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VABA Bruins thriving with team concept

By Alex Lehmbeck 04/03/2018, 1:45pm EDT

 

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VABA Bruins thriving with team concept

  • BY ALEX LEHMBECK
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Bruins

The VABA Bruins recently won the Virginia AAU 15U Boys Super Regional Championship. The team is (back row, left to right, Isaiah Washington, Maurice D'Alessandro, Jack Breeden, Garrett Payne, Tommy Mangrum, Garrett Livermon, Jake Bowling, (front row, left to right) Jalen Chambers, Tamarius Washington, Carter Shifflett, Charlie Weyher and Ben D'Alessandro (head coach).

Contributed photo

A few weeks ago, the 9th grade VABA Bruins basketball team had high expectations as they traveled to Hampton for a super regional tournament.

They delivered, returning to Charlottesville with the Virginia AAU 15U Boys Super Regional championship. The Bruins’ 5-0 record in the super regional guarantees them a strong seed in the upcoming Division II state tournament, which will be held June 2-4 in Richmond.

The Bruins’ first game of the spring resulted in a loss to Team Loaded. They responded by winning 18 consecutive games. The team’s only loss since then came against a 10th grade squad, amounting to a 19-2 record.

With an up-tempo offense and a hounding full-court press, the Bruins can wear teams out and impose their will through constant aggressive play. In their half-court offense, the Bruins focus on pure fundamental, team basketball.

“We don’t play one-on-one ball like all of the other AAU teams,” wing Garrett Livermon said. “We run plays to get good, open shots and we always look for the open man.”

The Bruins did not become a dominant team overnight, however. Instead, they have had a long process of progression. More than half of the players on the roster have been with the team for 3-5 years.

Because of this experience, the Bruins have developed an understanding of head coach Ben D’Alessandro’s philosophy, which is greatly inspired by two college basketball legends, former UCLA coach John Wooden and former Indiana coach Bob Knight.

“We’ve gone through John Wooden’s pyramid of success,” said D’Alessandro, who also is the director and founder of VABA. “We start with things like enthusiasm and industriousness; what it means to work and have joy in what you do.”

Wooden’s definition of success is “the peace of mind which comes from doing your best.” The Bruins have taken that to heart.

“We really want the kids to believe in that,” D’Alessandro said. “When they step out onto the court for practice, the expectation is that they are going to do their very best.”

Players feel the system has helped them improve and grow.

“I can honestly say I wouldn’t be half the player I am today if it wasn’t for [D’Alessandro]. He helped me become unselfish and learn that team comes first,” combo guard Riley Pritchard said. “Coach brings enthusiasm to every single practice and that is a huge reason why our team is so successful.”

“Strength in Character” is the team’s mantra. The phrase is written on their pregame warm up shirts, setting a mentality they have emphasized on and off the court.

“Some people say there’s strength in numbers, but we believe a foundation is who we are as young men,” D’Alessandro said. “Do we come with an eagerness, not a willingness, to put the team first? To work? To follow instructions?

Players have received the message.

“Everyone is unselfish, and they’d rather put the team’s gain before their own gain,” said guard Maurice D’Alessandro, the only 7th grader on the team. “Everyone is competitive, industrious, and works for each other.”

Another valuable motto for the Bruins is “One Body," Coach D’Alessandro emphasizes that no one player is more important than another on the team. They all bring something to the table.

“This is not a group of the 12 best players in the area,” D’Alessandro said.” This is a group of the 12 best guys that fit together as a team. Each one has their own role. They understand their role. They believe in their role.”

That shared understanding and belief has helped the players form a tight bond.

“This team is special because of the unity and connection between each player,” combo guard Charlie Weyher said. “The trust between the players creates an environment where we can develop and take risks. We are all brothers on and off the court. The success we have is due to our brotherhood and talent we bring to every game.”

The Bruins hope their work, talent and team chemistry will lead to more impressive results in the state tournament. The top four teams of the competition will earn the right to play in the national tournament in Memphis, Tennessee.

“We have game mindsets to win and play hard,” wing Isaiah Washington said. “We are not the best yet, but we will be if we keep working hard.”

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VABA Coach, Brandon Isaiah: Community Leader

By Webmaster 08/31/2013, 2:45pm EDT

Brandon Isaiah has been a member of VABA's coaching staff for three years.  His talents and experience have been an integral part in carrying out VABA's mission of "building character and shaping lives."  As head coach for the Black Knights for the past three years and also the head coach for the Bruins Travel AAU Elite team, Coach Isaiah, has dedicated hundreds of hours. Check out this artle in a March issue of "C-VILLE" Magazine.

Click here to read the article on Coach Isaiah.

Thank you, Coach, for your time and dedication!

Charlottesville Inside-Out

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Learn more about the origin and foundation of VABA's Mission.

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