November 10, 2024 • 31 mins
On this episode of the Colorado high school basketball podcast our guest, Aaron Thomas, head coach at Liberty High School and 17U coach for 7070 Athletics reveals his dynamic approach to training that shuns traditional models, focusing instead on skill development and individualized attention. You'll learn about their remarkable summer achievements and standout players like Bryce Real and London Praytor, all while discussing the ripple effects of the transfer portal on college recruitment. Aaron's insights into their strategy of running the ball and shooting threes showcase how they captivated audiences on the independent circuit.
Get ready to follow the whirlwind journey of Liberty High School's London Praytor and commitment to Toledo. Coach Thomas also gives us insight into rising stars Cam Cunningham and Evan Trinidad. These players are turning heads with their skills and dedication, overcoming initial skepticism to attract interest from notable college programs. Our conversation highlights how a strong support network and well-timed opportunities can catapult young athletes into the spotlight, challenging traditional expectations and showcasing the transformative power of talent and determination.
ELEVATE YOUR GAME this program will take your game to new heights!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Oh, isn't it time for the Colorado High School
Basketball Podcast?
Why, yes, it is All right.
Everyone, we're back.
We're back better than ever, atthe Colorado High School
Basketball Podcast and we have asponsor this year, a sponsor to
make sure we get through allthree months of the upcoming
(00:23):
season See November, december,january, february, march.
Five months of the upcomingseason that will be 70-70
athletics.
Elevate your game.
Whether you're just startingout or you're looking to add to
your skill set, this programwill take your game to new
heights.
We start with strongfundamentals, learn new skills
and apply in weekly games.
(00:43):
It makes for a fun andcompetitive environment.
So get with 7070 Athletics.
They're out of the Palmer LewisPalmer Monument area down there
towards the springs.
It's worth the drive.
Their guys know what they'redoing and we'll just go ahead
and bring in one of their guysright now and we talked to him
(01:05):
last year too, I think, aaron,you're our first revisit podcast
guest.
So, Aaron Thomas welcome.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Appreciate it.
Yeah, this is like an annualtradition.
It seems like right beforeseason we kind of get together
and so we'll be back.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
Why not?
And you were very instrumentalin getting 70 70 athletics to
sponsor the podcast this thisseason and I want to thank you
so much for that and I'm surethere's some uh podcast fans
that are going to thank you forthat.
So tell us what 70 70.
So to kind of get everyone.
We just kind of jumped into it.
I need to to make sure Iintroduce Aaron correctly he is
(01:48):
the head coach at Liberty HighSchool in the Springs there and
he's also the 17U coach for 7070Athletics.
So go ahead and tell us what7070 Athletics does and we'll
talk about your answers in asecond.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
Yeah, so obviously I've had the fortune of kind of
jumping off their club teamsabout a year, two years ago,
brought a group over and jumpedon the club side of things.
Really, what it started out asis a training academy and it's
still something that we do.
So we have training sessionspretty much after school until
about 9 pm, shooting machinesessions.
(02:26):
We run through on three leagueselementary school leagues,
middle school leagues so a lotof great things happening.
We've got some great trainerswho are certified.
We just got another onecertified out in Minnesota at
Michael Lancaster's IPTheadquarters.
Kyle Owens is kind of our headtrainer.
We've picked up a couple othergreat trainers around town.
(02:46):
So keeping really busy withthat, just helping kids develop
and get better, that's kind ofour core.
We don't follow a verytraditional club model on that
side of things.
So my guys, we practice once ortwice a week in the summer, but
really every other day theywere up getting skill sessions,
getting on shooting machines,doing those type of things,
versus practicing once a weekand then rolling out to some
(03:09):
tournament and you know whoknows where and playing a bunch
of games.
You know we put emphasis on theskill development piece.
Speaker 1 (03:16):
And now a word from our sponsors.
Are you ready to elevate yourgame?
7070 Athletics, a clubbasketball program located in
Monument, colorado, specializesin basketball training that
builds skills, confidence andcore IQ.
Whether you're a beginner or anaspiring pro, our expert
coaches are here to help youdominate.
(03:36):
We start with strongfundamentals, learn new skills,
apply in weekly games.
It makes for a fun andcompetitive environment.
From ball handling to shootingdrills, strength training to
agility, 7070 Athletics has thetools you need to elevate your
play and, with a team of elitecoaches who know the game inside
and out, you're in the besthands.
(03:57):
Join the 7070 Athletics teamtoday and start training smarter
, not harder, harder.
Visit 7070athleticscom to learnmore and take your first step
toward greatness.
Elevate your game at 7070athletics.
And now back to the coloradohigh school basketball podcast.
(04:18):
So let's talk a little bitabout the success you guys, the
7070 club, had over this overthe summer.
You guys are, yeah, yeah, the20.
Mike the Boyer kid, logan Boyer, you got London to come.
London came over after spendingthe spring with the CS minors.
(04:43):
You guys open up some eyes, andI remember talking to a couple
of coaches in Kansas City.
You know Bryce Real playing foryou.
He's turning heads and you knowme and you were both kind of
scratching our heads a littlebit.
It's like guys, he's puttingbuckets on people and no one's
(05:04):
really, just because he's5'10"-ish that really.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
Still scratching my head.
Speaker 1 (05:10):
yeah, and especially for like NAIA D2s, like that
shouldn't really matter, but Ithink it could be a little bit
of the new landscape of collegerecruiting with the transfer
portal.
What do you think?
Speaker 2 (05:25):
Yeah, I mean, I think , obviously, obviously, I think
we had a really successful group.
Um, you know, seven of my ninehave offers to play at some
level next year.
Obviously, london came over tous in july.
It was kind of a you knowfamily situation.
So, um, him being my highschool guy to make sure he was
taken care of, um, you know, wegot like marshall as well.
So you know we've got we've gota ton of skilled guys, guys who
(05:47):
can really stretch the floor.
You saw us in Kansas City.
My formula was pretty simplewe're going to run the ball up
the floor and we're going toshoot threes.
They're either going to go inor they're not.
If they don't, bryce, blake,logan, somebody's going to hit
one eventually and then they'llget hot.
Ran a lot of you know five outactions and things like that.
(06:09):
So we did open a lot of eyes.
I do think that you know, thechange in the landscape in terms
of Transylvania Portal isreally really impacting a lot of
kids.
I can tell you firsthand likewe ran an independent circuit.
I think that's also kind ofdeemed us a little bit.
You know, coaches, just withthe, with the viewing period and
(06:31):
things like that, they're justgetting more bang for their buck
.
You know, to go to one event inMemphis or in Atlanta or
something like that, versus theold days where you know it was
weeks long and they could jumparound to different events and
they could fly in and out, andyou know they just don't do that
anymore.
So it hurt us a little bit.
(06:51):
But I can tell you, when weplayed in Kansas City, every
single time like every coach'sseat was full.
So you know, when you talkabout head scratching on some of
my guys like yeah, I'm still alittle perplexed on you know how
guys like Blake Marshall andBryce Reel don't have, you know,
more offers and things likethat, um, especially with the
way they played this summer, umput out great tape and um, they
(07:15):
have they're successful highschool players as well.
So, and that's kind of how wewe build it out.
And you know that was kind ofthe talks that I had with
coaches when we traveled rightand blake.
Speaker 1 (07:27):
Uh, blake's one of my favorite guys to watch because
he might miss six in a row.
Then he'll make eight in a rowand you're like what in the
world is going on here?
Kick and shoot, it's got agreat stroke.
Um, and yeah, I was like youknow, I see some of the places
he's going for a visit for andI'm like, hey, armac guys, you
(07:51):
may not want to let him get out,because if he gets out and he
gets hot at his little or at anNAI level that he's probably
going to jump over the D2 levelor, I don't know, maybe jump
over the ArmAC level.
I don't know if he'dnecessarily jump over the D2
level, but the and hell whoknows with how close those lower
D1s and D2s are anymore, it'skind of a wash.
(08:14):
So yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:16):
No, I agree.
Speaker 1 (08:18):
And now a word from our sponsors.
Are you ready to elevate yourgame?
70, 70 athletics, a clubbasketball program located in
Monument, colorado, specializesin basketball training that
builds skills, confidence andcourt IQ.
Whether you're a beginner or anaspiring pro, our expert
(08:39):
coaches are here to help youdominate.
We start with strongfundamentals.
Learn new skills, apply inweekly games.
It makes for a fun andcompetitive environment.
From ball handling to shootingdrills, strength training to
agility, 7070 Athletics has thetools you need to elevate your
play and, with a team of elitecoaches who know the game inside
and out, you're in the besthands.
(08:59):
Join the 7070 Athletics teamtoday and start training smarter
, not harder.
Visit 7070athleticscom to learnmore and take your first step
toward greatness.
Elevate your game at 70-70Athletics.
And now back to the ColoradoHigh School Basketball Podcast.
(09:20):
Explain London Prater's riseover the summer because it was
like, and even up until like ourshow, my showcase.
I was like, well, shoot, Imight get london here after all.
And all of a sudden it's likeno, he's got an offer to go to
toledo and he's going to samhouston and he's going to go do
this.
They're like, well, hell, how'dall that happen?
Speaker 2 (09:43):
so.
So he had great D2 offers.
They all basically came out ofScholastic Showcase in June.
He had a great weekend.
First day was a little rockybut then from there he had a
great weekend Picked up Mesa,picked up UCCS, already had
Metro State and I think we gotinto July was with me.
(10:08):
I mean I spent all of July withhim and you know we had a long
talk one night.
He just said well, I.
He said coach, I just I feellike I'm a division one player
but I feel like it's never gonnahappen for me.
Um, and it is what is everykid's dream is to be a d1 player
.
And so I just saw kids' dreamskind of getting squelched.
And so Brandon Goebel is analumni of Liberty High School.
(10:32):
When I got the job he was one ofthe first people to reach out
and say hey, if you needanything.
And obviously I know hisnetwork.
And so reach out to him aboutLondon, ask him if he could take
a look.
He took a look and said it wasa no-brainer.
He put a tweet out seven footershoots the shoots it it.
So he put a tweet out and thenhe was on a report that went on
(10:53):
on a Thursday before a holidayand the following Tuesday, once
coaches had gotten back andcheck their email, I kid you not
, I was on the phone from seven30 in the morning to probably
eight at night.
I mean it was like coach, coach, coach, coach, coach, and so
from all over the place.
And we were at the time.
(11:13):
We were also, you know, he hadalso had an offer from West
Florida which he really, reallyliked the idea of.
And we were, we were scheduling, we were going to go, and then
when they kind of saw it alljump off you know Nick
Lenhardt's a Springs guy so hereached out and said hey, coach,
let's just delay and see whathappens.
And so we did an unofficial DUWent great, they offered, he
loved it.
He had already gone to do anunofficial at DU Went great,
(11:33):
they offered, he loved it.
He had already gone to do anunofficial at Mesa, loved it.
Toledo calls me on a Monday,says we're flying in Wednesday
night and I'm flying outThursday morning.
Can you get me in there beforeschool.
And it was one of their, anassistant, that had been with
them for a long time but hadplayed for Kowalczyk.
So we really trusted him.
(11:54):
We worked um, but it had playedfor kowalczyk so he really
trusted him.
We worked out before school,him, and uh, cam did a workout
from seven to eight by 10 15.
My phone ring um todd kowalczykcalled but told me he was going
to call london with an offer.
Um offered they got us on thevery next available trip.
Um sold us on a non-footballweekend and you know he just it
(12:17):
just took off from there.
Um took and then we took anofficial to montana state.
Um, and then he came to me themonday morning after we got back
from montana state and you knowhad made up his mind awesome
that's.
Speaker 1 (12:30):
That's quite the whirlwind.
I was like I was like, so youthink we'll get him and you're
like, nah, he's going on in theofficial to Toledo.
I was like, ah, that makessense that makes sense Would
have made a great showcase,though, just saying.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
Yeah, no, we were going to get him there.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
So that kind of leads into.
You know, you mentioned Camthere, cam Cunningham, one of
the best sophomores in the state, how's that?
And then you got Evan Trinidadalso.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
Really good, I think I called him the kid with the
specs and the hops.
When I texted you the other day, that one time, Like who's this
kid?
Speaker 1 (13:11):
And that kind of leads to the other part of
Liberty having maybe a littlemore buzz around them than
they've had in the past.
Some people thinking you mightbe top 10.
I don't know if I have you inthe top 10 yet.
I haven't done my top 10.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
I mean, you're probably yeah, yeah, no, it's
just, it's exciting to even bein conversation.
Honestly.
You know I took a.
I took a job that a lot ofpeople told me I was a
psychopath to take.
You know I took a job that alot of people told me I was a
psychopath to take and you knowI've been.
You know we kind of talkedabout it last year and you know
it was before trial so Icouldn't really talk about the
freshman that much.
(13:44):
But obviously now, like there'sno hiding them, I think we have
a phenomenal sophomore classand Cam's a big part of that.
You know you got Evan.
I'm returning another one namedGavin.
You know Gavin was our sixthman last year Probably.
You know he'll take an uptickin role and so you know we only
(14:05):
graduated two and you know Ilove those two seniors.
But it equated to about fourand a half five points a game,
so it's not a whole lot ofscoring that we're losing.
You know Cam's done all theright things this summer.
He's gotten better.
He's been in the weight room,he knows what he needs to work
on um.
You know I've gotten a wholelot closer um over the past year
(14:29):
or so and so it's been great tosee his growth.
Um, you know, when london stuffstarted taking off, people were
like, ah, you'll.
You know, you'll never take aphone call about a 26 right now,
or definitely not a 27, and I'mlike yeah, you're probably
right.
Well, you know, I've taken somephone calls like about a 27.
Um, you know, people have seensee you came down and tad boyle
(14:51):
came down and saw alone and, andso you know 6'5", 6'6" point
guard who doesn't turn 16 untilJanuary.
You know it's something youneed to get your eyes on.
Speaker 1 (15:05):
Yeah, and he's a, and I'll be honest and I'd tell
everyone this, and you know youmight be a little mad about it
and he might be a little madabout it.
But you watch him warm up andyou're like, okay, cause you
guys have to understand Cam'svery slight he is not.
I mean, there are broomsticksthat have more weight to them
(15:26):
than than he does.
And you're just kind of like,well, and then his, his, his
jump shots, just it's quirky,we'll call it quirky.
And you're like I don't know ifhe can get that off, like in a
game.
So you're like thin kid, quirkyshot.
And you're like I don't know.
But then that ball goes up,throw out the warm-up part.
(15:48):
I go.
Coaches, don't watch warm-ups,don't watch me warm-ups.
You're going to be like, no, I'mleaving, no, no, it's gonna
drop.
You're gonna be like, no, I'mleaving, no, no, no, no, no,
stay here, get through warm-upsand then, uh, let the game start
because it's a total different.
Um, he's kind of a totaldifferent player once that ball
goes up and you're like, okay,you can see it, you can see how
(16:09):
quick he is with the ball andhe's pretty, pretty smooth with
it and he his finishing packagearound the rims pretty high for
a sophomore, the quirky jumpshot.
He gets it off quick.
Speaker 2 (16:22):
Um, probably we'll have to work on a little bit,
but um, yeah, I mean, and and heknows that a lot of that's come
, a lot of that has come fromstrength.
He's always shot it that way.
Um, you know, when I firstfirst saw him shoot, I was like
there's same thoughts, there'sno way that's going to be able
to get off.
But and there's no hiding it,kim Kim's, kim's not a great
(16:43):
warmup guy and in his mind andnow me, knowing cam like he is
actually going through like awarmup but those are his
mannerisms.
Speaker 1 (16:53):
The thing is, is like it not like there's like kids
that and it might segue into myrant a little bit, but when
you're I call it, some peoplecall it the airport test, right,
You're watching him warm up,Okay.
Does he dribble?
Can he dribble?
Yes.
Can he run and chew gum?
Yes.
And then you're like you'rejust kind of looking at the
(17:20):
little bits of like okay, how's,how's this jump shot?
Look while he's practicing.
And that's when you're likegoing, okay, then the other
stuff's all right.
Speaker 2 (17:23):
And then you're like ah, there's that quirky jump
shot.
I don't know man?
Speaker 1 (17:24):
yeah, and it's not.
I think it's more like thatbecause I, you know, way back in
the day and this is 20 yearsago now, I can't believe it's
been that long.
Um, we had a when I was wascoaching in Florida as an
assistant, we had a kid namedDante and he was built exactly
like Cam and he was and like Cam, he was our best player.
(17:47):
Like ball went up, kid, gavepeople buckets, like serious
buckets, went on to go to be aD1 player, play at USF and
Georgia State.
But cam kind of reminds me ofthat, kind of reminds me of that
where you're just kind of likeslight kid, don't really know,
and then all of a sudden you seethe athleticism, you see the
(18:11):
that he can get his shot off andthat kind of stuff.
And then evan evan's kind ofquirky too in a way, because
kind of like I said, the kidwith the specs and the hop.
You're like, wait a minute, the, the kid with the rec specs,
just dunk on that kid.
Speaker 2 (18:26):
And you're like, yeah , yeah, no, he's special for us.
You know, I've often toldpeople you know Evan, I know
what I'm going to get from Cam.
Like, Cam's going to come out,cam's going to do what Cam does,
and I know what I'm going toget out of London.
You know, and I'm starting toknow what I'm going to get out
of london.
Um, you know, and I'm startingto know what I'm gonna get out
(18:46):
of evan.
But you know, evan's really ourx factor.
Um, he's a very, very specialathletic piece.
Um, right now he's dunking, youknow, the heads way above the
rim.
Right now, um, he's shooting ata really high level, um, and
he's someone who's gonna, youknow, step up and have a really
big role for us again this year.
But no, I think with Evan, alot of it's just going to come
(19:08):
down to, you know, seeing theball going early and being
confident with it, because whenhe's confident and he's feeling
bouncy, you know, the sky'sreally the limit.
I've had some coaches come inand like had no idea, they
didn't even know he was on theteam.
Honestly, just because you know.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
You hear about everybody else.
Speaker 2 (19:27):
They were there for you know others, and then they
see him and you know some of ourother guys and it's been fun.
Speaker 1 (19:34):
And, like you mentioned, you did have quite
the carousel of coaches comingthrough there for a while when
school started.
Yeah, and now a word from oursponsors.
Are you ready to elevate yourgame?
7070 Athletics, a clubbasketball program located in
(19:55):
Monument, colorado, specializesin basketball training that
builds skills, confidence andcourt IQ.
Whether you're a beginner or anaspiring pro, our expert
coaches are here to help youdominate.
We start with strongfundamentals, learn new skills,
apply in weekly games.
It makes for a fun andcompetitive environment.
From ball handling to shootingdrills, strength training to
agility, 7070 Athletics has thetools you need to elevate your
(20:17):
play and, with a team of elitecoaches who know the game inside
and out, you're in the besthands.
Join the 70-70 athletics teamtoday and start training smarter
, not harder.
Visit 7070athleticscom to learnmore and take your first step
toward greatness.
Elevate your game at 70-70athletics.
(20:39):
And now back to the ColoradoHigh School basketball podcast.
It's kind of leading into that,you know, being a top 10-ish
team, who do you think are someteams we need to watch out for?
Because you know you prettymuch played everyone over the
summer with team camps andthrough your club experiences,
so you know a lot of the top 17kids and 16 kids who do you
(21:04):
think is going to be?
Uh, I mean, I think we alreadyknow like mountain vista, roston
valley, smoky probably.
Yeah.
Thunder ridge will probably upthere somewhere, because thunder
ridge and rock canyon arealways up there somewhere.
Speaker 2 (21:17):
Yeah no, I mean, it's always the usual suspects.
Uh, you know, I've joked, I'veyou know, and I've become really
close since we did a springleague and that that was really
a chance for us to really seesome of the top denver teams.
Was that spring league?
Um?
And then I went into the summersaying I wanted to play top
teams?
Um, I think I played mountainvista two or three times between
the spring and the fall didn'tyou get him at the?
Speaker 1 (21:42):
yeah, we got, we got, we got him this far field, yeah
, yeah.
Speaker 2 (21:46):
Yeah, we got him.
We got him once.
Brian wasn't very happy but youknow he he's been great.
You know he did another pod andsaid that you know we're kind
of we're in the mix of things,so I appreciated that.
But no, I think it's the usualsuspects.
You know there's no hiding whothe top guys are the teams that
you.
There's no hiding who the topguys are the teams that the road
(22:08):
goes through.
You know I think down here, youknow we're a force to.
You know to kind of have eyeson and kind of be in that top 10
mix.
And I think Doherty obviously,you know always puts out a great
, great team and great product.
Jj always does a phenomenal job.
So you know that'll be a fungame for us.
You know we'll see him twicethis year and you know a team
(22:31):
that a lot of people are kind ofwith the transfers things and
kind of been hawking down on islike a team like Eagle Crest.
You know I think Eagle Crest isgoing to be scary, scary.
I think Anthony Nels is forreal.
I've coached against himseveral times and you know I
don't think there's going to bea huge drop off there.
You know Denver South got usonce in the spring league or we
(22:54):
got them and then they got us inScholastic.
Overland is always, you know,well coached and they're going
to be good.
So there's, you know there's aton of talent, especially at
that 6A level.
You know guys are kind ofspread throughout.
You know, obviously there's nohiding the range of your rosters
.
A little insane when you lookat it on paper.
Speaker 1 (23:11):
Yeah, they've transfers, and well, I guess not
really Transfers have helpedthem out a little bit.
Yeah yeah, but you know, atalented freshman coming in with
some talented guards, thatalways helps.
Yeah, that doesn't.
That doesn't hurt at all.
I want you to go on a road withme, because I went to the,
(23:34):
because everybody you have tounderstand when I I really don't
think I'm that important.
Okay, I know what my role is.
I'm I blog, ish, podcast, ishabout Colorado high school
basketball.
I just happen to have and Ihate talking about myself.
(23:54):
It's like this.
I hate, when I say I'm good atsomething because I was just
never really brought up, to say,hey, no, you're just be humble,
kind and just do your job andyou know that kind of thing.
Don't brag about anything.
But I think I have a fairlygood eye and I can tell you what
either you need to improve uponor what's missing, or those
(24:16):
kind of things.
I think I'm okay.
Speaker 2 (24:18):
No, I agree.
Speaker 1 (24:20):
I go and I watch.
We've had this big thing, thisshift of people transferring,
going to basketball academies orprep schools back east or
whatever, and when that happens,you're like, okay, guys, do you
understand?
This is different, and what Imean by that is there's a couple
(24:43):
of different levels.
What I mean by that is there'sa couple different levels, and
we're going to have in a podcastor two.
We're going to talk to someonethat specializes in legit prep
schools.
Corey Hines is going to come onand talk to us.
He has a lot of experience withthat from being a basketball
player playing at Air Force andso on, from being a basketball
(25:06):
player playing at Air Force andso on.
But I'm just like there's likeso many different ways I can
take this and I want to try andbe as level-headed and make as
much sense as possible, becauseI feel like I could go this rant
(25:26):
rant and just be like thistotal, like anger, right, and uh
, yeah in.
Uh, what's that?
That stupid disney movie?
What's that called?
um inside out yeah, inside out Ican just be angry, just go full
blown, blow my top and make anysense.
because, first off, if you'regoing to and I'll and I'll, I'll
(25:49):
do it like that If you're goingto go the basketball Academy
route one, make sure that it hasits funding, make sure that
it's a legit funding source thatyou can, uh, count on and they
know exactly where their money'scoming from and you know
exactly what you're going to bepaid, or have to pay, I mean and
(26:10):
then also what you're gettingfor that.
If you're going to have to liveout of other people's houses
because they don't have the, thewhat they say they're, going to
have housing and dorms andhousing and stuff.
That's a huge red flag.
Huge, it's like don't go there.
That's what the flag says Don'tgo there.
(26:32):
And the funding pieces because,like we've seen this, If you
don't have the funding, thoseplaces can't operate, Because it
costs thousands of dollars forthese teams to travel.
Speaker 2 (26:50):
Even if they're in a bus.
Speaker 1 (26:51):
Right, Aaron you remember cars when you take kids
.
Speaker 2 (26:55):
It's constant travel, it's not like right up the
street.
There's not one town thathouses 15 prep schools.
Speaker 1 (27:03):
This is a lot, especially out west Right.
I talked to my buddy in Floridaone town that houses 15 prep
schools like this is a lot,especially out west right I mean
, yeah, yeah, you know, I talkedto my buddy in florida still
and he's like we get a prepschool popping up every other
week and closing every otherweek because they can't.
They can't fund themselves andthey don't have legitimate
funding sources.
So if you go and you askparents, please ask what is the
(27:24):
funding source?
Where are you getting yourfunding?
And if they can't answer that,there's another flag that says
don't go there.
Yep, agreed.
Well, aaron, thank you for uhgoing down this rabbit hole with
me tonight.
I appreciate it always yeahhopefully it, my rambling, made
(27:45):
some sense.
It made sense to me.
You know make and you know youguys going to the prep school
route or basketball Academyroute make sure that you know
people have their funding andyou don't get there and then
four weeks later I have to gohome because they don't have
funding, yeah, so thanks forjoining me on this, yeah.
Speaker 2 (28:06):
Always, always good to be on.
Speaker 1 (28:08):
And I appreciate you joining and I appreciate your
efforts and help and finding usa sponsor for to carry on my
ramblings.
Speaker 2 (28:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (28:18):
Hopefully Jason's not too mad about my rambling
tonight.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
I'm sure Jason will be fine.
Speaker 1 (28:24):
And then, like you know, it'll be exciting to hear
where your seven of your ninehave got offers.
Speaker 2 (28:31):
Yep, seven of the nine right now, that'll be fun
to see where they end up.
Yeah, we plan to have a bigsigning date party in the spring
.
Obviously, we know where one'sgoing, but the rest of theirs
are you know?
They're looking through options.
Speaker 1 (28:50):
Aaron, thank you for joining us tonight here on the
Colorado High School BasketballPodcast presented by 7070
Athletics.
Elevate your game at 7070Athletics.
So good luck this season.
Speaker 2 (29:03):
Yep, appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (29:04):
All right, everyone.
That's Aaron Thomas, head coachat for joining us on my rant
and talking to us much earlierin the show about his 70, 70
team and his high school team atLiberty high school there in
Colorado Springs.
It's going to be one of thebetter teams this year in six a
should be a lot of fun to keepup with them.
(29:26):
They've got London Prater D1commit to Toledo.
Cam Wake, cunningham top playerin 27 class.
Evan Trinidad, another topplayer, has hops can shoot it.
They will be a talented team todeal with throughout the high
school season and I'm sure we'llget to talk to.
You know we might bring Aaronback right before state see how
(29:47):
he's feeling, see if he stilllooks this fresh and relaxed
this time.
Speaker 2 (29:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (29:55):
That'll be entertaining All right.
Thanks for joining us everyone.
Talk to you next time here atthe Colorado High School
Basketball Podcast presented by7070 Athletics.
Are you ready to elevate yourgame?
7070 Athletics, a clubbasketball program located in
Monument, colorado, specializesin basketball training that
builds skills, confidence andcourt IQ.
(30:17):
Whether you're a beginner or anaspiring pro, our expert
coaches are here to help youdominate.
We start with strongfundamentals, learn new skills,
apply in weekly games.
It makes for a fun andcompetitive environment.
From ball handling to shootingdrills, strength training to
agility, 7070 Athletics has thetools you need to elevate your
(30:38):
play and, with a team of elitecoaches who know the game inside
and out, you're in the besthands.
Join the 70-70 Athletics teamtoday and start training smarter
, not harder.
Visit 7070athleticscom to learnmore and take your first step
toward greatness.
Elevate your game at 70-70Athletics.
Oh, isn't it time for the Colorado High School
Basketball Podcast?
Why, yes, it is All right.
Everyone, we're back.
We're back better than ever, atthe Colorado High School
Basketball Podcast and we have asponsor this year, a sponsor to
make sure we get through allthree months of the upcoming
(00:23):
season See November, december,january, february, march.
Five months of the upcomingseason that will be 70-70
athletics.
Elevate your game.
Whether you're just startingout or you're looking to add to
your skill set, this programwill take your game to new
heights.
We start with strongfundamentals, learn new skills
and apply in weekly games.
(00:43):
It makes for a fun andcompetitive environment.
So get with 7070 Athletics.
They're out of the Palmer LewisPalmer Monument area down there
towards the springs.
It's worth the drive.
Their guys know what they'redoing and we'll just go ahead
and bring in one of their guysright now and we talked to him
(01:05):
last year too, I think, aaron,you're our first revisit podcast
guest.
So, Aaron Thomas welcome.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Appreciate it.
Yeah, this is like an annualtradition.
It seems like right beforeseason we kind of get together
and so we'll be back.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
Why not?
And you were very instrumentalin getting 70 70 athletics to
sponsor the podcast this thisseason and I want to thank you
so much for that and I'm surethere's some uh podcast fans
that are going to thank you forthat.
So tell us what 70 70.
So to kind of get everyone.
We just kind of jumped into it.
I need to to make sure Iintroduce Aaron correctly he is
(01:48):
the head coach at Liberty HighSchool in the Springs there and
he's also the 17U coach for 7070Athletics.
So go ahead and tell us what7070 Athletics does and we'll
talk about your answers in asecond.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
Yeah, so obviously I've had the fortune of kind of
jumping off their club teamsabout a year, two years ago,
brought a group over and jumpedon the club side of things.
Really, what it started out asis a training academy and it's
still something that we do.
So we have training sessionspretty much after school until
about 9 pm, shooting machinesessions.
(02:26):
We run through on three leagueselementary school leagues,
middle school leagues so a lotof great things happening.
We've got some great trainerswho are certified.
We just got another onecertified out in Minnesota at
Michael Lancaster's IPTheadquarters.
Kyle Owens is kind of our headtrainer.
We've picked up a couple othergreat trainers around town.
(02:46):
So keeping really busy withthat, just helping kids develop
and get better, that's kind ofour core.
We don't follow a verytraditional club model on that
side of things.
So my guys, we practice once ortwice a week in the summer, but
really every other day theywere up getting skill sessions,
getting on shooting machines,doing those type of things,
versus practicing once a weekand then rolling out to some
(03:09):
tournament and you know whoknows where and playing a bunch
of games.
You know we put emphasis on theskill development piece.
Speaker 1 (03:16):
And now a word from our sponsors.
Are you ready to elevate yourgame?
7070 Athletics, a clubbasketball program located in
Monument, colorado, specializesin basketball training that
builds skills, confidence andcore IQ.
Whether you're a beginner or anaspiring pro, our expert
coaches are here to help youdominate.
(03:36):
We start with strongfundamentals, learn new skills,
apply in weekly games.
It makes for a fun andcompetitive environment.
From ball handling to shootingdrills, strength training to
agility, 7070 Athletics has thetools you need to elevate your
play and, with a team of elitecoaches who know the game inside
and out, you're in the besthands.
(03:57):
Join the 7070 Athletics teamtoday and start training smarter
, not harder, harder.
Visit 7070athleticscom to learnmore and take your first step
toward greatness.
Elevate your game at 7070athletics.
And now back to the coloradohigh school basketball podcast.
(04:18):
So let's talk a little bitabout the success you guys, the
7070 club, had over this overthe summer.
You guys are, yeah, yeah, the20.
Mike the Boyer kid, logan Boyer, you got London to come.
London came over after spendingthe spring with the CS minors.
(04:43):
You guys open up some eyes, andI remember talking to a couple
of coaches in Kansas City.
You know Bryce Real playing foryou.
He's turning heads and you knowme and you were both kind of
scratching our heads a littlebit.
It's like guys, he's puttingbuckets on people and no one's
(05:04):
really, just because he's5'10"-ish that really.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
Still scratching my head.
Speaker 1 (05:10):
yeah, and especially for like NAIA D2s, like that
shouldn't really matter, but Ithink it could be a little bit
of the new landscape of collegerecruiting with the transfer
portal.
What do you think?
Speaker 2 (05:25):
Yeah, I mean, I think , obviously, obviously, I think
we had a really successful group.
Um, you know, seven of my ninehave offers to play at some
level next year.
Obviously, london came over tous in july.
It was kind of a you knowfamily situation.
So, um, him being my highschool guy to make sure he was
taken care of, um, you know, wegot like marshall as well.
So you know we've got we've gota ton of skilled guys, guys who
(05:47):
can really stretch the floor.
You saw us in Kansas City.
My formula was pretty simplewe're going to run the ball up
the floor and we're going toshoot threes.
They're either going to go inor they're not.
If they don't, bryce, blake,logan, somebody's going to hit
one eventually and then they'llget hot.
Ran a lot of you know five outactions and things like that.
(06:09):
So we did open a lot of eyes.
I do think that you know, thechange in the landscape in terms
of Transylvania Portal isreally really impacting a lot of
kids.
I can tell you firsthand likewe ran an independent circuit.
I think that's also kind ofdeemed us a little bit.
You know, coaches, just withthe, with the viewing period and
(06:31):
things like that, they're justgetting more bang for their buck
.
You know, to go to one event inMemphis or in Atlanta or
something like that, versus theold days where you know it was
weeks long and they could jumparound to different events and
they could fly in and out, andyou know they just don't do that
anymore.
So it hurt us a little bit.
(06:51):
But I can tell you, when weplayed in Kansas City, every
single time like every coach'sseat was full.
So you know, when you talkabout head scratching on some of
my guys like yeah, I'm still alittle perplexed on you know how
guys like Blake Marshall andBryce Reel don't have, you know,
more offers and things likethat, um, especially with the
way they played this summer, umput out great tape and um, they
(07:15):
have they're successful highschool players as well.
So, and that's kind of how wewe build it out.
And you know that was kind ofthe talks that I had with
coaches when we traveled rightand blake.
Speaker 1 (07:27):
Uh, blake's one of my favorite guys to watch because
he might miss six in a row.
Then he'll make eight in a rowand you're like what in the
world is going on here?
Kick and shoot, it's got agreat stroke.
Um, and yeah, I was like youknow, I see some of the places
he's going for a visit for andI'm like, hey, armac guys, you
(07:51):
may not want to let him get out,because if he gets out and he
gets hot at his little or at anNAI level that he's probably
going to jump over the D2 levelor, I don't know, maybe jump
over the ArmAC level.
I don't know if he'dnecessarily jump over the D2
level, but the and hell whoknows with how close those lower
D1s and D2s are anymore, it'skind of a wash.
(08:14):
So yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:16):
No, I agree.
Speaker 1 (08:18):
And now a word from our sponsors.
Are you ready to elevate yourgame?
70, 70 athletics, a clubbasketball program located in
Monument, colorado, specializesin basketball training that
builds skills, confidence andcourt IQ.
Whether you're a beginner or anaspiring pro, our expert
(08:39):
coaches are here to help youdominate.
We start with strongfundamentals.
Learn new skills, apply inweekly games.
It makes for a fun andcompetitive environment.
From ball handling to shootingdrills, strength training to
agility, 7070 Athletics has thetools you need to elevate your
play and, with a team of elitecoaches who know the game inside
and out, you're in the besthands.
(08:59):
Join the 7070 Athletics teamtoday and start training smarter
, not harder.
Visit 7070athleticscom to learnmore and take your first step
toward greatness.
Elevate your game at 70-70Athletics.
And now back to the ColoradoHigh School Basketball Podcast.
(09:20):
Explain London Prater's riseover the summer because it was
like, and even up until like ourshow, my showcase.
I was like, well, shoot, Imight get london here after all.
And all of a sudden it's likeno, he's got an offer to go to
toledo and he's going to samhouston and he's going to go do
this.
They're like, well, hell, how'dall that happen?
Speaker 2 (09:43):
so.
So he had great D2 offers.
They all basically came out ofScholastic Showcase in June.
He had a great weekend.
First day was a little rockybut then from there he had a
great weekend Picked up Mesa,picked up UCCS, already had
Metro State and I think we gotinto July was with me.
(10:08):
I mean I spent all of July withhim and you know we had a long
talk one night.
He just said well, I.
He said coach, I just I feellike I'm a division one player
but I feel like it's never gonnahappen for me.
Um, and it is what is everykid's dream is to be a d1 player
.
And so I just saw kids' dreamskind of getting squelched.
And so Brandon Goebel is analumni of Liberty High School.
(10:32):
When I got the job he was one ofthe first people to reach out
and say hey, if you needanything.
And obviously I know hisnetwork.
And so reach out to him aboutLondon, ask him if he could take
a look.
He took a look and said it wasa no-brainer.
He put a tweet out seven footershoots the shoots it it.
So he put a tweet out and thenhe was on a report that went on
(10:53):
on a Thursday before a holidayand the following Tuesday, once
coaches had gotten back andcheck their email, I kid you not
, I was on the phone from seven30 in the morning to probably
eight at night.
I mean it was like coach, coach, coach, coach, coach, and so
from all over the place.
And we were at the time.
(11:13):
We were also, you know, he hadalso had an offer from West
Florida which he really, reallyliked the idea of.
And we were, we were scheduling, we were going to go, and then
when they kind of saw it alljump off you know Nick
Lenhardt's a Springs guy so hereached out and said hey, coach,
let's just delay and see whathappens.
And so we did an unofficial DUWent great, they offered, he
loved it.
He had already gone to do anunofficial at DU Went great,
(11:33):
they offered, he loved it.
He had already gone to do anunofficial at Mesa, loved it.
Toledo calls me on a Monday,says we're flying in Wednesday
night and I'm flying outThursday morning.
Can you get me in there beforeschool.
And it was one of their, anassistant, that had been with
them for a long time but hadplayed for Kowalczyk.
So we really trusted him.
(11:54):
We worked um, but it had playedfor kowalczyk so he really
trusted him.
We worked out before school,him, and uh, cam did a workout
from seven to eight by 10 15.
My phone ring um todd kowalczykcalled but told me he was going
to call london with an offer.
Um offered they got us on thevery next available trip.
Um sold us on a non-footballweekend and you know he just it
(12:17):
just took off from there.
Um took and then we took anofficial to montana state.
Um, and then he came to me themonday morning after we got back
from montana state and you knowhad made up his mind awesome
that's.
Speaker 1 (12:30):
That's quite the whirlwind.
I was like I was like, so youthink we'll get him and you're
like, nah, he's going on in theofficial to Toledo.
I was like, ah, that makessense that makes sense Would
have made a great showcase,though, just saying.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
Yeah, no, we were going to get him there.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
So that kind of leads into.
You know, you mentioned Camthere, cam Cunningham, one of
the best sophomores in the state, how's that?
And then you got Evan Trinidadalso.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
Really good, I think I called him the kid with the
specs and the hops.
When I texted you the other day, that one time, Like who's this
kid?
Speaker 1 (13:11):
And that kind of leads to the other part of
Liberty having maybe a littlemore buzz around them than
they've had in the past.
Some people thinking you mightbe top 10.
I don't know if I have you inthe top 10 yet.
I haven't done my top 10.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
I mean, you're probably yeah, yeah, no, it's
just, it's exciting to even bein conversation.
Honestly.
You know I took a.
I took a job that a lot ofpeople told me I was a
psychopath to take.
You know I took a job that alot of people told me I was a
psychopath to take and you knowI've been.
You know we kind of talkedabout it last year and you know
it was before trial so Icouldn't really talk about the
freshman that much.
(13:44):
But obviously now, like there'sno hiding them, I think we have
a phenomenal sophomore classand Cam's a big part of that.
You know you got Evan.
I'm returning another one namedGavin.
You know Gavin was our sixthman last year Probably.
You know he'll take an uptickin role and so you know we only
(14:05):
graduated two and you know Ilove those two seniors.
But it equated to about fourand a half five points a game,
so it's not a whole lot ofscoring that we're losing.
You know Cam's done all theright things this summer.
He's gotten better.
He's been in the weight room,he knows what he needs to work
on um.
You know I've gotten a wholelot closer um over the past year
(14:29):
or so and so it's been great tosee his growth.
Um, you know, when london stuffstarted taking off, people were
like, ah, you'll.
You know, you'll never take aphone call about a 26 right now,
or definitely not a 27, and I'mlike yeah, you're probably
right.
Well, you know, I've taken somephone calls like about a 27.
Um, you know, people have seensee you came down and tad boyle
(14:51):
came down and saw alone and, andso you know 6'5", 6'6" point
guard who doesn't turn 16 untilJanuary.
You know it's something youneed to get your eyes on.
Speaker 1 (15:05):
Yeah, and he's a, and I'll be honest and I'd tell
everyone this, and you know youmight be a little mad about it
and he might be a little madabout it.
But you watch him warm up andyou're like, okay, cause you
guys have to understand Cam'svery slight he is not.
I mean, there are broomsticksthat have more weight to them
(15:26):
than than he does.
And you're just kind of like,well, and then his, his, his
jump shots, just it's quirky,we'll call it quirky.
And you're like I don't know ifhe can get that off, like in a
game.
So you're like thin kid, quirkyshot.
And you're like I don't know.
But then that ball goes up,throw out the warm-up part.
(15:48):
I go.
Coaches, don't watch warm-ups,don't watch me warm-ups.
You're going to be like, no, I'mleaving, no, no, it's gonna
drop.
You're gonna be like, no, I'mleaving, no, no, no, no, no,
stay here, get through warm-upsand then, uh, let the game start
because it's a total different.
Um, he's kind of a totaldifferent player once that ball
goes up and you're like, okay,you can see it, you can see how
(16:09):
quick he is with the ball andhe's pretty, pretty smooth with
it and he his finishing packagearound the rims pretty high for
a sophomore, the quirky jumpshot.
He gets it off quick.
Speaker 2 (16:22):
Um, probably we'll have to work on a little bit,
but um, yeah, I mean, and and heknows that a lot of that's come
, a lot of that has come fromstrength.
He's always shot it that way.
Um, you know, when I firstfirst saw him shoot, I was like
there's same thoughts, there'sno way that's going to be able
to get off.
But and there's no hiding it,kim Kim's, kim's not a great
(16:43):
warmup guy and in his mind andnow me, knowing cam like he is
actually going through like awarmup but those are his
mannerisms.
Speaker 1 (16:53):
The thing is, is like it not like there's like kids
that and it might segue into myrant a little bit, but when
you're I call it, some peoplecall it the airport test, right,
You're watching him warm up,Okay.
Does he dribble?
Can he dribble?
Yes.
Can he run and chew gum?
Yes.
And then you're like you'rejust kind of looking at the
(17:20):
little bits of like okay, how's,how's this jump shot?
Look while he's practicing.
And that's when you're likegoing, okay, then the other
stuff's all right.
Speaker 2 (17:23):
And then you're like ah, there's that quirky jump
shot.
I don't know man?
Speaker 1 (17:24):
yeah, and it's not.
I think it's more like thatbecause I, you know, way back in
the day and this is 20 yearsago now, I can't believe it's
been that long.
Um, we had a when I was wascoaching in Florida as an
assistant, we had a kid namedDante and he was built exactly
like Cam and he was and like Cam, he was our best player.
(17:47):
Like ball went up, kid, gavepeople buckets, like serious
buckets, went on to go to be aD1 player, play at USF and
Georgia State.
But cam kind of reminds me ofthat, kind of reminds me of that
where you're just kind of likeslight kid, don't really know,
and then all of a sudden you seethe athleticism, you see the
(18:11):
that he can get his shot off andthat kind of stuff.
And then evan evan's kind ofquirky too in a way, because
kind of like I said, the kidwith the specs and the hop.
You're like, wait a minute, the, the kid with the rec specs,
just dunk on that kid.
Speaker 2 (18:26):
And you're like, yeah , yeah, no, he's special for us.
You know, I've often toldpeople you know Evan, I know
what I'm going to get from Cam.
Like, Cam's going to come out,cam's going to do what Cam does,
and I know what I'm going toget out of London.
You know, and I'm starting toknow what I'm going to get out
of london.
Um, you know, and I'm startingto know what I'm gonna get out
(18:46):
of evan.
But you know, evan's really ourx factor.
Um, he's a very, very specialathletic piece.
Um, right now he's dunking, youknow, the heads way above the
rim.
Right now, um, he's shooting ata really high level, um, and
he's someone who's gonna, youknow, step up and have a really
big role for us again this year.
But no, I think with Evan, alot of it's just going to come
(19:08):
down to, you know, seeing theball going early and being
confident with it, because whenhe's confident and he's feeling
bouncy, you know, the sky'sreally the limit.
I've had some coaches come inand like had no idea, they
didn't even know he was on theteam.
Honestly, just because you know.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
You hear about everybody else.
Speaker 2 (19:27):
They were there for you know others, and then they
see him and you know some of ourother guys and it's been fun.
Speaker 1 (19:34):
And, like you mentioned, you did have quite
the carousel of coaches comingthrough there for a while when
school started.
Yeah, and now a word from oursponsors.
Are you ready to elevate yourgame?
7070 Athletics, a clubbasketball program located in
(19:55):
Monument, colorado, specializesin basketball training that
builds skills, confidence andcourt IQ.
Whether you're a beginner or anaspiring pro, our expert
coaches are here to help youdominate.
We start with strongfundamentals, learn new skills,
apply in weekly games.
It makes for a fun andcompetitive environment.
From ball handling to shootingdrills, strength training to
agility, 7070 Athletics has thetools you need to elevate your
(20:17):
play and, with a team of elitecoaches who know the game inside
and out, you're in the besthands.
Join the 70-70 athletics teamtoday and start training smarter
, not harder.
Visit 7070athleticscom to learnmore and take your first step
toward greatness.
Elevate your game at 70-70athletics.
(20:39):
And now back to the ColoradoHigh School basketball podcast.
It's kind of leading into that,you know, being a top 10-ish
team, who do you think are someteams we need to watch out for?
Because you know you prettymuch played everyone over the
summer with team camps andthrough your club experiences,
so you know a lot of the top 17kids and 16 kids who do you
(21:04):
think is going to be?
Uh, I mean, I think we alreadyknow like mountain vista, roston
valley, smoky probably.
Yeah.
Thunder ridge will probably upthere somewhere, because thunder
ridge and rock canyon arealways up there somewhere.
Speaker 2 (21:17):
Yeah no, I mean, it's always the usual suspects.
Uh, you know, I've joked, I'veyou know, and I've become really
close since we did a springleague and that that was really
a chance for us to really seesome of the top denver teams.
Was that spring league?
Um?
And then I went into the summersaying I wanted to play top
teams?
Um, I think I played mountainvista two or three times between
the spring and the fall didn'tyou get him at the?
Speaker 1 (21:42):
yeah, we got, we got, we got him this far field, yeah
, yeah.
Speaker 2 (21:46):
Yeah, we got him.
We got him once.
Brian wasn't very happy but youknow he he's been great.
You know he did another pod andsaid that you know we're kind
of we're in the mix of things,so I appreciated that.
But no, I think it's the usualsuspects.
You know there's no hiding whothe top guys are the teams that
you.
There's no hiding who the topguys are the teams that the road
(22:08):
goes through.
You know I think down here, youknow we're a force to.
You know to kind of have eyeson and kind of be in that top 10
mix.
And I think Doherty obviously,you know always puts out a great
, great team and great product.
Jj always does a phenomenal job.
So you know that'll be a fungame for us.
You know we'll see him twicethis year and you know a team
(22:31):
that a lot of people are kind ofwith the transfers things and
kind of been hawking down on islike a team like Eagle Crest.
You know I think Eagle Crest isgoing to be scary, scary.
I think Anthony Nels is forreal.
I've coached against himseveral times and you know I
don't think there's going to bea huge drop off there.
You know Denver South got usonce in the spring league or we
(22:54):
got them and then they got us inScholastic.
Overland is always, you know,well coached and they're going
to be good.
So there's, you know there's aton of talent, especially at
that 6A level.
You know guys are kind ofspread throughout.
You know, obviously there's nohiding the range of your rosters
.
A little insane when you lookat it on paper.
Speaker 1 (23:11):
Yeah, they've transfers, and well, I guess not
really Transfers have helpedthem out a little bit.
Yeah yeah, but you know, atalented freshman coming in with
some talented guards, thatalways helps.
Yeah, that doesn't.
That doesn't hurt at all.
I want you to go on a road withme, because I went to the,
(23:34):
because everybody you have tounderstand when I I really don't
think I'm that important.
Okay, I know what my role is.
I'm I blog, ish, podcast, ishabout Colorado high school
basketball.
I just happen to have and Ihate talking about myself.
(23:54):
It's like this.
I hate, when I say I'm good atsomething because I was just
never really brought up, to say,hey, no, you're just be humble,
kind and just do your job andyou know that kind of thing.
Don't brag about anything.
But I think I have a fairlygood eye and I can tell you what
either you need to improve uponor what's missing, or those
(24:16):
kind of things.
I think I'm okay.
Speaker 2 (24:18):
No, I agree.
Speaker 1 (24:20):
I go and I watch.
We've had this big thing, thisshift of people transferring,
going to basketball academies orprep schools back east or
whatever, and when that happens,you're like, okay, guys, do you
understand?
This is different, and what Imean by that is there's a couple
(24:43):
of different levels.
What I mean by that is there'sa couple different levels, and
we're going to have in a podcastor two.
We're going to talk to someonethat specializes in legit prep
schools.
Corey Hines is going to come onand talk to us.
He has a lot of experience withthat from being a basketball
player playing at Air Force andso on, from being a basketball
(25:06):
player playing at Air Force andso on.
But I'm just like there's likeso many different ways I can
take this and I want to try andbe as level-headed and make as
much sense as possible, becauseI feel like I could go this rant
(25:26):
rant and just be like thistotal, like anger, right, and uh
, yeah in.
Uh, what's that?
That stupid disney movie?
What's that called?
um inside out yeah, inside out Ican just be angry, just go full
blown, blow my top and make anysense.
because, first off, if you'regoing to and I'll and I'll, I'll
(25:49):
do it like that If you're goingto go the basketball Academy
route one, make sure that it hasits funding, make sure that
it's a legit funding source thatyou can, uh, count on and they
know exactly where their money'scoming from and you know
exactly what you're going to bepaid, or have to pay, I mean and
(26:10):
then also what you're gettingfor that.
If you're going to have to liveout of other people's houses
because they don't have the, thewhat they say they're, going to
have housing and dorms andhousing and stuff.
That's a huge red flag.
Huge, it's like don't go there.
That's what the flag says Don'tgo there.
(26:32):
And the funding pieces because,like we've seen this, If you
don't have the funding, thoseplaces can't operate, Because it
costs thousands of dollars forthese teams to travel.
Speaker 2 (26:50):
Even if they're in a bus.
Speaker 1 (26:51):
Right, Aaron you remember cars when you take kids
.
Speaker 2 (26:55):
It's constant travel, it's not like right up the
street.
There's not one town thathouses 15 prep schools.
Speaker 1 (27:03):
This is a lot, especially out west Right.
I talked to my buddy in Floridaone town that houses 15 prep
schools like this is a lot,especially out west right I mean
, yeah, yeah, you know, I talkedto my buddy in florida still
and he's like we get a prepschool popping up every other
week and closing every otherweek because they can't.
They can't fund themselves andthey don't have legitimate
funding sources.
So if you go and you askparents, please ask what is the
(27:24):
funding source?
Where are you getting yourfunding?
And if they can't answer that,there's another flag that says
don't go there.
Yep, agreed.
Well, aaron, thank you for uhgoing down this rabbit hole with
me tonight.
I appreciate it always yeahhopefully it, my rambling, made
(27:45):
some sense.
It made sense to me.
You know make and you know youguys going to the prep school
route or basketball Academyroute make sure that you know
people have their funding andyou don't get there and then
four weeks later I have to gohome because they don't have
funding, yeah, so thanks forjoining me on this, yeah.
Speaker 2 (28:06):
Always, always good to be on.
Speaker 1 (28:08):
And I appreciate you joining and I appreciate your
efforts and help and finding usa sponsor for to carry on my
ramblings.
Speaker 2 (28:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (28:18):
Hopefully Jason's not too mad about my rambling
tonight.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
I'm sure Jason will be fine.
Speaker 1 (28:24):
And then, like you know, it'll be exciting to hear
where your seven of your ninehave got offers.
Speaker 2 (28:31):
Yep, seven of the nine right now, that'll be fun
to see where they end up.
Yeah, we plan to have a bigsigning date party in the spring
.
Obviously, we know where one'sgoing, but the rest of theirs
are you know?
They're looking through options.
Speaker 1 (28:50):
Aaron, thank you for joining us tonight here on the
Colorado High School BasketballPodcast presented by 7070
Athletics.
Elevate your game at 7070Athletics.
So good luck this season.
Speaker 2 (29:03):
Yep, appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (29:04):
All right, everyone.
That's Aaron Thomas, head coachat for joining us on my rant
and talking to us much earlierin the show about his 70, 70
team and his high school team atLiberty high school there in
Colorado Springs.
It's going to be one of thebetter teams this year in six a
should be a lot of fun to keepup with them.
(29:26):
They've got London Prater D1commit to Toledo.
Cam Wake, cunningham top playerin 27 class.
Evan Trinidad, another topplayer, has hops can shoot it.
They will be a talented team todeal with throughout the high
school season and I'm sure we'llget to talk to.
You know we might bring Aaronback right before state see how
(29:47):
he's feeling, see if he stilllooks this fresh and relaxed
this time.
Speaker 2 (29:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (29:55):
That'll be entertaining All right.
Thanks for joining us everyone.
Talk to you next time here atthe Colorado High School
Basketball Podcast presented by7070 Athletics.
Are you ready to elevate yourgame?
7070 Athletics, a clubbasketball program located in
Monument, colorado, specializesin basketball training that
builds skills, confidence andcourt IQ.
(30:17):
Whether you're a beginner or anaspiring pro, our expert
coaches are here to help youdominate.
We start with strongfundamentals, learn new skills,
apply in weekly games.
It makes for a fun andcompetitive environment.
From ball handling to shootingdrills, strength training to
agility, 7070 Athletics has thetools you need to elevate your
(30:38):
play and, with a team of elitecoaches who know the game inside
and out, you're in the besthands.
Join the 70-70 Athletics teamtoday and start training smarter
, not harder.
Visit 7070athleticscom to learnmore and take your first step
toward greatness.
Elevate your game at 70-70Athletics.
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