The state of Arizona's best basketball prospects have been in need of serious skill development and training for a long time. Over the past 10 years in the state, the call has been heard as today many different developers of talent have emerged. Today there are many more trainers to now choose from, and, as a result, players are improving a great deal.
One trainer who is making a major difference among today's basketball prospects in the East Valley is former college coach and pro trainer Sundance Wicks. Wicks, the Director of POWER Basketball Academy in Gilbert, Arizona, spent 5 months training NBA Pre-Draft basketball players at Impact Basketball Academy in Las Vegas, Nevada, before coming to Arizona. Sundance has worked with players of all ages and skill levels, and has a passion for the game of basketball and life that is to be desired.
Sundance works tirelessly with the players he trains and teaches his participants about mind, body and spirit. He works hard on teaching fundamentals and skill development, but also puts serious time into training his athlete's minds, while focusing on a belief in God - a very nice added aspect of his training.
A former college player at Northern State University where he led the team in scoring and rebounding as a senior, Sundance recently spent seven years as an assistant coach for Northern State legendary head coach Don Meyer. He also spent some time as an assistant coach at the University of Colorado and Northern Illinois under head coach Ricardo Patton.
Wicks practices unorthodox training methods, as he is an in-your-face trainer that exudes passion for the game - passion that can only be matched at the collegiate level by a college coach. Wicks' methods provide his participants with a realistic approach to the college game - something that is needed a great deal by Arizona's basketball prospects. What is most exciting about Wicks' teaching style is that he is personally proficient at each of the drills that he teaches to his trainees. Possessing an excellent shape that looks as if he can still lace them up himself, Wicks often performs the drills with his participants.
Wicks advised me that his goal is to make players better, and also to provide each of his trainees with the tools to be successful in life - not just basketball.
Upon meeting Wicks and watching one of his workouts, I came away very impressed with his energy, dedication and commitment to his craft. Many players that have worked out with him have marveled about his ability to make them better.
"Sundance sees the big picture and does not have blinders on to his teaching and coaching," said Don Meyer - Northern State University. "He never has a down day because of his passion for serving and meeting the needs of those under his supervision, and those he will associate with."
