They say all good things must come to an end and that is very true here. Tru School Sports will be leaving blogger and switching to Wordpress so that means our time on blogger is done. Its been a great ride here on Blogger as I visited this page seemingly every day since June 2012 but its time to move on and take things to the next level.
We have had a lot of fun but soon this will all just be a memory as the URL for this site will once again soon read "truschoolsports.blogspot.com". So I hope you continue follow the site as we head into a new era, with a new logo and a new look. This is not the end but rather the beginning of greater things ahead for the TSS family........
I was lucky enough to exchange a couple questions-and-answers with the #2 pick in the 1992 NFL Draft, Rick Mirer. Here's how the interview went.
Alex Strouf: You were drafted second overall 20 years ago ('93). What was the coolest thing about the draft experience?
Rick Mirer: I decided not to go to NY for the draft so I could spend the time with my family. I'm really glad I did it that way. What a day.
AS: You played for several teams over the course of your career. What was that experience like? Is there a favorite?
RM: It was a little more moving around than I planned on, but all the stops have a story. I loved the first couple of years in Seattle with Tom Flores. What a gentleman. Green Bay was unique, San Francisco and Oakland were much easier on my growing family. I met great people all along the way.
AS: Are you happy with the way your career ended, or did you wish to stick with one team throughout your career?
RM: I'm satisfied in the fact that I stopped on my own terms. I played 12 years and woke up one day and said, that's it. It was time to stop moving and I have never regretted the decision.
AS: What's the post-NFL life like?
RM: Post football life is interesting. Quickly everything became about family which I love. Then it became time to find something to do. I have done many different things to help grow my Mirer Family Foundation, coached several years of youth football, and I started Mirror Napa Valley in 2008. Never a dull moment. AS: I recently saw that you coach Pop Warner football. Is there any chance you get back to your old stomping grounds of Notre Dame?
RM: Actually, coaching at Notre Dame has crossed my mind. The idea of going back intrigues me in certain ways. I miss being challenged weekly with game plans and opponents. I think I could help Brian Kelly in a variety of ways. Who knows?
Who knows is right! That was an awesome interview experience, and I would personally love to see Rick go over to Notre Dame and join the coaching staff. Special thanks to Rick Mirer for making this happen. You can donate to the Mirer Family Foundation HERE and check out Mirror Wine Company HERE.
It's rare in life let alone sports that you meet someone who is both talented and equally as humble. In making that statement i am talking about Pat The Roc. Pat is a street ball legend from Maryland who made his name on the AND 1 Mixtape tour playing ball across the world. These days when he isn't touring the globe with his friends from ball up streetball he is training anyone from young aspiring hoopers to your favorite NBA Players. He also happens to be probably the coolest athlete i have ever interacted with and usually responds to fans tweets and just a good representation of the game of basketball.
Recently i got a chance to Catch up with global basketball ambassador former AND 1 basketball star and g chopped it up with him about himself and many other things basketball related check it out.Enjoy!
1.For those who don't who is Pat The Roc?
>Pat the Roc known as world greatest ball handler. An inspiration to many people across the world.
2.can you tell people a little bit about your story and how Pat The Roc came to be?
> I was always the player who faced so many more obstacles than the average player. My perseverance has allowed me to inspire many to be all they can be!
3.growing up who were some of your favorite Basketball Players?
>Muggsy Bogues and Spud Webb. They were always the smallest on the court, so I could relate to them.
4.Where in the World do you enjoy balling the most?
> China. Fans are so intense there. They appreciate your talent and are die hard. I have a lot of love for the Chinese fans.
5.Explain to me and the rest of the world why it is you outwork everyone,what do you play for?
>I want my play on the court to be so inspirational that it causes people to believe they can achieve whatever they want in life.
6.who is the most difficult player you have ever defended and why?
> My teammate bone collector. We play one on one everyday after practice. He gets faster everyday!
7.What Shoes do you rock when you hit the court?
> Anything with my name on it! Always wanted my own shoe as a kid, and now my dream has come true.
8.Before you go out and play what music is Pat The Roc listening to before tip off?
>Something mellow and inspirational.
My best friend Lg makes beats so I listen to his instrumentals for inspiration.
9.How did you get to the point where you became the best ball handler in the world?
> Taking my basketball everywhere. Had it in Paris at Eiffel tower as well as in China at Great Wall.
10.Is there anybody you credit with helping you develop your elite ball handling?
> I learned tons at Univ of Cincinnati from a guy by the name of Shep. He taught me the definition of training!
11. Whats next for you?
>A lot in store. Just devoting more time to helping other Bball players maximize their skills. Passing on my knowledge.
12. Whats is the best advice you can give to young aspiring basketball players?
