Reviews
Point Guard College
Held in the following cities and states, Summer of 2007: Brockport, NY, Denton, TX, Pomona, CA, Greeley, CO, Minneapolis, MN, Anderson, IN, Bloomington, IL, Greenwood, SC, Harrisburg, VA, Houston, TX, Warrensburg, MO, Smithfield, RI, University Center, MI.
This is a camp for the dedicated player that has a passion for basketball and an extreme desire to learn the intricacies of the game. This camp is not just for point guards; any player that wants to get better can benefit. If you're looking for a camp to fill up summer vacation and have fun -- you might want to look elsewhere -- this camp is intense and focused [Ages: High School freshmen through College players].
The original founder of point guard college is Dick DeVenzio, who ran the program until his unexpected death in the summer of 2001. He was an Academic All-American and star at Duke University. He played and coached professionally in Europe and South America. He authored a total of five books including Stuff! Good Players Should Know and Think Like A Champion.
“The current directors, Dena Evans and Mano Watsa, were mentored by and were friends of Dick and are fully committed to carrying out his dedication to excellence and to championship principles for all future PGC participants," according to the Point Guard Website.
My son attended the camp in Denton, Texas at the Texas Women’s University. Point Guard College now has three different camps (1) Essentials 01, (2) Think The Game 01 and (3) Advanced Concepts 01.
The different camps are set up like college courses, with the next course in line built on the learning and foundations of the previous courses. The perception I had of my son’s ability was that his talent should allow him to by-pass the Essentials 01 course. After a couple phone calls to the camp pleading my case that he should move up, they made it quite clear that every incoming high school freshman had to take the Essentials 01 course – no exceptions. I was a little disappointed, but also impressed, and even more confident in the Point Guard College commitment. Obviously, the organizers believe in the philosophy they teach and the progression of the lessons taught.
The boys that attend Point Guard College are dedicated players and generally good students. Players are on the court or in the classroom for twelve hours a day and are so tired at the end of each day that when they get to their room all they want to do is sleep. Counselors are located in each section to check on lights out and the conduct of the participants. This relieved some of my worry about whether my son would get paired up with a "good" roommate.
Because enrollment is limited, there were not the masses at the check-in tables when we arrived. I accompanied my son to his room, got him settled in and then we reported back down to the lobby area. The waiting area had a surreal feeling, as participants nervously anticipated what was to come. This is where you say your final "goodbyes" until camp ends. Parents cannot visit their kids during the camp and phone calls are not allowed.
After the check-in period is complete, the players are taken into an orientation room where the rules and the agenda are covered. In this way, the athletes and their apprehensive parents are separated -- athletes this way, parents that way. The parents are taken to another room to give them a briefing on Point Guard College philosophy, background on the directors and how the week will flow for their kids. A set amount of time was provided for the parent orientation and after a few questions were answered -- time was up -- parents were gone. Efficient and on time, no need to say more.
There are small fridges in each room and, based on my son’s experience, I would suggest bringing sport drinks and a few snacks to supplement the meals served.
Because I tend to be a "hovering" parent, our son brought along contraband… a cell phone. He would text us or give us a call each night, but the most we would get out of him was that it was a good camp and he was tired and wanted to go to sleep.
Next year, the cell phone will be for emergencies only and we'll let our son fend for himself during the week without support from his parental units.
I would definitely recommend this camp to any player striving to reach his potential. Website address: www.pointguardcollege.com .