly believe that it can have a monumental effect on how the sport goes forward,” the GB captain said talking to Hoopsfix about the impact the Olympics could have on basketball in Great Britain. “As long as we don’t expect the games to do all the heavy lifting. I think that the hard work will actually take place after the Olympics, but the games will help make the process some what easier. What needs to be stressed is that as a developing sport in this country we must not allow this chance to fade into the background.”

Having had a 9 year professional career so far, playing all across Europe, Sullivan has a lot of experience to share and will be seizing the opportunity through the clinics he has organised over the coming weeks and months. Initially focusing on the top end of the ability spectrum for players aged between 18 and 24, the first DS8 Clinic is taking place this weekend (19 & 20 May) in Loughborough, and is invite only. It will consist of two 4 hour sessions for approximately 20 players combining basketball skill drills along with strength, conditioning and speed and agility work.

“One of the biggest reasons I decided to start these clinics was to try and give back to basketball in Britain. I don’t believe there are many clinics like these that are taking place in the UK,” Sullivan explained.

“I can honestly say that if it wasn’t for many of the people, most notably Joe White, I know I wouldn’t be in this position to give back to the sport. One of the things that I feel strongly about is that I’ve been extremely lucky to have great people around me so if I’m able to pass on my experiences then it’ll be selﬁsh not to.”

Nike have donated SPARQ (speed, power, agility, reaction and quickness) equipment for the sessions which will develop skills that Sullivan feels are often overlooked, such as knowing how to use and make good decisions off ball screens.

“For us we want players to understand that once the clinic is over, that’s not where the work stops. Everything that we’ll go over are things that they can do away from the clinic and hopefully make them better basketball players. Hopefully this will be the start of something a little bit special. ”

There will be a second clinic in the City of Birmingham (sponsored by Kirk Dawes and The Centre of Conﬂict Transformation Limited) the following weekend (26 & 27 May) specifically for players based in and around Birmingham which will be open to everyone (but limited numbers available), as well as a third after the Olympics. To find out more information you can stay up to date on Drew’s website at drewsullivan8.com and his twitter @drewsullivan8.

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