ABOUT NEXT LEVEL BASKETBALL |
About Coach Jim Can you imagine your favorite athlete teaching you how to play your favorite game? How to shoot, dribble, pass, etc...? Just imagine if Michael Jordan, Shaq, Larry Bird, or whoever is your favorite player took the time to work with you on your game! I had that opportunity happen to me! From the time I was 11-16 years old, I was the LUCKIEST KID IN THE WORLD! Here's my story, and why I do what I do now! In the early 70's, I was a youngster like most any other kid, except I had a real passion for the game of basketball. "Pistol" Pete Maravich had just completed his career at LSU, and was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks. Pete was my idol, and I tried to do everything the way he did. I read every book, article, etc... I could find to learn everything I could about Pete. I tried my best to practice and play the way Pete said. During that same time period, my dad joined us to Foxy's Health Club, where many area athletes came to work-out during the off-season. I had the opportunity to get to know many great players and coaches of that time. Many of them took the time to work with me and show me what it would take to succeed. People like Coach "Boots" Garland of LSU, Joe Dean, Jr., and especially Ronnie Maravich, (Pete's half-brother) really help me with my game. Ronnie Maravich introduced me to Pete when he would be in town, and they took the time with me to help me to develop a "Picture Perfect" Jump-Shot! Pete & Ronnie showed me the right technique and form for a jump-shot and I spent many hours practicing. I learned my Jump-Shot from the very best Jump-Shooter, EVER! Ronnie would take me to some of the games when Pete played for the New Orleans Jazz. Pete and I became friends, and even as he played pro ball and I was growing up, he always seemed to help me when I needed it the most. I feel very fortunate and blessed to have learned from some of the very best, and I am trying to give back to the game that has always been so good to me. Coach Jim McCartt |
Coach Jim's Semi-Pro/Pro-Am Statistics: Career Averages Points - 21.3 Assist- 8.5 Steals - 3.4 Rebounds - 5.2 Free Throws - 88% Single Game/Career Highs -(various games) 48 points 23 assists 7 steals 14 Rebounds Triple-Doubles: 6 |
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Here I am in about 1986. Yes, I'm about to dunk! I had a 42" vertical, back in the day! To dunk, was always one of my goals. Go ahead and laugh at the shorts, socks and hair! |
HOME CONTACT US ABOUT US NEXT LEVEL VS. OTHER CAMPS APPLY/ENROLL TRAINING PROGRAMS PICTURES OTHER SERVICES FAVORITE QUOTES ALL-STARS |
My Basketball Profile After High School & AAU basketball, in 1979, my opportunity to play college basketball for the Louisiana College Wildcats in Pineville, La. was cut short for medical reasons, due to a rare tumor (Chordoma) at the top of my spine. I had major surgery, and 6 months later, after being released, I started a rigorous training regiment with "Boots" Garland (former LSU Trainer) and others in the basketball community, to play Semi-Pro/Pro-Am basketball which I did for 5 seasons.(Former CBA & Pro-Am Division IA corporate sponsored teams) My playing, coaching and training experience is from: * Semi-Pro/Pro-Am Basketball player - 5 seasons (1980-85) * Corporate sponsored tournament team - 3 years * 2 Basketball Combines as player & coach New Orleans & Mobile Revelers (NBDL) * AAU Coach 1988 - 1999 - Numerous teams High School & Middle School boys & girls * 7Point Guard Camps - as a player, assistant coach & as a director of 4 * "Swingman" Clinics - director * "D IT UP!" - All Defense Clinics * 3 "Big Man" Camps - as an assistant (HS level) * Coaches Clinics - Instituting new offenses, defenses, basketball systems, etc... (see Other Services ) * Exibitions - for shooting & ball-handling and introductions to our programs at half-times of games and tournements * Motivational Speaker - at schools, for AAU teams, and coaches meetings * 22nd year as director and trainer of Next Level Basketball In spring and summer of 1987, I began working with several college players and varsity high school players who wanted to improve their speed, ball-handling and shooting. I began to train younger players in the late 90's, as the interest grew, and we've tailored our program into three levels of training to fit any players' needs! I perform various clinics for schools, coaches and teams as part of our Other Services programs. Recently, I have been doing some private work, (upper level) training with H/S varsity players and college prospects along with concetrating on our training programs through-out the off-season! |